10/04/2008
Interesting and good fun. Many thanks!
Martin Thorne
Saturday, April 19, 2008
25/02/2008
We all thorougly enjoyed ourselves. Thank you Phil and Jane for making us welcome. Look out radio One, here we come!
Kate Lloyd, Sam Evans and Hannah Kaye
14/01/08
Thoroughly enjoyed myself! Really good fun, learnt a lot about my voice - thank you for a fantastic time
Ruth Lowe
20/12/07
We both had a wonderful day and enjoyed the friendly experience. The CD is superb quality.
Kerry Sly
7/12/07
It was a very enjoyable experience, the final product is fantastic and has made the most of my voice. We will return for another session. Thanks again.
John and Kath Lines
More reviews from the Beehouse
26/11/07
Thanks you for making a CD for me and helping me through the day. I had an amazing time and enjoyed working with you. A great experience.
All the very best, hope to see you soon
love Reagan
xxx
Reagan Gee-Wing
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Recording Studio Reviews
What did you think of our recording studio? Here are some comments of artists and customers who have recorded at the studio, fresh from our visitors' book.
Recording Studio ReviewsNovember 15th , 2007Thanks for a fantastic day, we were made very welcome, helping to relax and enjoy our day immensely. Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant!
(Kevin and Jayne O'Flinn )
Recording Studio ExperienceNovember 10th , 2007I had a very enjoyable experience today! I have learnt a great deal about my voice and I am very touched to be one of your "one in a hundred" voices! I am looking forward to my family being able to hear the CD, especially seeing my grandmother smile. Thanks again .
(Louise Bagshaw )
Recording Studio ReviewsNovember 9th , 2007A smashing day, really enjoyed it, thanks for your hospitality, end results better than expected!
(Robert Norfolk )
Recording Studio ExperienceNovember 2nd , 2007Like the other folks on this page, I've also had an excellent day. It's exciting to "go through the process" and I'm delighted with the end results. Many thanks for your hospitality too!.
(Gregg Rogers)
Recording Studio Reviews October 25th , 2007Great, thanks for everything!
(Lawrence Moulin ) Recording Studio ExperienceOctober 22nd , 2007What a wonderful day. I still cannot sing, but I have a great recording of how well I can't sing. Lovely people who made me feel very welcome. -Do it whenever you can!
(Peter Humble )
Recording Studio Reviews October 12th , 2007Fantastic experience - you soon calmed my nerves - I really enjoyed myself and look forward to playing the CD to the family. Thank you - highly recommended. (Alanis Morrisette rules!)
(Karen Nicholls )
Music ExperienceOctober 11th , 2007Being talentless was not the best of starts....but that's enough about Phil. Had a great two days....want more. We shall return. Captured exactly as imagined. Thanks Phil, fantastic time, great engineering!! We shall return....
(Graham Holland and Stuart)
Recording Studio Reviews September 28th, 2007I had a good time recording three tracks -two by The Who, and the other by Elton John .
(Paul Conroy )
Piano ExperienceSeptember 3rd , 2007I had a great day and I'm really glad to have been able to get some of my piano pieces onto CD! Would happily do it again Thank you!
(Hettie Thorneycroft)
Recording Studio Reviews August 30th , 2007Wow, that was well good! Thank you Phil and Jane for helping me make my disk, I really enjoyed it - very glad that I got to come. I've had a lovely time and Phil, thank you for being honest with me! I enjoyed working with you both, all the best for the future and hope to see you again soon!.
(Aimee-Louise xx )
Recording Studio ExperienceAugust 29th , 2007A great day in the studio with superb professional advice and production. Thank you very much .
(Andrew Pink, Nicole Axon and Tony Molyneux) Recording Studio Reviews August 23rd , 2007I really enjoyed today and I loved singing. Today was spectacular! I also enjoyed talking to everyone. i wish I could come again, and hopefully I will..
(Jade Nelson ) Recording Studio ExperienceAugust 16th , 2007Thank you so much. 18 years have gone by and you have brought one of my songs to fruition. Thank you for your patience.
(Tanya Allen ) Recording Studio Reviews August 9th , 2007Thank you so much for a wonderful experience. Nervous at first but it didn't take long to feel comfortable .Thanks to you, I will be taking home a treasure. All the best for the time and patience.
(Alasdair Moore )
Recording Studio ExperienceAugust 3rd , 2007We had a great experience! Scared at first but soon made me feel at home. Great experience, good memories, thanks.
(Vitas Vazgauskas ) Recording Studio Reviews July 27th , 2007Great fun! Thanks for helping us to create something we can treasure forever. We really appreciate your tact, patience and expertise. Hope we haven't wrecked your equipment - or your eardrums!
(Jenny and Andy Price )
Recording Studio Reviews July 12th , 2007I had a fab day! Enjoyed myself immensely, would definitely come again, thank you so much.
(Hannah Giles )
Recording Studio Reviews June 30th , 2007We had an amazing day - the culmination of a lot of rehearsing over months - we now feel confident we can tackle Glastonbury next year! Many thanks!
("The Four" ) Recording Studio Reviews June 20th , 2007Thank you for a lovely day, such a nice relaxed atmosphere, really calmed my nerves. Looking forward to the record contract! .
(Lorna-Faye Lambert )
Recording Studio Reviews May 21st , 2007Really enjoyed the experience! Can't believe how good I sounded (well, in my opinion??)! Brilliant equipment and technology. Thanks Phil and Jane for giving me a wonderful reminder to listen to for years! Would like to do it again one day....cheers! .
(Alan Leech)
Recording Studio Reviews May 19th , 2007Loved it! My kids bought me this treat for my 60th. Felt like a re-cycled teenager!!! Well planned s0o made me feel relaxed. Phil was very gentle with me , offering advice and encouragement. Thanks again.
(Preston Baynham-Hughes )
Recording Studio Reviews May 4th , 2007Brilliant fun! Thanks for being so friendly and helpful. I have had a fantabulous time!
(Arianne Timmis ) Recording Studio Reviews April 16th , 2007Thank you very much, I have really enjoyed myself today, and I'm pleased that I have recorded the CD with 9 tracks on.
See you soon! .
(Katie Brisbourne )
Recording Studio Reviews April 7th , 2007Thank you so much for such a great day. Wonderful relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. Great piano! Thanks again and hopefully see you soon.
(James Downham )
Recording Studio Reviews April 4th , 2007Thanks for a wonderful day, and for making my friend Humayra's birthday all the more special. Remember us...we will remember you. Thanx again.
(Ella-Louise xx )
April 4th , 2007Thanks so much for a great day. We all had a fab time, especially our best friend Humayra. Remember us - the "Bootylicious Brunettes"
(Layla )
April 4th , 2007Thanx for a very special day - made our best m8z 16th very special. Thanx(Muah, Nuf, Zeba )
April 4th , 2007Thank you sooooo much for today, you're fab! Hope to come again soon! Thanx! (Janki )
April 4th , 2007Thank you so much for today! I had so much fun!(Sidrax)
April 4th , 2007This day was the greatest ever - you guys gave me the best birthday ever and I got to spend it with my most special friends! Thanks so much.(Humayra )
April 4th , 2007We had a really great day and had LOADS of fun. We hope we have another opportunity like this! Thank You!(Dua and Iqraa ) Recording Studio Reviews March 19th , 2007A great day, really enjoyed the experience. Will do it again definitely.(Martyn and Kate ) Recording Studio ExperienceMarch 14th , 2007Phil, thanks very much. We have had a great day and a record of our visit (David and Shelley ) Recording Studio Reviews March 12th , 2007Had a really good day, thanks you so much, you've made me feel comfortable and welcome! Will definitely be recommending you! (Jim and Laura) Recording Studio ExperienceFebruary 19th , 2007We had a really good day. Thanks. Beautiful spot to make music - the music was beautiful too!(Bruce, Jessica and Laura Roberts) Recording Studio Reviews February 16th , 2007Had a great time. Felt very comfortable. Thank you very much. Was brilliant. (Kara Guaracci ) Recording Studio ExperienceFebruary 15th , 2007Fantastic day, really enjoyed using all the equipment and learning about mic positioning. really pleased with the overall mastered sound of the tracks. Thanks a lot!! Had a lovely time, the quality of the music is brill! Thanks a million! Maybe see you soon? (Jim Deeny, Lucy Hayes)
Recording Studio Reviews January 4th , 2007Great fun, everyone had a really good day with confidence built. Both of you were so patient with beginners, and we fell that it was great that you got the best out of all of us...even the one who didn't really want to sing! Thanks! (Steve, Daniele, Dominique and Izzi ) Recording Studio ExperienceDecember 18th , 2006Really lovely people made us feel welcome. great relaxed atmosphere. Thanks for a great day! (Caroline Wilson ) Recording Studio Reviews November 30th , 2006I have had a brilliant day. thank you so much for helping me fulfil one of my ambitions. I was nervous to start with, but the relaxed atmosphere helped me to sing my heart out! Thanks again.(Victoria Foulger) Recording Studio ExperienceOctober 27th , 2006Had a brilliant day, thank you! The finished CD sounds fab! Will definitely recommend you. Thanks again! (Mandy Gudgeon)Recording Studio Reviews October 16th , 2006Such a fantastic day out! I had loads of fun and was amazed by the finished product. Can't believe it's me!!! A wonderful gift, Jane and Phil made me feel most welcome and the scenery is beautiful. Thank you once again.(Natalie Hutchins)Recording Studio ExperienceSeptember 29th , 2006It's been brilliant. Thank you so much.(Sophie Wooldridge, Worcestershire) Recording Studio ExperienceSeptember 22nd , 2006Learnt loads, great fun.(Tony Marks, Stoke-on-Trent) Music Experience September 22nd , 2006Great day, thanks. Friendly and professional. Does what it says on the tin. Thanx.(P Stazaker, Bearwithers,and Joe Cartwright, Stoke-on-Trent)
Recording Studio ExperienceSeptember 5th , 2006Thank you so much for fulfilling one of my lifelong dreams, I have had a great day, and learned so much....(Katherine Hewat-Jaboor, Essex)) Recording Studio ExperienceJuly 8th , 2006A thoroughly enjoyable experience - a good way to get away from all the stresses and strains of moving house - total escapism. A really quality production and no small miracle involved in making me sound half decent - thanks very much!.(Clare Stevenson, Lichfield) Recording Studio ExperienceJune 19th , 2006Thank you so much for a fantastic day, I'm so impressed with the finished product, and will definitely come back if you'll have me!! Thank you again, Hayley.(Hayley Daviss, Swindon) Recording Studio ExperienceJune 9th , 2006What a fascinating day! Many thanks- you really made me feel relaxed and made me sound good! Recommend to anyone!(Kate Redfern, Eckington) Music ExperienceApril 24th , 2006Awesome day! Many thanks for all your help getting it right. Will be back very soon!!.(Simon Beckingham, Tadley) Songwriter ExperienceMarch 18th , 2006A fascinating, relaxing day recording an original song. Very professional and helpful throughout. Thanks to Phil and Jane.(Nick Mason, Staffordshire)
March 7th , 2006A brilliant day out of the decks recording a CD. I was shown how to cut and paste the tunes by a professional. Well recommended. (DJ Darren de Rozario, Flintshire)
Recording Studio ExperienceFebruary 8th , 2006Thoroughly enjoyable day. I was nervous at first as I wanted to have a really good quality CD and I didn't want to make any mistakes...but as soon as I stepped into the house I felt really comfortable and at ease, which resulted in me taking my time and using my time efficiently. I was also really impressed by having one of my tracks converted into a full song rather than acoustics like my other two. The tracks sound professional...so overall I'm very happy with the end product and would definitely come back. (Andy Olsen, guitarist, Stourbridge, West Midlands) Recording Studio ExperienceDecember 9th , 2005Achieved a long-awaited ambition today! Pity I had to wait until I was forty!! thank you for your time and patience, and making it such and enjoyable day (Janet Lambe, Dublin) Recording Studio ExperienceDecember 1st , 2005Well, what can I say? I've never felt so good whilst singing! A remarkable day, such a relaxed atmosphere and well looked after. A lovely memory to cherish forever. Many thanks. (Gail Simpson, Crewe) Recording Studio ExperienceAugust 26th , 2005Thank you for a great day! Didn't realise how much work goes into all this. Hopefully will be back again!!(Beth Davies, Wrexham) Recording Studio ExperienceOctober 28th , 2005Haven't had such a good time for ages. What a great experience! Thanks for giving us something to take away on the day, and for making us feel so welcome. (Nicky and Hayley Williams, Formby) Recording Studio ExperienceSeptember 10th , 2005Thank you so much for today - it was amazing! Not just having my own CD made, but the whole experience - I was enthralled!
(Kate Davies, Four Crosses) Recording Studio ExperienceAugust 26th , 2005Thank you for a great day! Didn't realise how much work goes into all this. Hopefully will be back again!!(Beth Davies, Wrexham) Recording Studio ExperienceAugust 6th , 2005An amazing day. Thank you so much for showing me my talent. Very professional, can't wait to come again. Hopefully a new step to changing my career. Thank you.
(Nicola Vale, Cambridge)
Recording Studio ExperienceJune 7th 2005I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful studio experience yesterday for Keshia. We all had an absolutely fantastic time. For me it was wonderful to see both Keshia's excitement and also how proud Mike was of her. I think it has done wonders for her self-confidence....(Helen Lucas)
Hen Party ExperienceMay 5th , 2005Had a fab time thank you. Bit nervous but we felt like pop stars.
(Hannah's Hens, Gloucestershire)
Recording Studio ExperienceNovember 20th, 2004A wonderful day. thank you. Being perfectionists and so professional at what you do has meant we've come away with a really special CD. Your friendly approach made us feel really welcome. Thank you.
(Jackie and Neil Sprason, Halesowen, Birmingham)
Recording Studio ExperienceNovember 13th , 2004A beautiful setting in which to fulfil a lifelong dream! Thanks to the Beehouse for such an uplifting experience in gorgeous surroundings.
(Julie Davidson)
October 30th , 2004Very, very fun! It was good to sing your heart out!And it was a fun Birthday Party!!! I would do it again! THANK YOU!
(Bethan and Carys Williams, Stoke-on-Trent)
October 27th , 2004Thank you for the time you spent with me. I had a fantastic time, never knew I could sound so good!!
(Beryl Jones, Manchester)
October 22nd , 2004Thanks very much, it was the fulfilment of a dream!
(Bethan Atkinson, Ruthin)
October 14th , 2004
Fascinating day! Great!
(Tony Cima, Gloucester)
October 1st , 2005A very enjoyable day. I had a great time and am very pleased with the results.
P. S. Good coffee!
(Matt Sansome, Stoke-on-Trent) February 18th, 2005
Wow!..........................
Firstly, let me say how much we enjoyed the day with you.....................................
The tracks are all very good but I was particularly 'blown away' by Evergreen. Obviously I'm going to be biased as Julie is my wife but I honestly prefer her interpretation of it to Streisands (it's certainly on a par). The 'harmonies' give it that something extra that the original didn't have. Quite 'haunting' I think............................... but the thing is, what the hell do we do with a track as good as that now? Sit on it at home?
I'm certainly going to put it on our web site.....do you mind if I put a link to your site on ours? Once again, many thanks and we hope to see you again sometime in the near future.
Best wishes
Karl and Julie, Oswestry, Shropshire
February 2004Thank you Beehouse!
My mum booked me into the studio for a birthday and Christmas present, after hearing on her voicemail, a rather sheepish and desperate version of a song I had just thought up. You see, I can't write music and had no means ofrecording my thoughts. I'd no intention of doing anything with my song, I didn't have the confidence, but I'm so glad now that my mum did.
"Well", I thought to myself, "It'll be a nice break away and a bit of a change if nothing else".
I must admit when I arrived, I was still slightly cynical........... but I soon realised I was dealing with professionals. They don't need to put on any false pretences because they really do know what they're doing. The relaxed atmosphere immediately put me at ease and enabled me to get the best out of my visit.
I had a wonderful time, to see my song evolve from an idea in my head to the real thing, was a dream come true. I left feeling confident and inspired. So again, thank you Chris, Phil and Jane, you're fab!
(Ellen, Stroud, Gloucestershire) November 1st 2003
After recording at the Beehouse we were amazed at just how well they do their job. With an extremely friendly atmosphere and a stress-free environment we managed to achieve all we planned in the time we had. Knowing exactly what we wanted before entering the studio, we were a little worried that things wouldn't go that smooth. I was wrong. The staff handled the material and recording like they had read our minds. Thanks for the experience and any one who is in the same business as us, try these guys. You will not be disappointed. Arcane Church, Shropshire
Read the reviews-
Live4Metal : "I was shocked at how good this actually is" "a cracking good demo" "magnificently demonic"
Black Metal :"a wreck less urge of adrenalin" "this hot new UK band "
October 22nd 2003
"I started looking for a recording studio to record a CD back in May 2003, and I was initially going to go with a studio in Oswestry. However, due to unforeseeable problems, they were unable to offer me a date for recording until Dec 2003. I then chanced upon Beehouse Studios while browsing the internet. After speaking to Jane via email for a couple of weeks discussing my ideas and what I wanted to get out of the experience, I felt happy enough to go ahead and book a 3 day weekend package to record cover versions, and, if there was time, an original track.
Before I paid my deposit, I went up for a visit. The views are breathtaking. It made me feel more at home, as I live in the middle of nowhere as well. I had a chat with Chris, the production engineer, and he played me some tracks that other people had recorded. I was impressed with the quality of both the backing tracks and the vocals. I paid my deposit and booked for two weeks' time.
The overall experience was very enlightening. It's amazing to see just how much hard work goes into recording songs, and it makes you appreciate the songs in the charts more. No matter how appalling you think they are, a lot of time and effort goes in to make the finished product. I am very happy with the finished product, and hope to go back in the near future to finish my own song and record it. I would recommend Beehouse Studios to anyone, whether they are a professional artist or just someone who wants to record a song for an experience. They are wonderful people and they do a great job."
(Lydia Gray, Montgomery, Wales)
June 2nd 2003
"This being my first time actually recording my songs, I have to say that at first I was very curious and a bit confused as to how this would all work, but the people there were very nice and helped me gain a better understanding of the music world. My song has been played on the radio and my songs can be heard on the net, so I'm pretty much on my way. When I make it big I'll be sure to remember Beehouse Studios helped me.Thanx "
(Rebecca Londei, 16, United Arab Emirates) Rebecca, or Naree, has now completed her second recording session and has two albums under her belt. The third should arrive anytime now.. http://www.nareemusic.com/
April 12th 2003
"Having worked in a number of studios over the years the end product never seemed to achieve the quality of the songs I listened to on the radio. I put this down to the fact that I could not afford enough studio time to achieve this level of production. I felt that I would never be able to produce my songs unless I acquired a senior label recording contract. How wrong I was! I'm currently recording an EP with Beehouse Studios within my budget and at the level of production I've always dreamed of. These people really care about my music and at last the feeling of rejection & frustration has disappeared.At last I feel I have a chance."(Andrew Harris, Llangammarch Wells, Powys)
April 9th 2003
Our Time at Beehouse Studios
"In August 2002 our band 'Neverfade' booked into Beehouse Studios to record a three-track demo. On arrival we were immediately made to feel at home - cups of tea all round. To begin with, Phil (the Producer) made sure to clarify how we wanted the overall production to sound. This was achieved by discussing & exchanging ideas before any recording was started, which put us at ease instantly because we knew that both band and producer were working towards the same goal.
The recording process was a very enjoyable experience - laidback but productive, and we were never made to feel pressured by time restraints etc. We felt in control of the product, for example if weren't satisfied with a particular sound, Phil would experiment and alter the sound until the desired result was achieved. Phil put emphasis on the quality of the overall product and even did additional mixing in his own free time. The tracks were mixed, mastered & then duplicated according to how many CDs were required. The finished CD exceeded our expectations and we would recommend Beehouse Studios to anyone who is looking for a professional but friendly place to make a demo."
(Rob Brown & Si Howes, NEVERFADE, Oswestry, Shropshire)
February 19th 2003
"When my husband told me that, for my 30th Birthday, he'd arranged for me to spend 2 days in a recording studio, I was really excited, but apprehensive, not knowing what to expect. I got some ideas together, then suggested these to Jane and Philip, who were very encouraging. It was decided that I would get the most out of the experience if I actually composed something myself, so I finally plucked up the courage to do just that, although I was far from happy with my finished work. Within hours of arriving at the studio though, my composition was beginning to take shape, with the help of Philip and Chris. They were clearly very knowledgeable about all the technical aspects of recording and instinctively knew which direction to take my composition in, to create the best effects. It was really exciting, watching my song develop, layer on layer, as they experimented with different rhythms, voice accompaniments and harmonies, (all in discussion with me), making my song into something I could actually be proud of - despite my initial feelings about it.
I was initially hoping to get more than just one song done in the time, but now I know how much effort has been put into mastering the one piece, I'm glad that it's been done really thoroughly, rather than ending up with something second-rate. It's been a really memorable experience, a really unique present and I'm left with something truly professional. Thank you very much!" (Ilsa Moon, teacher, Swansea).
Monday, July 02, 2007
New Studio Equipment Reviews
Hello everyone
We are interested in receiving any technological rebviews of studio equipment which you are interested in submitting. You may submit an article on software, hardware, support packages, or any other aspect of studio equipment about which you have opinions!
If you want to let us know about your studio equipment and what you thought of it, please click on the "Comments" envelope, and go ahead.
Choosing a Recording Studio
Hi
Does anyone have any comments about choosing a recording studio ?
Does anyone have any comments about choosing a recording studio which may be helpful to our readers? Recording studios are critical to your end product, and therefore there's little point in booking until you know that the level of skill and technical expertise will be sufficient, or that you'll be comfortable with the personalities involved. What thoughts or experiences do you have on choosing recording studios?
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Recording Experience Issues - Telecommunications
How does British Telecom and the internet affect our recording experiences here at the Beehouse?
Telecommunicatons are critical to the recording industry. From the first conversations with prospective recording artists and taking payments to the media transfers necessary for proofing and completing complex production jobs, the internet has become crucial for our efficacity our financial security and our professionalism. Small wonder then that telephone down-time and internet problems preoccupy us, and the first hint of disruption is enough to sweep us completely off our feet!
BT offers a 4-hour response programe called "Total Care". If your business is internet critical it is something you may wish to consider. Your fault may not be fixed in 4 hours, but at least it has generally flagged up some attention to the urgency of your fault and we find it to be helpful, particularly in our rural location , where poor weather often appears to affect lines, and similar faults appear with irritating regularity.
Another useful piece of information is that the engineers who come out to visit your recording studio or other technology-dependant business are usually much more in touch with the main issues than the admin staff at BT HQ, and conflicting points of view and statements are not that unusual. Therefore when you are told you have a week to wait, this fault finish time is not written in stone, and you may find that a gloomy forecast has been pessimistically exaggerated. The general picture around here is usually far less bleak than the lady with the headset announces, providing you stick to the golden rule of calling each day to check on progress.
Telecommunications can make or break a recording experience - we're thankful that our issues have been few and far between with the advent of Broadband. Anyone think differently?
http://www.coolstars.co.uk
Friday, March 16, 2007
A Truly Creative Recording Experience
Most people have an idea of a recording experience as singing in a booth. This is an idea which has crept in over the last few years with more and more intent on a quick low-budget product you could concoct on your computer at home for less.
Singer experiences or singing experiences are indeed on our menu, although we include within our scope the fantastic five-hour experience in which you may choose to record traditional pop, self-penned material, classical and opera styles, musical hits or virtually any other genre. During this generous space of time you will be given vocal and microphone coaching relevant to the studio, you will be able to rehearse and polish your perfomance under expert guidance, you may be able to adjust the backing music made available to you for key pitch or even alter the production, depending on the type of music you are working with. You will, if desired, learn about backing vocals, and be able to record many layers of your own vocals. Your production specialist engineer will help you to decide which type of tracks suit your voice, and how your voice can be recorded to its best potential.
Most singers are amazed by the quality of the recording they receive after a Beehouse session, which is of professional standard both in the recording and in the mixing and mastering. More importantly, you will have the time to relax and get the best out of your vocals.
If you decide to record instrumentals, you may, again, record your own music, or you may opt to develop a pre-existing track, song or piece according to your own style. A recent recording was made by a young and talented French horn player of an Elton John track, where the artist recorded not only horn elements to the accompanying music, but also the vocal in what was a rich and impressive version of the original. More typically, some singers record with the guitar or the piano.
Whatever your musical edge, we at the studio have the experience to work with you to produce a CD which reflects the spectrum of your talents, and shows your ability to its full. We are also pleased to be able to provide DJ experiences and music productionc experiences for the would-be recording engineer. Please visit our website and get in touch with your project ideas.
The Beehouse Recording Studio .
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Young Farmers visit the Beehouse
The Beehouse was fortunate enough yesterday to receive a visit from the Young Farmers at Llanrhaeadr who had come on a visit to see the inside of a working studio. The party of thirty teenagers first heard about the wide variety of services offered by the studio, from recording experiences to forensic audio work, singer experiences to professional operatic recordings. They were able to view some studio equipment in action and listen to dance tracks and original music produced at the recording studio.
The Young Farmers compete in singing competitions, and considered the possibility of recording a CD at some point in the future, to raise funds.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Songwriting Experience
A songwriter experience is probably about the most joyful and entertaining way to spend a day at a studio, particularly one as laid back as the Beehouse. The reasons for this are many, but the best thing is that all those ideas that have been locked up in your brain for years, with the frustration of not knowing where to start, can be released and take a tangible shape in a very satisfying and relaxing way.
This is one recording studio experience where artists need to give us as much information in advance about their project style. We can book in a vocalist for the sessions if required, but it is a good idea to know what style is involved so as to get the right singer.
The day begins with a quiet sit-down with our song arranger, Jane, who will coax the melody out of you, and determine, with your help, the basic harmonies. I say coax, because some, although not all of our songwriters, may be reticent about singing. So we can spend a little time just reflecting on the mood, and experimenting with different ideas. This part is fun and very rewarding when the right balance is found. Some songwriters are able to express their melody and harmonies if they play an instrument, which speeds things up, but if not we can work by trial and error.
Once the basic structure of the song is determined, we move into the recording studio where we lay down bass, drums, guitar, piano, and the vocal we will use. If you have hired the use of a singer this is an interesting phase, as the vocals will then come to life and be given shape and dimension. Many singers will bring a definitive style to the recording so this takes some discussion and direction. The songwriter is very welcome to sit with our engineer producer, Phil, and comment on and help shape what is being produced. This is indeed the part of the songwriter experience many non-musicians feel most at home with, since they are able to say if they want a particular instrument, and the way they want it included in their song.
Backing vocals are often added at this stage, and then the recording is edited and mixed into the form you can take away on your CD.
Songwriter experiences are welcome at the studio as they allow us to use the full range of our various expertise in producing something that is both catchy and rewarding for all involved. Of course other recording experiences are available for those who don't write their own music or lyrics, but this particular market is one which is largely unknown and unexplored by the general public.
More information on songwriter experiences or songwriting experiences is available at the Beehouse website where you can find also a great deal of information about other recording experiences available for the surrounding areas of Powys, Shropshire, Cheshire, the Midlands, Wiltshire and beyond. If you have any queries or items to add on the subject of instrumental experience days or singer experiences, please don't hesitate to add your comments to this blog. We welcome any new ideas or projects in this field
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