ICONIC SOUNDS, WIDENING PARTICIPATION

Isabella and Leah talk about analogue studios, sounds, and heritage with producers Tony Visconti and Chris Kimsey, recording engineer Andy Cook (British Grove Studios), producer Martin Terefe (Eastcote and Kensaltown Studios) and engineer George Murphy (Eastcote Studios).

We discuss the recording and production practices that shaped the iconic records of the past, from the abuse of tape to the slow process of recording and editing analogue media. Talking us through some of their experiences in the studio with David Bowie and The Rolling Stones, Tony and Chris reveal some of their own creative approaches to tape-based production. Analogue not only produces different tone qualities, it favours preparedness and demands musicianship, dictating the pace and method of working collaboratively in studios. During the conversation our guests discuss hybrid digital/analogue approaches, and what benefits these different workflows provide.

The COVID crisis has posed a big challenge for studio culture. British Grove Studios tragically lost its leader David Stewart to the virus. Many studios find themselves in a precarious financial position and social distancing creates challenges for business that need to get back to work. Studios have to think creatively about new avenues, and one of the ways forward is education and training. We discuss the role of education in the preservation of analogue heritage as well as training young people in tape-based production, passing down the knowledge of London’s iconic studio sounds, keeping this knowledge relevant and accessible for future generations. Analogue, as Chris says, is “the pure embodiment of sound itself” – and education can keep this fragile recording culture alive in practice.

Sound credits:

Rolling Stones, “Some Girls” produced by Chris Kimsey
David Bowie, “Scream Like A Baby” produced by Tony Visconti
Ron Sexsmith, “Whatever it Takes” produced by Martin Terefe
Nicholas Britell, “Master of the Butterfly Knife” recorded at British Grove Studios
Podcast produced and edited by Rob Plummer

"Tape is a Beast" - Tony Visconti, Chris Kimsey, Martin Terefe, George Murphy and Andy Cook

RECORDING STUDIO - in partnership with record producer Tony Visconti and Kingston University.

"Tape is a Beast" - Tony Visconti, Chris Kimsey, Martin Terefe, George Murphy and Andy Cook

Visconti Studio