All the world’s a stage...and a recording studio!
New sound-proofing technology makes any space fit for recording. So is the traditional studio a thing of the past?
When Jessica Morgan walks into her recording studio tomorrow, it could be a Cardiff hotel suite. It could be an office in Swansea. In fact it could be just about anywhere – because the studio travels with her.
Jessica, the daughter of 60s pop icon Mary Hopkin and Bowie producer Tony Visconti, has been running Space Studios from a static location for the last 4 years – recording tracks for Lady Gaga, John Barrowman and others. But with new audio technology, enhanced by the studio’s co-founder Chris Thomas, the Space crew is developing a whole new business – the mobile recording studio.
“The technology is actually quite simple,” Jessica admits. “It’s a mix of systems we used in the Cardiff studio, that can block out external noise and stop sound from reflecting around the room. But it’s all fully portable, so any room can be transformed into a professional recording studio in just a few minutes!”
Of course you don’t have to be a Torchwood star to step up to the mike. A mobile studio means the world and his dog can get in on the act.
“We have hen parties recording the latest dance tracks on their way into town,” Jessica enthuses. “And a mobile studio is a blast at a children’s party – it beats a bouncy castle any day!”
But Jessica stresses the studio is not just a tool for recording – it’s also proving popular as a training vehicle. Working in schools, the team teaches children about music and technology. And they’ve found themselves in the boardroom, helping business people to perfect their vocal presentation skills.
So does this spell the end of the recording studio as we know it? Diplomatically, Jessica shakes her head and puts it all into context:
“The mobile unit works for people who wouldn’t normally enter a studio,” she explains. “They feel more relaxed in the type of place they already know. But it’s not the same for a recording artist who’s cut their teeth in the studio.
“Then again,” she concludes, “if some chart-topper wants to whisk us off to Monte Carlo, we’ll happily record at their place!”
Space Studios offers mobile audio recording for personal, corporate and learning events. Visit www.spacestudios.co.uk
(ends)EDITOR’S NOTES
1. Space Studios was founded in November 2005 and incorporated Mary Hopkin Music, the label Jessica runs for Mary Hopkin. They work with bands, solo artists, actors, community groups, children and the general public.
2. Clients include Bang Post Production (for Torchwood and Dr Who), Lady Gaga, John Barrowman, Michael York, The Forestry Commission, The Welsh National Opera, Sony BMG, Warner Music and Cardiff University.
3. Space Studios, in partnership with George Savva Training, delivers business communication training in a two hour session called “Business Voices” or a longer day workshop. They use intensive and fun methods along with the recording technology to improve the way business people communicate.
4. Jessica is available for interview. For comments and photos, please call 029 2046 2513 or email info@spacestudios.co.uk.
