Here’s a quick burst of equipment news from The Pool recording studio in London. The Yamaha Baby Grand Piano is being overhauled with some brand new bass strings, restoring it to maximum health and quality of sound!
Here are a few pictures of the re-stringing in process. The piano will be back up-and-running apart of this studio’s incredible equipment spec in no time – check out the full Pool equipment spec here.
Produced by Flood, mixed by Craig Silvey at Toast Studio and recorded at Miloco’s Assault and Battery 2 and The Pool, the follow up to Editors’ last album, 2009’s In This Light and On This Evening, sees the group returning to their indie roots.
Having reignited their passion (and original inspiration) for Eighties new wave, The Weight Of Your Love is bursting with references to icons of that era, such as Joy Division, Echo And The Bunnymen and Simple Minds, helping them to retain their title for the gloomiest, melancholic band of the noughties. This alt-rock offering is a small, but well-manoeuvred step from their previous, synth-drenched record.
Opening track, The Weight announces its presence with a authoritative string section before transitioning to a sombre guitar riff and the ever so distinctive vocal of lead singer, Tom Smith. With dark lyrics, pensive staccato strings, and an anthemic feel, this is perhaps Editors’ biggest and fullest record to date.
In What Is This Thing Called Love, we hear Smith employing a rare falsetto, giving a sweet sensitivity to the record and, let’s face it, a nice variation from his often dour default baritone. Lead single, A Ton of Love is the real stadium-filler, upbeat and driving, with some (not-so-subtle) hints of U2 heard in the sing-along, arena-rock style chorus, whilst Formaldehyde has The Killers written all over it.
Sugar is by far the most interesting track on the record with it’s multi-layered soundscape, muddy bass-line, bittersweet lyrics (“It breaks my heart to love you”) and the gradual build towards an agitated but fantastic guitar and strings solo.
This well-constructed record proved Editors haven’t lost their touch when it comes to big choruses, huge vocals and intriguing misery.
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Do you like the album? Let us know by tweeting us at @milocostudios
Posted in European Recording Studios, London Recording Studios, Miloco Clients, Mixing Studios, New Albums, Record Producers, Tracking Studios, UK Recording Studios, Uncategorized | Tagged Craig Silvey, Editors, flood, Indie music, Miloco, Miloco Recording studios, Producers, The Weight of Your Love |
Released today, Tom Odell’s debut album, Long Way Down, has already sparked much controversy in the music world. Since appearing on the Later…With Jools Holland show, he went on to win the 2013 Critic’s Choice Award and was the first male to do so, too. So it’s fair to say Odell has a lot riding on this record.
So does the record justify all the hype? Well, it’s clear that Odell falls neatly into a pre-existing category of melancholic pop; the ‘Other Listeners Bought..’ section on iTunes placing him alongside the likes of Ben Howard, newcomer, Luke Sital-Singh and Lucy Rose. But that’s not a bad thing. Producer Dan Grech-Marguerat (Keane) was obviously the perfect choice for this record, blending clunky piano chords with Odell’s swelling vocals and rich textural harmonies created by gospel choirs and backing vocals.
Album opener, Grow Old With Me, is perhaps the most uplifting track, brooding and endearing with lyrics placing Tom much wiser than his twenty-two years. Hold Me features Odell’s famed piano comping, utilising his well known influences of Elton John, making this a real stadium-worthy track. Another Love, initially released as part of the Another Love EP, takes a confessional stance. Slowly building emotion with delicate and almost broken vocals, driving percussion and haunting backing vocals emerge like an epiphany, creating the final rousing chorus.
Supposed To Be is a true soul track, with references (whether intended or not) to Lionel Richie’s Easy mimicked in the chord structure. It’s a reminder that Odell has real potential, even if it hasn’t fully been realised here, yet. Title track, Long Way Down, is scattered with subtle nuances of Jeff Buckley; vulnerable and pain stricken – it’s easy to see why such comparisons have been made. Till I Lost is a prime example of what Tom Odell does best in this record; booming, heartfelt vocals (usually made up of numerous Ohh ohh ohh’s), big choruses and stomping piano and drums. But it’s not just Odell’s playing that stands out, his songwriting is superb, too. Mature, frank and highly relatable, with lines like “I shouldn’t say it, but I’m starting to think I care
I’ve had a drink, you probably think my judgement is impaired“, from the track Hold Me; a feel good sing-along with a hint of 90’s about it.
Critics have dubbed it ‘too focused’, ‘bogus’ and said Odell is ‘yet to prove his range’, but as first albums go, he’s got nothing to worry about. Throughout the swathes of passion, heartache and pain, this is a great album, but anyone lucky enough to catch him live will truly witness Tom Odell at his best.
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Recorded and produced by Dan Grech-Marguerat at Miloco’s The Square and The Bridge and mixed at Miloco’s Engine Room.
So what do you think of the album? Join the conversation on our Twitter page @milocostudios.
Posted in London Recording Studios, Miloco Clients, New Albums, Record Producers, Tracking Studios, UK Recording Studios, Uncategorized | Tagged Debut, Long Way Down, Miloco, New Album Release, tom odell |
123 Recording Studio in Shoreditch East London, home to producer Brett Shaw, has announced it has acquired two new fantastic Tonelux EQ5Ps.
Taken from the Tonelux Website:
The EQ5P is a DISCRETE Parametric Equalizer with some very unique features. Notice that the panel has no Q control. The filter Q control is in relation to the Boost and Cut control, and uses a “Constant Energy Curve” or known as “Proportional Q” that keeps the bandwidth wider at lower boost or cut levels and becomes narrow at higher boost or cut levels. This is musically pleasing. The curve is identical to many classic equalizers and is one of the reasons they are preferred over newer designs. When the PEAK button pressed, the 3 yellow “peak” buttons keep the width at a constant 1/3 octave for more precision control.
The High Frequency has a Shelving button instead of a Peak button. Since the Constant Energy Curve is so broad in the lower frequencies, there is no need for a low frequency shelf button.
With 4 bands of controls, each of the lower 2 have slightly different frequencies, allowing the lower band to go to 16 Hz, and the upper 2 bands are identical. The IN button is a silent IN/OUT button that does not bypass the unit, but it bypasses the filters.
The “INPUT” of the V4 is the normal EQ input, at a +4 dBu level. The “INSERT RETURN” input is a padded down input, making the nominal level +10 instead of +4. This can be used when the input level going into the EQ is too hot.
Find out everything you need to know about 123 Studios by clicking here.
Posted in London Recording Studios, Recording Studio Equipment, Tracking Studios, UK Recording Studios, Writing Studios | Tagged 123 recording studio, brett shaw, london, shoreditch, tonelux eq5p |
We have a brand new studio in a brand new location to tell you about this June. Summerfield Studios is based in Birmingham, and we are pleased to have partnered with the owner Phil Croft and his team to offer another great studio in a new UK city.
Summerfield Studios was formed out of Phil’s vision to create a comfortable and creative studio atmosphere, combined with a top-end acoustic quality and an ever-growing selection of excellent recording studio gear. As the only facility in this part of the UK to join Miloco so far, we believe we have a first-of-its-kind Birmingham recording studio that offers the city’s music scene something different to before.
This is a beautifully-crafted space with brilliant acoustics. A 48 sq m live room yields all sorts of interesting sounds, and the studio’s control room is an extremely accurate mix environment. The studio also comprises an overdub booth, echo chamber and chill out room. The entire facility looks great thanks to a top-to-bottom aesthetic refurb. Much attention has been paid to lighting, decor and furniture, amongst other things.
Summerfield’s various spaces are complemented by an ever-growing collection of recording studio equipment. The spec is currently centered around a Soundtracs Jade console, a choice of outboard and plug-ins, plus a very good collection of guitars synths, pedals, amps and drums (there are two kits).
Located on the outskirts of Birmingham city centre, Summerfield is well located for main transport routes, making it great for Birmingham-based artists, however it is also within reach for bands and producers located in other cities around the UK.
Find out everything you need to know about Summerfield Studios by visiting www.miloco.co.uk/summerfield. To make an enquiry contact bookings@miloco.co.uk or call +44 (0)207 232 0008.
We’re kicking off this summer with the latest news from Miloco Builds, our internationally acclaimed recording studio design, construction and analysis service.
We have redesigned the entire Miloco Builds website, found at www.milocobuilds.com. It now has a brand new look and layout for a much-improved user experience. You can find all sorts of useful content on the studio design and construction work we do for many different producers, engineers and musicians, which includes recording studio design and builds, audio installations, acoustic analysis, and custom-made acoustic panels and recording studio furniture.
There are numerous profiles on all of the work we have completed, including projects for artists such as Pnau, Matt Johnson (The The) and Calvin Harris; producers Stephen Street, Ben Hillier and Andy Whitmore; leading London post-production house SNK Studios, and many other diverse and interesting clients. Click here to view them all, and to view a photo gallery of all our finished studios, click here.
You can also read up on all Miloco Builds news, which includes the most recent and current projects we are working on. Lately, we have been busy constructing eight dry hire studios in Farringdon and carrying out a beautiful rebuild of a room that used to be part of the famous Lansdowne Studios in West London. The team has also been refurbishing a state-of-the-art mastering suite in one of the World’s most famous recording studios (based in London), and we are about to begin building a private facility in Bermondsey including a recording studio and live room. Click here to view all of our recent news stories.
If you are looking to build a recording studio, or carry out work on an exisiting one, we want to hear from you! As you can see by from the website, out team of studio build experts are hugely experienced in all sorts of construction, analysis and installation work. If you want to enquire after our services, please contact hello@milocobuilds.com or call +44 (0) 207 232 0008. We look forward to hearing from you.
Images courtesy of Andy Whitmore (www.andywhitmore.com) and SNK Studios (www.snkstudios.co.uk)
Mixed by producer Mike Crossey at Liverpool’s Motor Museum studio, lead track Handshake is the shining glory on this four-track remix EP.
Always managing to breech the standard ‘Pop territory’, Two Door Cinema Club employ a mixture of Indie, Pop and infectious dance beats to propel them into the realm of the respected Indie/Pop acts you’ll happily admit you like. They have that wide-ranging appeal, made all the more legitimate thanks to their clever songwriting.
With explosive percussion, disco beats and catchy hooks, Handshake is an electronic bliss, at home being played in clubs, or stirring up the atmosphere at a live concert.
Having featured on their last album, Beacons, Handshake is celebrated through three brilliant remixes by Baadman, Amtrac and Ghost Loft. While the Amtrac remix goes for a deeper House vibe; chilled and lethargic at the beginning and then morphing to a classic House sound, Ghost Loft’s version builds on slow break downs and climactic builds before intense drops, reclaiming the original melody.
For anyone that already owns Beacons, this is a welcome addition to your collection, making the most of this standout track in multiple guises.
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Posted in European Recording Studios, Miloco Clients, Mixing Studios, New Albums, Record Producers | Tagged Handshake EP, Mike Crossey, Miloco, motor museum, Remixes, Two Door Cinema Club |
Following on from their fourth studio album; the critically acclaimed Pedestrian Verse, the Scottish band’s latest release is the five-track EP, Late March, Death March.
As well as the eponymous opening track and lead single, the EP also features two live tracks recorded at Glasgow’s Barrowlands (December’s Traditions, Oil Slick), and the EP’s standout track, Architect.
Recorded with the Manchester Orchestra for this year’s Record Store Day, Architect is an emotionally charged offering with just the right amount of subtle, soft and sweet. Lead singer Scott Hutchinson’s delicately Scottish drawl is beautifully emphasised by Andy Hull’s understated harmonies over folky, acoustic guitar, modest strings and extracts of mellow backing vocals. It stays a simple composition throughout, allowing the lyrics and storyline to take centre stage. The chorus’ pivotal moment is the sweeping loneliness of the line, “You told all of your friends, you told all of your friends, and no one came…no one came”.
Also included on the record is an alternative version of lead single (mixed by Bryan Wilson); a stripped down track, in comparison, with an underlying electronic beat and more restrained instrumental parts. Minus the whistling, the powerful piano chords and upbeat tempo, this is a refreshing twist on Late March, Death March. A more ethereal feel, sustained synths and heavy reverb on the vocals create a relaxed feel without losing the hooks and structure.
If you’re thinking of heading to see Frightened Rabbit live, take a listen to the two tracks from Barrowlands for a taste of their power and authority as a live band. Frightened Rabbits are set to play at Brixton’s 02 Academy this November.
The track Late March, Death March, was mixed by Craig Silvey at Miloco studios.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/94276432″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Posted in European Recording Studios, Live Recording, Miloco Clients, Mixing Studios, New Albums, Record Producers, Tracking Studios, UK Recording Studios | Tagged Barrowlands, Brixton Academy, Craig Silvey, frightened rabbit, Glasgow, Late March Death March, live music, Miloco, pedestrian verse, Scotland, The Garden |Dublin Five-piece, Little Green Cars offer up a fresh slice of Irish Americana with their debut album, Absolute Zero.
Following on from the success of their last EP, Harper Lee and the critically acclaimed single, The John Wayne, the band are sure to reach new heights with this release. Similar to The John Wayne, this debut also conjures up a sense of vulnerability teamed with a young naivity that makes Little Green Cars so appealing.
Set for release this August, the record is brimming with generous five-part harmonies over a classic foundation of Country and Folk-Pop, inspired by the likes of Fleetwood Mac, R.E.M and hints of The Mammas And Pappas in their vocal structures.
Produced by Markus Dravs (Bjork, Arcade Fire, Mumford and Sons) and recorded at Miloco’s Angelic Studio by Robin Baynton (assisted by Tom Fuller), Absolute Zero is a beautiful set of songs; a lyrically frank, musically contrasting and intimate perspective on growing up. Lead singer, Stevie Appleby, describes the album as having “two contrasting perspectives: the beauty of a reckless youth and the fear and confusion caused by our ever-pending adulthood”.
Lead track and single, Harper Lee, is a cascade of acoustic guitar, swelling vocals and a driving chorus, with Appleby’s voice – often likened to Folk legend, Neil Young – taking the forefront. With his distinguishable Celtic tones, hints of early Biffy Clyro creep into Angel Owl, whilst My Love Took Me Down To The River To Silence Me, showcases Faye O’Rourke’s rich and defined vocal; a welcome contrast to the otherwise all-male line-up.
The Consequences of Not Sleeping is a standout track, with snippets of stunning finger-picking, reminiscent of a Red Hot Chili Peppers lick – you’ll know when you hear it. Another popular track is Big Red Dragon; one of the more Indie tracks on the album with tales recounting a drug trip, it features lashing piano chords, jaunty guitars and backing vocals employing glorious harmonies. Red And Blue is perhaps the record’s most unexpected song, composed solely of an arpeggiated synth and errie-sounding auto-tuned vocals, simiar to Imogen Heap’s Hide And Seek.
Again, O’Rourke’s standout vocals are highlighted in The Kitchen Floor; a solo effort from the singer and perfectly complimented by minimalist and a seamlessly balanced accompaniment. But perhaps the best track on the album by far is the previously mentioned, The John Wayne. Beginning with a steady, almost lazy bass drum beat and inflections of melody in the bassline, Appleby and O’Rourke’s voices enter with the line ‘It’s easy to fall in love, it’s easy to fall in love with you”. The verses build slowly and brilliantly, before the guitar kicks in and a real rock energy is revealed. It’s hugely catchy and is the pinnacle of an extremly well written and produed record.
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Posted in European Recording Studios, London Recording Studios, Miloco Clients, Mixing Studios, New Albums, Record Producers, Residential Recording Studios, UK Recording Studios, Uncategorized | Tagged Absolute Zero, Arcade Fire, Dublin, Faye O'Rourke, Harper Lee, Ireland, Little Green Cars, Markus Dravs, Miloco, Mumford And Sons, Record Producers, recording studios, Stevie Appleby, The John Wayne |
Get ready – it’s competition time!
To celebrate new music and the start of summer, we’ve teamed up with the prestigious Camden Rocks Festival for a very special give away.
This is the perfect chance for fans AND bands to get involved for the chance to win an amazing prize. Here’s how to enter…
For The Fans
Were you at Camden Rocks Festival last weekend? Did you see your favourite band on the lineup, or a newly discovered band that you loved? Well, now’s your chance to help them out! All you have to do is vote for your favourite band of the day, and they could win 2 FREE DAYS RECORDING TIME at one of our state-of-the-art studios! Just click this link to vote now: http://bit.ly/16p9ivt
For The Bands
So bands – this is your chance to see how loyal your fans are! Need that second EP finishing off, want to record a few new tracks especially for your fans? Then don’t miss out – If you fancy winning 2 free days in a recording studio, just direct your fanbase to this link: http://bit.ly/16p9ivt and ask them to vote for you! We won’t ask how you got them to vote…just do it!
Need reminding of any of the bands that took part? See the lineup here!
It’s pretty simple, who ever gets the most votes on our site before June 17th will win the recording time. We’ll announce the winner on 18th June. Good luck everyone!
Don’t forget to follow all the action on our Twitter and Facebook pages!
Posted in Live Music / Festivals, London Recording Studios, Miloco Clients, Tracking Studios, UK Recording Studios, Uncategorized | Tagged Camden Rocks Festival, competition, Free recording time, miloco studios, vote | ← Older posts Newer posts →
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