The Toy Rooms Studio is the second facility we are pleased to announce on the Miloco blog this week. It is a vintage analogue recording studio in Brighton & Hove on the south coast of England. Home to producers Pablo Clements and James Griffith (Psychonauts/Unkle/Toydrum), it is located on the city’s famous seafront.
This boutique recording studio has been devised and assembled in a unique and inspiring way. The Toy Rooms is packed full of great gear. It rightly claims the largest collection of vintage synths and recording equipment in town – a collection of kit impressive enough to rival specs at some of the UK’s very best studios. Countless keyboards, guitars, drums, FX and outboard are at your band’s disposal. View a full equipment spec by clicking here.
Set across a 3000 sq ft space, The Toy Rooms is split into several areas: two live rooms (a main live room and an additional rehearsal space), a control room and small programming room. There is also a kitchen and chill-out area.
The Toy Rooms’ distinctive combination of vintage analogue gear and large, creative spaces, mixed with the production experience of Pablo and James will result in classic warm recordings every time. Its growing popularity is indicated by its status as a first choice recording studio for bands and artists such as Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Grinderman and of course Unkle and Toydrum.
“The Toy Rooms is a great studio run by great people. I’ve recorded Bad Seeds, Grinderman and at least two soundtracks – Lawless and West of Memphis – and it is perfect for a close, intimate, real-life sound. Full of Pablo Clement’s endless collection of musical “toys”, the Toy Rooms has become our studio heartland.” – Nick Cave
Find out everything you need to know on The Toy Rooms by visiting www.miloco.co.uk/thetoyrooms
We have two new recording studios to tel you about this week! The first is Arcadium, Notting Hill’s very own exclusive, luxury writing/production studio. It offers a killer combination of great gear and a stylish, creative working environment. With its appealing West London postcode thrown into the whole package, its has become a very popular place for artists, writers, producers and production companies to take projects to.
Arcadium is divided into four main areas covering over 1000 sq.ft – a control room built around an Audient ASP8024 console, a spacious live room complemented by a first class selection of microphones and backline, a separate writing space that is great for songwriting and jam sessions, and a luxurious lounge and kitchen area. You can view a full equipment spec by clicking here.
The studio has a striking aesthetic quality throughout which clients love. Ambient lighting, large and comfortable furniture, artwork created by the same mind responsible for Pink Floyd’s offices in the 1970’s and other touches such as the 40 inch flat screen TV all make for an enjoyable and inspiring experience.
The ethos of the studio caters to the needs of the client. Its bespoke and personalised service places Arcadium amongst London’s elite writing studios.
“Arcadium is the first choice for me when it comes to writing/production sessions in London –
you’ve got great gear built into a creative and inspiring lounge-esque studio without any compromises.”
– Jens Gad (Producer)
Find out everything you need to know on Arcadium Studios by visiting www.miloco.co.uk/arcadium.
Signed to Luv Luv Luv records (Violet, Splashh, IO Echo) Gabriel Bruce’s long-awaited debut album has already seen much acclaim. Dubbed as David Bowie-meets-Nick Cave-meets-Billy Idol and Springsteen, there’s a lot to take in with this first release.
Jumping into action with the disco foot-stomper, Dark Lights, Shine Loud, Bruce’s deep, lip-quivering baritone is immediately memorable, setting the tone for the rest of the album. Honey, Honey, Honey is a driving, sing-along with a Rock n’ Roll tinge, whilst Sleep Paralysis allows the first breather to be taken. A slow ballad, Bruce bellows the line “I’ve got this feeling that we’re dead”, repeatedly, with that same frank, starkness of the melancholy found in a Leonard Cohen song, particularly in Bruce’s bass-y vocals.
Perfect Weather is laden with 80’s drum machines, cheesy saxophones and a catchy chorus not unlike a U2 stadium-worthy number; the penultimate burst of happiness before Sermon On The Mount’s Hallelujah-esque offering takes hold, complete with church organ and pained vocals.
Despite regular references to past eras and 80s icons; Bruce still adds his own twist, creating a package of charming familiarity wrapped up in modern, Indie-Pop songs. Produced and Mixed by Craig Silvey at Miloco’s The Garden Studio, Love In Arms is well worth a listen and guaranteed to leave you feeling all the more wholesome for it.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/60152785″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Posted in London Recording Studios, Miloco Clients, Mixing Studios, New Albums, Record Producers, UK Recording Studios, Uncategorized | Tagged Craig Silvey, Gabriel Bruce, london recording studio, Love In Arms, Miloco, Mixed and Produced, New Album Release, the garden studio |As one of the few alternative rock bands emerging triumphantly from the noughties, Yeah Yeah Yeah’s have managed to stay afloat in the choppy seas of the Alt-Rock arena, serving up their latest release; fourth album, Mosquito.
Scaling an impressive array of musical styles and influences in this 40 minute record, everything from Gospel choirs (Sacrilege), 80s synth experimentations (These Paths) and an ode to married life (Always) makes an appearance.
Even on album number four, the band’s vigorous energy has not been lost. Opening track, Sacrilege, begins with Karen O’s instantly distinguishable vocal style, layered over a single, minimal baseline before slick percussion and playful riffs come in. To pack an extra punch for the last chorus, a gospel choir sings gloriously in unison, before repeatedly chanting ‘Sacrilege’ a-capella for the final climax. It’s both weirdly beautiful and jarring all at once.
In complete contrast, Subway, (dubbed the band’s ‘New York song’), is built around a gentle lull of a train passing over metal tracks. Teamed with Karen O’s breathy, ethereal vocals and swelling strings, this track hypnotises and entrances, evoking that familiar sense of detachment and escapism from the throws of frantic city life.
The joy of this record is its ability to shift so dramatically between tracks, making songs like the Sci-Fi themed Area 52 seem all the more ridiculous and tongue in cheek; and you can’t help but love it with lines like “Message came from outer space, future of the human race”.
Entering the Billboard charts at number five, Craig Silvey’s mix of Mosquito (at Miloco’s Garden studio) helped to secure the band’s third consecutive top ten album, with 38,000 copies sold in the first week.
Not one’s to shy away; Yeah Yeah Yeah’s have delivered a record that is sure to keep them relevant among their contemporaries, proposing interesting and new musical ideas that will no doubt owe to many more albums in the pipeline.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/87072556″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Posted in London Recording Studios, Miloco Clients, Mixing Studios, New Albums, Record Producers, Recording Studio Engineers, UK Recording Studios, Uncategorized | Tagged Alternative Rock, Craig Silvey, Karen O, Miloco Recording Studio, mixer craig silvey, Mosquito, New Album, The Garden, Yeah Yeah Yeah's |Having evolved from the light, Indie-Folk style of Last Night On Earth, 2013’s offering, Heart Of Nowhere, serves as a real coming-of -age record, rife with bittersweet, hook-driven tunes and nostalgic nuances.
Recent comparisons with lead singer, Charlie Fink, to the likes of Springsteen and Lou Reed’s anthemic, 80’s styles are legitimised here, thanks to filmic strings and sauvé, streamlined guitars recorded live for extra depth and punch.
Standout track, ‘All Through The Night’, has flourishes of The Killers; driving beats and big, American-sounding guitar riffs, while Fink’s vocals, laid-back and cool, complete the package. ‘Now Is Exactly The Time’ sees the album’s coming-of-age theme find prominence, with endearing advice for the youth of today, like ‘If you can, get to know your parents well; forgive them, they are more like you than you can tell’. ‘There Will Come A Time’ and ‘Still After All These Years’, drift along with a sweet familiarity that makes for a perfect, easy-listening pop record.
The writing of ‘Heart of Nowhere’ took place at Miloco’s Summer House studios on Osea Island before the band headed to La Fabrique studios in France to continue the writing process. After rehearsing at London’s Livingston 1 Studio (whilst being built by Miloco), Craig Silvey (The Arcade Fire, The National, Yeah Yeah Yeah’s, Florence and The Machine, Arctic Monkeys, The Horrors, Portishead, Goldfrapp) mixed the record at what was The Garden studio, ensuring the balance between jaunty strings, slightly edgier rock numbers and the preservation of the band’s folk roots was perfectly aligned.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/87089883″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Posted in Live Recording, London Recording Studios, Mixing Studios, New Albums, Record Producers, Tracking Studios, UK Recording Studios, Uncategorized, Writing Studios | Tagged Album Reiview, Bruce Springsteen, Charlie Fink, Craig Silvey, france, Hart of Nowhere, la fabrique, Lou Reed, LP, Miloco, New Album Release, Noah And The Whale, osea island, The Killers |
In the run up to this year’s Great Escape Festival, we’re putting out a series of posts providing you with the best insider tips for the 3-day event. From food to our favourite venues and shops, think of it as a sort of festival survival guide…
If you’re like us, then an afternoon spent browsing record shops is easily done. Whether you’re looking for a rare LP with limited edition artwork, or just fancy a look at the latest releases, in our minds there’s nothing more soothing. So if you’ve got a few hours to spare in between gigs this festival, Brighton is definitely the place to be for a real find.
With a decent range of independent, new and second hand record shops, Brighton caters for all tastes, as well as helping to keep alive a struggling industry. So go on, do your bit and take a look around.
Resident
Established in 2004 by a pair of dedicated music fans, Resident provided an essential and vibrant musical hub the city was so desperate for. Now well-renowned within the industry, the store doesn’t just provide a wide choice of new releases and extensive back catalogue; they’ve also gone the whole hog, selling tickets for local venues and regularly hosting in-store intimate gigs. If you’ve ever been to one of these sessions before (I popped in on Record Store Day last year), you’ll know how special it is to keep these places going! Find them at 28 Kensington Gardens, BN1 4AL
Cult Hero
Going one step further, Cult Hero brings you the best in both music and cult films, novels and artwork. From classic 60’s & 70’s rock, to glitchy electro, obscure latin jazz and the latest big indie albums on vinyls and CDs, you won’t be disappointed. Top tip – their order service is great, so if you can’t find what you’re after, just ask! Located at 25 North Street, BN1 1EB.
Borderline Records
Twenty six years since it first opened, Borderline Records is going strong thanks to it’s handy location in the bohemian North Laines as well as all the awesome stuff it sells! Stocking vinyl and cds of all genres, this is a heavenly place to while away the hours! The shop’s fantastic selection of original 60’s psychedelic poster art is a must see, too! Pop in at 41 gardner street, Brighton.
Rarekind Records
If world music is your thang, make sure you take 5 minutes and head over to Rarekind Records. From Hip Hop, Funk, Soul, Jazz, Downtempo and Dubstep on vinyl and CD, so you can browse to your heart’s content! Find them at 104 Trafalgar Street, BN1 4ER.
The Record Album
Like TV? Love films? Then The Record Album store is the epitome of heaven on earth! Opened in 1948 and run by George Ginn, the store is brimming with film, stage and musicals soundtracks as well as high quality classical recordings. If you’ve ever wondered what that track was on that tv programme the other day, head to George’s for the answer! Pop in here: 8 Terminus Road, BN1 3PD.
Happy Browsing!
Coming along to The Great Escape this year? Tweet us hello at @milocostudios!
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged brighton, concerts, Festival, gigs, Record Store Day, Record Stores, The Great Escape Festival 2013 |
In the run up to this year’s Great Escape Festival, we’re putting out a series of posts providing you with the best insider tips for the 3-day event. From food to our favourite venues, think of it as a sort of festival survival guide…
If there’s one thing we’re certain of happening at The Great Escape, it’s being hit with that god-awful, un-welcome, head-splitting hangover; there’s no way to avoid it really, so you might as well accept defeat. Instead of wallowing in self-pity in a pile of cigarette buts and beer cans, with your mouth tasting like the inside of an ashtray, we’ve got the perfect cure!
If you can bare to drag yourself out of bed (or wherever it is you ended up at silly-o-clock in the morning), then a hearty breakfast will be your saving grace, transporting you back into the real world, ready for the day ahead (before you do it all over again, of course!)…..
Whether it’s the super-organic, whole food cafes where you can sip on a super-foods smoothie to try and eradicate your headache (and guilt), or the ever-reliable, greasy-spoon café, where only double, deep-fried goods will do; Brighton has it all. Here are a few of our favourites:
Billies
With reviews stating it ‘the perfect hangover cure’, head to Billies for a big breakfast – emphasis on the ‘big’! From your standard Full English to trendy teas, lates and even Eggs Benedict, it’s a notch above the rest. Priced from around £4-7, you’ll leave satisfied and happy, with a few quid change in your pocket, too.
34 Hampton Place, BN1 3DD – 01273 774386. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8.30-16.00. Sat-Sun 09.00-16.00.
The Market Diner
If you’re familiar with Brighton, there’s no doubt you’ll have graced this institution with your presence. Great for a late night meal after the pubs and clubs have kicked the last loiterers out, or great for breakfast – especially if you need to soak up the alcohol after a day’s gig-going. Located just away from the centre off the Steine, this cafe is famous for its ‘Gut Buster’, need we say more?
19-21 Circus Street, BN2 9QF
Bills
For a touch of class during your festival stint, take a seat in Bills and sample their award-winning breakfasts, sure to set you up for the day. With perfect sausage sandwiches or healthy breakfast boards, there’s even a simple offering of toast and jam if you can’t quite stomach a full meal. Our favourite? It’s got to be the rostis!
The Depot 100 North Road, BN1 1YE. Opening hours: Mon-Sat 08.00-23.00, Sun 09.00-22.20.
Join the conversation – follow us on Twitter (@milocostudios) where we’ll be tweeting throughout the festival!
Posted in Live Music / Festivals | Tagged artists, bands, brighton, concerts, Festival, Festival guide, gigs, live music, May, Music, SXSW, The Great Escape Festival 2013 |
We are pleased to announce on the blog the introduction of Forward Studios Caesar, a leading recording complex in the Italian capital of Rome. This month we are pleased to be launching its ‘Caesar’ studio on the Miloco website.
Forward Studios Caesar has been built to the highest possible standards, blending both high end technology and a hugely creative atmosphere. Throughout the control room, main live space and three recording booths, the general atmosphere of the studio is one of immense light and spaciousness, and with both excellent visibility and isolation between all the different areas. The equipment spec is based around a Neve 88R console, Pro Tools HD3 rig, excellent monitoring and an impressive collection of outboard. For bands wanting to record there is a large collection of microphones and backline. View the Forward Studios Caesar equipment spec for full details on the gear.
This exclusive studio is based in a beautiful three storey Roman-style villa in the green hills on the outskirts of Rome, with breathtaking views across it. However, the city center, with its many world famous attractions, is still in quick and easy reach. In the immediate area is a number of great restaurants, hotels and bars, as well as a gym and wellness center plus many other activities.
Forward Studios will soon be opening a two-bedroom residential facilitiy for clients to stay in during their session. We will be announcing the opening of the acommodation at a later date, but for now you can find out everything you need to know by visiting www.miloco.co.uk/forwardstudioscaesar.
Posted in European Recording Studios, Mixing Studios, Neve Recording Studios, Tracking Studios | Tagged caesar, forward, italy, mixing, recording studio, rome |
The Cabin is the latest in a number of great London writing/recording studios Miloco are now representing. Home to writer/producer Tom Fuller, it is based in the new Tileyard Studio complex in Kings Cross.
The Cabin was designed and custom-built to be a versatile space, able to accommodate any small to medium-sized project. Split between a 15 square meter control room with Audient Zen console and a 13 square meter live space, the studio has an abundance of natural daylight and views across central London. With an extensive Virtual Instrument collection as well as a host of quality instruments available, this is the perfect creative space whether for writing or production. There is a decent selection of outboard and microphones, plus an adjoining live room that enables the space to be used as a traditional recording studio if required.
With a comfortable lounge, the Notes Italian deli/coffee house on site and easy access from Camden, Kings Cross and the city center, The Cabin offers a convenient and elegant solution to your writing and production needs. Find out everything you need to know on The Cabin by visiting www.miloco.co.uk/cabin.
Posted in London Recording Studios, Record Producers, Recording Studio Engineers, Tracking Studios, UK Recording Studios, Writing Studios | Tagged kings cross, london, Miloco, recording, the cabin, tom fuller, writing studio |
We’ve got three great recording studios to blog about this week, each of which now features on the Miloco website. The first is Music Lan Studios, located in Catalonia, Spain…
Music Lan Studios is the second top-end Spanish residential recording studio we have welcomed to Miloco this year. It is based near Girona in Catalonia, and boasts stunning views of the Pyreenes Mountains. Combining state-of-the-art equipment and hugely inspiring surroundings, Music Lan is a great option for people looking to escape the city and experience a brand new creative location.
The studio at Music Lan has three main live areas: a large room with a changeable reverb, a medium-size room and a booth. Between them they offer countless different acoustics, not least to mention many different microphones, guitars, drums, keyboards and amplifiers. The control room has the unique benefit of providing two consoles: a SSL 4000 E and a 24 Channel Neve 8036. They are accompanied by a host of high quality outboard gear. You can view the full equipment spec at Music Lan by clicking here.
Five minutes from the studio is a modern house in a peaceful location that can accomodate up to nine people. Between them, the studio and residential buildings offer clients sole use of a swimming pool, a mini cinema, games room and pool table. Catering can also be provided for every meal in the day.
Lastly, you’ll have this beautiful region of Spain right at your doorstep. Catalonia has picturesque towns and Barcelona is not too far away. It has a rich cultural heritage with many interesting sites to visit, and breathtaking scenery provided by the Pyrenees. There are also many great restaurants, pubs and bars located close to the studio.
To find out everything you need to know on Music Lan Studios visit www.miloco.co.uk/musiclan.
Posted in European Recording Studios, Mixing Studios, Neve Recording Studios, Residential Recording Studios, SSL Recording Studios, Tracking Studios | Tagged barcelona, catalonia, girona, mixing, music lan, neve, recording studios, spain, SSL | ← Older posts Newer posts →
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