All posts by Jen

Studios 4 & 5 now open for band & solo bookings

With restrictions now lifted, we are happy to reinstate our smaller studios (4 & 5) as safe to use for more than one person. With the new addition of air exchange units, we’re ready to open these rooms to bands again.

You can book your band sessions now on jammed. For those wanting to book at the solo rates, these are still available, please email us or book with us over the phone [020 8674 3065] and we can book you in at the reduced one person rate.

Studios 4 & 5

Before the pandemic we operated these studios as full band rehearsal rooms, but due to government guidelines about Covid-19, we felt unable to open them safely to more than one person. Now that restrictions have been lifted and having made some modifications to the air flow systems in these smaller rooms, we now feel confident to open them up for band bookings again. We even have some nice new amps and microphones to go with the original small scale drum kits in these rooms.

Due to their size, these rooms are better suited to groups of three, but we have had more in there in pre-pandemic times. If your troupe doesn’t need the drums, we are always happy to take the drum kit out to give you more space, but please give us some advance warning that you need the kit removed, and also be aware that due to the fast changeovers, this may cut in to your rehearsal time by 5 minutes or so. Just head on over to our booking app>> JAMMED to select, reserve and pay for your rehearsal. The new rates for these room are:

Studio prices as of May 2022

Solo/teaching rates

We are keen to continue to allow solo sessions to be booked in advance, and at least until we review in July, this will apply to both our quieter times AND our peak times which are weekday evenings and weekend daytimes. In this transition period you will be unable to make a reduced rate booking via the Jammed booking app, instead you will need to call 020 8674 3065 or email us to book at the reduced rate:

Solo/Drum/DJ/Teaching rates as of May 2022

In addition to this, If you want to book a solo session in advance on the week evenings, you will have to take a slot of either 6pm-9pm or 9pm-12am (or 6pm-12am). This is so we can allow two bookings per evening in each room and make the best use of the space. As always, you are welcome to ring up on the day to see if we have space available for a solo session, at which point there may be more flexibility on start time and length of your session. We will always try to fit you in where we can, it’s just a case of figuring out the best way to make use of our spaces.

We will still be offering the solo rate to teachers.

New DJ/Solo Room

If you want to book a shorter time slot in the evening in advance, you can also use our new DJ and solo rate room – please be aware this is upstairs and does not include a drum kit. It does have a small vocal PA, but this room is designed to have quieter occupants such as acoustic instrumentalists and singers.

Thankyou

As always, a massive thank you for bringing us your custom. We hope you still enjoy coming here and being creative, understand why we have taken these decisions, and can be patient with us while we try to work out the best way to get back up and running to full capacity. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions/feedback.

Thanks and best,

Team BXHS

New and Improved Studio Services for 2021

As we mentioned here last year, we received a Culture Recovery Fund grant from Arts Council England. This not only meant we could stay open for musicians who need a facility where they can work, but we have been able to acquire top notch equipment for a range of new services, which we are implementing over the next few months at a 50% OFF INTRODUCTORY DISCOUNT.

So what’s new?

Well for starters, a shiny new Audient ASP8024 HE mixing console and new monitors in our remodelled control room. Plus we are halving our normal recording by rates for the next few months, to help musicians get back on their feet during this time of financial strain. Whether you’re after digital or analogue recording, we can get you the perfect sound for your tracks.

Audio Transfer and Digital Archiving

We now have the gear and people-power to take your music from physical format to digital (or different physical) format. So those demos you mastered to DAT tape, rehearsals you recorded onto MiniDisc, sessions you recorded to 2″ tape can all be lovingly transferred to WAV to be backed up on to a hard drive, or given a new lease of creative life in your DAW set up, or worked on here in our studio. We can even archive rare vinyl from your beloved record collection. Book now and get 50% OFF. Learn more…

Online Mixing/Re-amping/Re-synthing

We can help you finish that song you’ve been struggling to mix, or get rid of extraneous background noise on a track. We can even take your stems and run them through any of our collection of vintage amps and synths recording them with your choice from our range of microphones. All you need to do is send over the files… Get in touch today to claim a 50% DISCOUNT. Learn more…

Podcast Production

We’ve also become the proud owners of a some RØDEcaster Pro integrated podcasting production consoles and professional broadcast quality Audio Technica AT2035 microphones, which go together to build two portable podcast studios with all the whistles and bells. Record here or hire them out (subject to deposit) to use in your own workspace.

No matter how or where you record your podcast, we can edit it here at Brixton Hill Studios so you can get the most professional sounding audio – we can even write the theme tune! And remember, all packages are currently HALF PRICE Learn more…

Brixton Hill Broadcasting

We’re also working on our very own podcast episodes, we’ll hopefully be chatting to some good friends of the studio who can help out with advice for musicians, from DIY releases to online shows, from gear recommendations to working from home. If you have any burning questions get in touch at hello@brixtonhill.co.uk and we’ll try to find the answers.

There are other plans afoot too, but we’ll get on to those another day. For now – go peruse our new website www.brixtonrecording.com and let us know how we can help.

We hope you’re all doing well. We’d like to thank you all for your kind messages over the last few months. It’s been difficult for everyone, especially those in the Arts sector, and we really appreciate your support.

Keep on keeping on, you’re awesome

Team BXHS

xx

Tel: 020 8674 3065

Send us a message

Book a rehearsal

Christmas opening hours

As of Wednesday 16th December, London will be in Tier 3 of Covid restrictions. Brixton Hill Studios are, and will remain, OPEN during this time, following government guidance and the advice of the Association of Independent Rehearsal and Recording Studios.

However, we will be closing over the Christmas period, as is tradition, from the 24th-26th of December, and again on New Year’s Eve (from 6pm) and New Year’s Day.

Please be aware that if you are making a booking with us you will need to adhere to our COVID guidance.

Other than that, it is business as usual, check out our new hourly rates, and book online at brixton hill.jammed.app

New Flexible Booking System

We are still OPEN and serving the local music community that we love.

We are taking every precaution to keep you safe and reduce the chances of cross contamination, as we follow the advice from the DCMS and UK Music along with the newly founded Association of Independent Rehearsal and Recording Studios (AIRRS).

We would like to THANK YOU all for adhering to the guidelines, so far there have been NO OUTBREAKS IN ANY UK REHEARSAL VENUES.

We understand that some of the restrictions we have put in place have taken some adapting to. So to encourage everyone to come and use the studio, we are trialling a new booking system with revised rates. This means you can book ANY STUDIO YOU LIKE FOR AS LONG AS YOU LIKE for ultimate flexibility You can try Studio 1 during the day for just an hour to run through a set for £15, or Studio 4 all day for drum practise from only £7.50 per hour. It’s up to you.

New price rates per hour

We are adapting the studio as new advice is received and are working on some new and exciting innovations to our services, thanks to the generous help we have received from The Culture Recovery FundWe shall be unveiling these shortly so WATCH THIS SPACE!!!

We are taking BOOKINGS ONLINE NOW* through the new brixtonhill.jammed.app and we hope to see you through our doors again soon.

Love & respect,
Stephen & Team BXHS

*Payment will be taken online at time of booking, we are also waiving our 48hr cancellation policy , however please be mindful and let us know as soon as possible if you won’t be attending your booking

Frequently asked questions:

Does my booking have to start on the hour?
– No, if it is available you will be able to book on the half hour, or finish on the half hour, or even book for 3 and a half hours etc.

Do I still have to book a 3 hour slot in the evening?
– No, you can book as many hours as you like in the evening. Evening rates start at 6pm.

Can I call you to make a booking?
– You are welcome to call us and we can check availability for you, but the booking will need to be made and paid for online in advance.

Can I pay for my share of the rehearsal separately?
– Not yet, but our new booking system jammed.app are working on it and we hope to have it in place by the end of 2020.

Can I still hire cymbals and/or a bass guitar?
– Yes, you can book anything you need for your session and anything you need from our pro shop too, like strings, picks and drumsticks at the time of booking.

How many people can rehearse per room?
– At the moment restrictions are still in place. On our new booking system brixtonhill.jammed.app you can see the capacity available in each room. Currently the maximum per studio is:
Studio 1 – 5 persons
Studio 2 – 4 persons
Studio 3 – 3 persons
Studio 4 – 2 persons

Are you still offering recording?
– Yes we are and our two fine engineers, Nick Howiantz and Alessio Costa are available to make your hits come true.

Will bookings already made stay the same or change to new pricing?
– Bookings made on appointed are already paid for and will stay at the rate they were when booked.

Culture Recovery Fund

We are beyond delighted to share the exciting news that we are one of the 588 cultural and creative organisations receiving a Culture Recovery Fund grant from Arts Council England on behalf of the DCMS and HM Treasury.

The funding is a lifeline that will mean not only are we able to keep operating, but we can also upgrade and enhance our services to keep up with the changing landscape of the music industry.

We thank our loyal customers for their support over the last few months, we are so pleased we can continue to provide you with a place to create and hone your craft. We hope to encourage more musicians from the local scene to come and make the most of our rehearsal and recording facilities and we embrace the opportunity to remain a supportive hub for the live music community as it recovers.

We’re also busy working on plans to engage a wider audience of music consumers, supporters and enthusiasts over the coming months.

WATCH THIS SPACE!!

BOOK NOW >>> https://brixtonhillstudios.com/?page_id=67

BXHS Xmas Bauble no.6: Mangö

To mark the festive season, and highlight some of the excellent musicians in our little community at Brixton Hill Studios, we asked a select few artists who rehearse here to be a bauble on our musical Xmas tree by telling us a bit about themselves and answering some Christmassy questions…

Mangö – photo credit @cali_titmas

Mangö are an experimental cosmic quartet with a blend of psychedelic rock, soul and jazz on a musical journey to challenge new sonic possibilities. 

Brixton Hill Studios: What’s your Xmas tipple?
Mangö: Baileys on the rocks

BH: Tell us your own musical highlight of 2019 and anything exciting you’ve got coming up in 2020?
M: In 2019 we released our first EP and also a Single ‘Demons’. 
A great year of accomplishments & can’t wait to go full steam ahead into 2020.. where an album is waiting for us to finish it…

BH: Fave album of 2019?
M: White Denim- Side Effects

BH: Best gig you went to this year?
M: Black Midi at End of the Road Festival. Just pure bonkers!
BH: Black Midi appear on the Brixton Hill Xmas album ‘It’s Briiiiiiixmaaaaaaas’ – (see details below)

BH: Best gig you played this year?
M: Our Demons Single Release!

BH: Who should we go see in 2020?
M: Mangö! Tundra Love! Bulldada! Ham Legion! No Me Coman! Lime! Dog of Man! Hurtling!

BH: Best piece of musical advice you’ve ever had?
M: Make it groovy baby

BH: Any tips for fellow music makers?
M: Serve the music, not yourself. If it needs a Keytar solo, serve it!

BH: Fave thing about Brixton Hill Studios?
M: All the lovely people, and the homely live room decor! Good vibes all round.  Guaranteed milk in the fridge

BH: What’s on the front of your Christmas jumper?
M: Rudolf protruding out my stomach
BH: !

BH: Who would you play in the Nativity?
M: We’d be a band of donkeys, every single time

BH: Best Christmas song?
M: Ham Legion – We’d Better Start Dinner
BH: Brixton Hill Studios alumni such as Black Midi, Hot Sauce Pony, Scud FM, and the aforementioned Ham Legion (Nick Howiantz’s ban) and more have made a Christmas Album? You can check it out/buy it online, or ask at reception and we’ll sell you a copy. Profits go to Brixton Soup Kitchen.

Festive greetings from all of us at BXHS x

We hope to see you again soon in the New Year…
Book online – Or call us to book a session 020 8674 3065
Did you know we’ve started hiring backline too? Give us a call to find out more

….And you know about our super cheap weekend evening deals right??

BXHS Xmas Bauble no.5: Jimi Scandal

To mark the festive season, and highlight some of the excellent musicians in our little community at Brixton Hill Studios, we asked a select few artists who rehearse (and work) here to be a bauble on our musical Xmas tree by telling us a bit about themselves and answering some Christmassy questions…

Jimi (centre) playing guitar with Gabi Garbutt (left)

You’ve probably seen Jimi around the studio, he is a fixer of all things guitar, and can sometimes be seen on reception too. Amongst other things (Stephen Evens Band/Reals) he is guitarist for Gabi Garbutt and the Illuminations, sometimes garage rock, sometimes motown banger.

Brixton Hill Studios: What’s your Xmas tipple?
Jimi Scandal: Pisco Sours (chilean lemon liquor w/lemon juice & egg whites) or a good Whiskey Old Fashioned

BH: What was your musical highlight of 2019 and what exciting things are in store for you in 2020?
JS: Supporting the Libertines on tour across Europe, and especially playing the Columbiahalle in Berlin to a sold out audience.

BH: Fave album of 2019?
JS: Hurtling’s ‘Future From Here

BH: Best gig you went to this year?
JS: Edwyn Collins at the Shepherds Bush Empire, Edwyn’s brassy baritone voice was stunning as was all of his band.

BH: Best gig you played this year?
JS: I think being main support for the Libertines in Paris at L’Olyimpia and having the band’s name in lights in the french capital was pretty special. There was a lot of love for everyone that night.

BH:Who should we go and see in 2020?
JS:  Go see Jemma Freeman and the Cosmic Something, NO SRSLY GO AND SEE THEM!

BH: Best piece of musical advice you’ve ever had?
JS: Not so much advice, but gave me the attitude to become the musician I am today.Eric Clapton ‘what’s that awful fucking noise get it off’ (me recording guitar at Olymipic studios when I was about 20)

BH: Any tips for fellow music makers?
JS: Don’t do it! If you’ve got a passion for anything else, do that instead. 
No but really music has been the subject of the highest highs and the lowest lows for me and friends of mine.

BH: Fave thing about Brixton Hill Studios?
JS: OBVS that the staff rock, but mostly because Rudy the Labrador is there sometimes too!!

BH: What’s on the front of your Christmas jumper?
JS: It’s hot pink and has an all seeing eye on it

BH: Who would you play in the Nativity?
JS:I’d be one of the heavenly hosts, swinging around the sky in a big white dress.

BH: Best Christmas song?
JS: Pogues – Fairy tale of New York No matter where I am, I always know Xmas is coming when I hear that song being rolled out.

And the bells are ringing out for Christmas Day!

Festive greetings from all of us at BXHS x
Are you aware Brixton Hill Studios alumni such as Black Midi, Hot Sauce Pony, Scud FM, Ham Legion and more have made a Christmas Album? You can check it out/buy it online, or ask at reception and we’ll sell you a copy. Profits go to Brixton Soup Kitchen.

We hope to see you again soon in the New Year…
Book online – Or call us to book a session 020 8674 3065
Did you know we’ve started hiring backline too? Give us a call to find out more

….And you know about our super cheap weekend evening deals right??

BXHS Xmas Bauble no.4: Death and the Penguin

To mark the festive season, and highlight some of the excellent musicians in our little community at Brixton Hill Studios, we asked a select few artists who rehearse here to be a bauble on our musical Xmas tree by telling us a bit about themselves and answering some Christmassy questions…

Taking their name from a novel by Ukrainian author Andrey Kurkov, Death and the Penguin are purveyors of their own brand of avant-garde alternative rock. The four piece released their debut album, Anomie, in 2018 to critical acclaim from the likes of Alt Dialogue (9/10), Metal Injection (8/10) and Already Heard (4/5). The first release from the album, Kill Saatchi, was described by The Line of Best Fit as having a “perfect equilibrium between disjointed key signatures and catchy instrumentals”. Clash Magazine described the follow up, Colour In Me, as “a devastating bout of avant rock that breaks down barriers into tiny little pieces”.

FFO: At The Drive In, Everything Everything, Minus The Bear

Brixton Hill Studios: What’s your Xmas tipple?
Death And The Penguin: Fireball Whisky. It’s fiery, it’s cinnamony, it’s whisky. What more could you want in a warming xmas drink? Plug: you can get it at Andy’s local, the Cavendish Arms in Stockwell.

BH: Tell us your own musical highlight of 2019 and anything exciting you’ve got coming up in 2020?
DATP: Not really musical, but we had the pleasure of meeting Andrey Kurkov, author of Death and the Penguin, the novel. Not only was he not angry with us for nicking his title, he is a genuine fan of our music and is just a generally lovely person to boot. We had a ‘few’ beers, swapped some merch and are now good mates. Next stop in 2020… Kiev?!

BH: Fave album of 2019?
DATP: For me (Andy) it would have to be Better Oblivion Community Centre’s self-titled (and probably only!) album. The combination of Phoebe Bridgers and Connor Oberst is just gorgeous. 
For something that fits more with the DATP vibe, you should definitely check out Body Hound – No Moon. Heavy instrumental math at its finest. They play all of the notes.

BH: Best gig you went to this year?
DATP: Idles at Glastonbury. Say no more.

BH: Best gig you played this year?
DATP: Portals Festival in June – a yearly celebration of all sorts of weird and wonderful music (math/instrumental/hardcore and more). It was a pleasure to play on the same line up at Mclusky and Three Trapped Tigers and to be surrounded by friendly faces from our little nook of the music world.

BH: Who should we go see in 2020?
DATP: If you get a chance check out instrumental gurus Polymath. Chris has just joined them to make some filthy noises on bari sax and has been touring with them around the UK and europe. 

BH: Best piece of musical advice you’ve ever had?
DATP: Not really advice, but when we first started out and were working with Anthony from Best Before records he said ‘opinions are like assholes: everyone’s got one’. For some reason that’s just stuck with me and is a reassuring philosophy when others don’t necessarily get your ideas

BH: Any tips for fellow music makers?
DATP: Get out to gigs whenever you can, meet people, drink beer. And for fucks sake: be nice.

BH: Fave thing about Brixton Hill Studios?
DATP: The community surrounding it. We’ve met so many lovely people through BXHS. Plus it’s right on our doorstep and the rooms all sound great. Striker!

BH: What’s on the front of your Christmas jumper?
DATP: A badass looking kitty (courtesy of Big Scary Monsters)

BH: Who would you play in the Nativity?
DATP: 3rd sheep (you know, the one who is always trying to ‘baa’ in polyrhythms, his name is probably Kevin, or Keith, I don’t know, they probably never thought this far when casting people)

BH: Best Christmas song?
DATP: Reuben – Christmas is Awesome

Festive greetings from all of us at BXHS x
Are you aware Brixton Hill Studios alumni such as Black Midi, Hot Sauce Pony, Scud FM, Ham Legion and more have made a Christmas Album? You can check it out/buy it online, or ask at reception and we’ll sell you a copy. Profits go to Brixton Soup Kitchen.

We hope to see you again soon in the New Year…
Book online – Or call us to book a session 020 8674 3065
Did you know we’ve started hiring backline too? Give us a call to find out more

….And you know about our super cheap weekend evening deals right??

BXHS XMAS Bauble no.3: Tippa Irie

To mark the festive season, and highlight some of the excellent musicians in our little community at Brixton Hill Studios, we asked a select few artists who rehearse (and work) here to be a bauble on our musical Xmas tree by telling us a bit about themselves and answering some Christmassy questions…

Tippa Irie (bottom row centre) and band in Studio 1

Last year, Tippa Irie celebrated 40 years in the reggae business. Hailing from South London, Tippa has performed around the world during his career. He has made 15 studio albums and had UK chart hits including ‘Shout For The Gunners’ for the Arsenal football team which reached the top 30 in the 90s.

Brixton Hill Studios: What’s your Xmas tipple?
Tippa Irie: Baileys

BH: Tell us your own musical highlight of 2019 and anything exciting you’ve got coming up in 2020?
TI: Playing with musical youth at birmingham university and playing Earth Garden Festival in Malta. Looking forward to going to play in Thailand April 2020

BH: Fave album of 2019?
TI: Rapture by Koffee

BH: Best gig you went to this year?
TI: Bitty McLean at Electric in Brixton

BH: Best gig you played this year?
TI: Earth garden in Malta

BH: Who should we go see in 2020?
TI: Tippa Irie!

BH: Best piece of musical advice you’ve ever had?
TI: Trust no-one

BH: Any tips for fellow music makers?
TI: Work hard.

BH: Fave thing about Brixton Hill Studios?
TI: Nice staff
BH: *blushes*

BH: What’s on the front of your Christmas jumper?
TI: One Love

BH: Who would you play in the Nativity?
TI: Bob Marley

BH: Best Christmas song?
TI: Last Christmas by Wham

Festive greetings from all of us at BXHS x
Are you aware Brixton Hill Studios alumni such as Black Midi, Hot Sauce Pony, Scud FM, Ham Legion and more have made a Christmas Album? You can check it out/buy it online, or ask at reception and we’ll sell you a copy. Profits go to Brixton Soup Kitchen.

We hope to see you again soon in the New Year…
Book online – Or call us to book a session 020 8674 3065
Did you know we’ve started hiring backline too? Give us a call to find out more

….And you know about our super cheap weekend evening deals right??

BXHS Xmas Bauble no.2: Stephen Evens

To mark the festive season, and highlight some of the excellent musicians in our little community at Brixton Hill Studios, we asked a select few artists who rehearse (and work) here to be a bauble on our musical Xmas tree by telling us a bit about themselves and answering some Christmassy questions…

Employer of the month, boss man, Stephen Evens

Brixton Hill Studios: Who the hell do you think you are?
Stephen Evens: I am Stephen. I am the chief cook and bottle washer here at BXHS. I have been a professional drummer in my time.  I like to pretend I’m a pop star called Stephen Evens.

BH: What’s your Xmas tipple?
SE: Booze. Lots of it. It’s Christmas all year round with a bottle of Torres 15 year old Brandy.

BH: What were your highlights of 2019 and what exciting things are in store for you in 2020?
SE: As a professional musician I got to play timpani and percussion as part of Andy Mackay & Phil Manzanera’s Roxymphony.
Band wise I got to tour with the Stephen Evens band and we finished our album “Employee of the Month” which will come out next year, 2020.

BH: Fave album of 2019?
SE: Hurtling “Future From Here”  – peerless.

BH: Best gig you went to this year?
SE: Last night I saw BC Camplight play on a boat in Bristol. He then came to the pub we were drinking in afterwards. My wife made me introduce myself. I think I may have scared him.

BH: Best gig you played this year?
SE: Stephen Evens Band @ The Windmill last November.  Felt like coming home.

BH:Who should we go and see in 2020?
SE:  Loads of ‘em
Jemma Freeman & The Cosmic Something
Roscoe Roscoe
Hurtling
Sgt. Duke
Von Horn
Hot Sauce Pony
Barringtone
Scud FM
The Rt Rev Jennifer Husband
Black Midi
Gabi Garbutt & The Illuminations

BH: Best piece of musical advice you’ve ever had?
SE: Don’t be a dick.

BH: Any tips for fellow music makers?
SE: Be honest in your music making.  Play what’s inside you trying to get out. Don’t be a carbon copy of what you “think” you should be.

BH: Fave thing about Brixton Hill Studios?
SE: The people who run it. My lovely team….and Rudy (studio dog) naturally.

BH: What’s on the front of your Christmas jumper?
SE: Sauce….bit of egg.

BH: What would you play in the Nativity?
SE: Guitar.

BH: Best Christmas song?
SE: Oh man, you are asking the wrong person. I love Christmas SOOOO much. I love all the Christmas songs.  Can I suggest my latest Christmas album purchase instead?
BH: Go on, you are the boss after all. I can’t stop you…sir.
SE: A Charlie Brown Christmas by Vince Guaraldi Trio

Seasons Greetings from all of us at BXHS – FYI we are closed Dec 24th-26th and Jan 1st, and we are closing early on Dec 31st, but we are open for business as usual all the other days of the Christmas.

Are you aware Brixton Hill Studios alumni such as Black Midi, Hot Sauce Pony, Scud FM, Ham Legion and more have made a Christmas Album? You can check it out/buy it online, or ask at reception and we’ll sell you a copy. Profits go to Brixton Soup Kitchen. Xx