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.
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: 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.
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??
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: 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!
Follow Gabi Garbutt and the Illuminations on facebook & twitter
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??
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??
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
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??
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: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
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…
As the singer with Carter The Unstoppable Sex Machine, Jim Bob had 14 top 40 singles, a number one album and headlined Glastonbury. He has made about a million solo records and published five books. He likes crisps and animals with long noses.
Brixton Hill Studios:What’s your Xmas tipple? Jim Bob: Prosecco/Coca Cola in a glass bottle
BH:What exciting things are in store for you in 2020? JB: A new novel, ‘A Godawful Small Affair’ published in March, then recording an album and planning some big live shows.
BH:Fave album of 2019? JB: ‘Dogrel’ by Fontaines D.C.
BH:Best gig you went to this year? JB: Better Oblivion Community Center at Shepherd’s Bush Empire
BH:Best gig you played this year? JB: Glasgow Art School in October
Jim Bob – Dream Come True
BH:Who should we go and see in 2020? JB:Hurtling
BH:Best piece of musical advice you’ve ever had? JB: ‘Whatever a group is, it was the chemical mixture of those four people that makes a group work. That’s a lesson everyone should learn, Don’t mess with it. If it works just let it. Do whatever you have to do to bring it forward but don’t mess with it’ – Joe Strummer
BH:Any tips for fellow music makers? JB: Be nice to everyone but trust no one.
BH: Fave thing about Brixton Hill Studios? JB: In a lot of rehearsal studios I’ve felt as though I’m inconveniencing the staff by booking a room and turning up and paying for it. I feel more welcome at Brixton Hill Studios. I don’t feel guilty about spoiling everyone’s day by rehearsing there or asking for another microphone lead. Also: parking and no stairs.
BH:What’s on the front of your Christmas jumper? JB: It’s either a plain green jumper or the picture has fallen off.
BH:Who would you play in the Nativity? JB: I’ve always fancied myself as a shepherd. Or Mary.
BH:Best Christmas song? JB: ‘Goodbye England (Covered In Snow)’ by Laura Marling
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??
