2020 isn’t likely to have been a great year for many businesses. We've used this time to try and work out how to go into 2021 with a business plan that keeps us surviving, making great records and producing all sorts of creative audio projects. We’re going to be talking about everything in more detail over the next couple of months as there's too much to go into in one post. The big news we’ve been itching to tell people is that our studio is moving to an exciting new home.
First up, indulge us in a little nostalgia trip down memory lane. Me (Robin) and Rich took over The Hive Recording Studio in 2006 and relaunched as Snug Recording Co in early 2007. Before The Hive, the building was Claustrophobia Studios. So this little pile of bricks has been serving The Midlands music scene for most of my lifetime.
The Hive
2006
We'd both worked at The Hive for a few years for Julian Berry, who ran it at the time. Julian was a great mentor and gave us a rare opportunity to learn, work and engage with most of the day to day running of the studio. In that time we learnt some of the most valuable lessons you can learn in recording (hint - getting on with people is probably more important than what microphone you used) and made working relationships with people that became good friendships over the almost 18yrs we've been recording here.
a few images from when we first took over and refurbished
Since taking the studio over, we've been able to invest in the building, equipment and our skills. We've built something that we're very, very proud of. Our time here has seen us work with well over 1000 bands, artists and businesses on their releases, demos, live sessions, videos, podcasts, art installations and a variety of other sometimes weird, but always wonderful projects.
We have, however, felt for a few years that we've taken things as far as we can in this space, but finding a new home that could be suitable for our work is tough. It takes a significant investment to make a flexible recording and mixing studio from scratch. It's also no surprise that this year has seen a huge impact on our income. Impending doom and ongoing gloom aside, we're happy to have found a solution and are very excited about the future.
From next year, we're going to be embarking on a new chapter and joining forces with the wonderful JT Soar, just up the A52 in central Nottingham. JT Soar for anyone that doesn't know, is a studio, rehearsal space and DIY Venue run by producer and engineer, Phil Booth. Over this year, the studio has had a major renovation and we'll be working alongside Phil to create a well appointed facility, based around all the best instruments, gear and recording systems from our respective collections. We'll make sure to post about more of that stuff over the coming months. I can say right now that there are a few choice pieces that we are VERY excited about.
Sauna Youth playing in the JT Soar Venue. Photograph: Shaun Gordon
We will still be keeping the Snug brand and offering the same level of service - just with a bit more gear to play with, a bit more space to do it in and in a vibrant spot full of great places to grab food and take breaks from the recording process (there is even a city farm 5 minutes walk from JT Soar - if you've ever wished you could take a goat feeding break!). Phil will still be working with his own clients too and changes for regulars at JT Soar will also be minimal (again, he'll just have more gear to make his records with).
An in-progress shot of the new JT Soar control room construction work which took place through the Covid-ridden summer months
So, keep checking back here and on social media for more news as it comes. If you have a project you're looking to work on over the next couple of months, get in touch. We have some availability left before we have to shut things down for a while to concentrate on the big move. Let's make a few last, great records to see the old bricks and mortar off.
Please help us to spread the word by sharing this post, following us on Instagram or Facebook and letting others know if you've enjoyed working with us in the past. Our gratitude goes out to all of those that we've worked with here. Without all of you, we wouldn't be able to move into this new chapter and we can’t wait to welcome you into what we know is going to be an amazing creative space for you all.