Studio & production blog
Read my collection of news, insights and helpful articles, providing tips and advice on a range of recording and music production topics.
Testing Positive by Jo Downing
Alternative Rock EP Testing Positive by Jo DowningFrom lockdown to launch! During the first lockdown in 2020, Jo Downing attended the Unlock Your Song songwriting course led by James, where she wrote the song, "The New World". Following on from that, Jo approached us...
How artists and bands can make the most of the pandemic recovery in 2021
If music is your livelihood or if performing is one of your greatest pleasures, then the last 18 months is bound to have been tough. Professional performers particularly have made difficult decisions. We’ve seen deeply talented colleagues at the top of their game...
Mix engineer for artist Polly Paulusma
Mix engineer for artist Polly Paulusma Mixing 24 folk songs and 'Invisible Music'Polly Paulusma is a brilliant recording artist, songwriter and literary scholar The relationship with Polly started in 2018 when we began collaboration on a 24-track slow-release album,...
Covers band recording in studio
Covers band recording in the studio Blemish of Gravity rocks up to recordWe sound so much better than I could ever have imagined. We're only a covers band and there are hundreds of us vying to get better recognition, but this has given us such a boost. I can't thank...
Missing People Choir’s hauntingly beautiful original song for everyone who is missing someone
Missing People Choir's hauntingly beautiful original song for everyone who is missing someone close to themI sing my heart out for my boy. I can't talk to him, but I sing, I sing to him all the time with the choir.since BGT 2017 five missing people have come home or...
How to make the best virtual choir recording
Over the past 15 months we’ve survived remote teaching and overcome the technical obstacles of Zoom lag and silent singers, now let's look at concerts and how to make the best virtual choir recordings.One of the better outcomes of the pandemic is the strides we've...
How to save money in the recording studio
Are you looking to produce your music professionally on a budget? Here's my essential guide to save money in the recording studio, and get the best results. Songwriters, artists and bands often get started by recording their own music at home. However, they may...
Spine-tingling arrangement of ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’
A lush arrangement for SAATTB voice perfect for choir and vocal groups I arranged the song for my amateur Eclipse Choir and we recorded in it Abbey Road Studios. I'm proud of how rich it sounds and I think a lot of vocal groups and choirs will embrace it too. The...
How do you know if your song is ready to record? Let’s look at pre-production and arrangements
You've written some songs, how do you decide if you're ready for the studio? You’ve taken the time to craft your songs, maybe with a group, maybe as a solo artist. Now you’re looking to make a recording, be it a single, an EP or even an album.This article looks at the...
My lovely arrangement of Fix You for choirs and vocal groups
I arranged Fix You by Coldplay for our online choir during lockdown, and it got the best reaction by far. I've now published the sheet music for piano and SATB voices. It's available to purchase from Sheet Music Plus. A complete teaching resource pack, including...
