Harbour Music Studios is a 1,500 sq ft, professional recording facility located in the picturesque village of Battlesbridge, Essex. Owned and managed by Gary Edwards, a performer and engineer who has worked with major artists including Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden), Alison Moyet and Depeche Mode, the studios were relocated and rebuilt from scratch five years ago, to provide a space capable of accommodating projects of any size.
Gary told us, “The live room here has been acoustically treated and is large enough to host a 50-piece choir. We have acoustic screens and panels that can be arranged according to each project’s needs, depending on the separation between instruments or room reflections desired. The control room offers direct line of sight through a large window into the live room. This space alone is big enough for a complete band to work in! There is also a relaxation area next to the control room with another large viewing window providing seating for up to 15 people, and which can be used as an extra isolation room if necessary. We also offer a well–equipped kitchen at the back of the premises for our clients’ use.”
At the heart of the studio is an Audient ASP8024, 48 channel analogue console, previously owned by Kore Studios, London. Gary continued, “This console, combined with a top of the range Mac Pro computer running Logic Pro 9, superb plug-ins for mixing and mastering, approximately 30 microphones (including Neumann, Shure, and AKG) and some great outboard, facilitates recording of multiple sources simultaneously, including large ensembles, through some of the highest quality preamps and EQs on the market.†Full equipment list here.
Gary explained, “Our aim is simple: we want to provide a fantastic recording space for both up-and-coming and established artists at sensible, affordable prices. All tracks, regardless of budget, receive the team’s utmost care and attention until everyone is happy with the final product.†In fact, there are no hidden charges when recording at Harbour Studios as all fees include engineer and production advice with all tracks recorded in-house offered free-of-charge mixing.
Harbour’s highly experienced in-house producer and engineer, Ed Cook, is well-versed in recording a wide variety of styles and genres including: folk, rock, metal, classical and pop. He has has worked with many up-and-coming bands all over the south east of England with the recent Oka Vanga album ‘Pilgrim’ going on to win Album of the Year at the 2014 FATEA Awards. Other clients include a number of TV companies and brands (E4, AppCampus, Sky TV and Channel 4) for whom the studios have created bespoke sound design, theme music and audio identities. For a definitive list of artists and examples of work recorded at Harbour check out their Clients page.
As if there wasn’t already enough happening at the studios with recording, mixing, mastering, production and rehearsals, Gary and Ed have also just launched an in-house record company, Carnaby Street Records, which has so far signed three artists, all of whom are currently recording albums ready for release later in the year.
Harbour Music Studios is easily accessible for anyone based in the South East of England. Central London is less than an hour away and there are good road and public transport links to Kent and across Essex. A great location next to the river also makes them an ideal choice for photo and video shoots, and there is a selection of cafes and discounted riverside accommodation available for studio clients within easy walking distance of the facility if required.
For further information or to make an enquiry about booking the studios please contact Gary via Harbour Music Studios’ listing here.
