Ethos
Walker
Combe
Studios
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An atmosphere of emotional safety and openness creates the space to make music and engage the creative process.
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Feeling free to spend time cultivating your ideas and exploring without feeling rushed or pressured.
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​I have found that the key to getting amazing performances out of people is about them feeling relaxed, safe, excited, connected and present. This is more important than any microphone, mixing desk or amp.
“All that matters is that you are making something you love, to the best of your ability, here and now.” - Rick Rubin
Why build a studio?
I saw a need for a creative space where people could take the time to craft music the way old records used to be made. With less and less money in the music industry I realised there were people who wanted to spend weeks or months exploring and creating their art, but they could only afford a few days at a studio.
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I realised with clever gear choices that I could make a space where you would get a high end studio quality of sound inside the budget of a singer songwriter, local band or indie label. By keeping the overheads low this means people get to spend much longer at the studio, eliminating the feeling of being under time pressure to perform. The most regular comment in the studio is how people sing differently here because they're so relaxed.
Who is it for?
This is not an exclusive place. The best musicians spend time with grassroots musicians. If you're not building a platform and making space for the people growing up behind you what is the point of doing what you love? All are welcome.
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We are trauma informed (not a therapist... I've been walking my own healing journey), LGBTQIA+ friendly and a safe space for ethnic minorities. We want to give opportunities to people who are massively under-represented in the music industry. If you know people who want to learn how to record or produce please put them in contact with me and I'd love to give them space and opportunity. If you wish to speak with people I have worked with before working with me I am happy to provide references. You are also welcome to bring a friend or family member when you first start working here so you feel safe and relaxed.
What's my background?
I was classically trained from the age of 5 until graduating from the University of Southampton where I had specialised in studio skills and commercial composition. I gave up music as soon as I left university as I had so much pain from how I was taught music. My journey back started with some great friends who asked me to play bass in their band. I realised how much I loved music when it was free and open without rules and the pitfalls of classical music.
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I bought my first recording set up about 14 years ago and taught myself how to record at home with none of the benefits of a studio. I built vocal booths out of mattresses, put amps in cupboards under-stairs filled with cushions. I had friends let me record drums in a church building for amazing room sound.
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Who do I work with?
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For me the biggest joy I get from doing this is watching people go on their journey and take massive risks. I love whatever part I get to play in that journey, helping them make their music happen in the studio or on stage at a festival or at an open mic night with 10 people and 3 dogs. Music isn't about the thing you make, it's the emotional connection to what to want to say and how you want to try to say it.
Who inspires me?
I have two main influences on my approach to making music and creating. Rick Rubin and Steve Albini.
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I would encourage anyone trying to create anything to read Rick's incredible book "The Creative Act - A Way of Being". His non-judgemental, open and curious attitude has helped with my own journey. Listening to Rick's podcast helped support me as I was going further with my own creative journey.
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“A river of material flows through us. When we share our works and our ideas, they are replenished. If we block the flow by holding them all inside, the river cannot run and new ideas are slow to appear.
In the abundant mindset, the river never runs dry. Ideas are always coming through. And an artist is free to release them with the faith that more will arrive.
If we live in a mindset of scarcity, we hoard great ideas.”
― Rick Rubin, The Creative Act: A Way of Being
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“Oscar Wilde said that some things are too important to be taken seriously. Art is one of those things. Setting the bar low, especially to get started, frees you to play, explore, and test without attachment to results.”
― Rick Rubin, The Creative Act: A Way of Being
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Steve Albini's approach to how to capture the sound of a band really confirmed my own thoughts on what to prioritise as a producer / engineer. His aim was to always prioritise the artist's vision for their music over any thoughts or opinions he might have. He wanted to find what was most interesting and most often he would find music most interesting when it was as close to the original vision as possible. His job was to capture the moment and make it sound real. RIP Steve, thanks for your wisdom.
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My approach to production is to always serve the song and the artist. If I have an idea I will always offer it expecting it to be refused but always stoked if it helps to bring something to a song.
