RIP Analogue Recordings
Tape runs out for analogue recordings as studio shuts its doors.
Analogue, the Doncaster studio with a firm DIY, anti-digital ethos, closed this autumn after two years recording many of the area’s best bands.
Its founders, recording engineer Darren Feris (ex-Beachbuggy) and keen music enthusiast Jamie Little, recorded exclusively with vintage equipment onto tape. “We are both very passionate about music,” said Feris, “and wanted to give Doncaster an all-analogue studio, recording bands live with the minimum of overdubs and effects.”
Since summer 2006…The Alyscamps, Guy Honeymoon, Little Mono, Unexploded Shells, Rocket Dog, Skullbone, The Three Torches, The Listeners, Walker, The Fontanelles and more recorded at the Hexthorpe studio.
Lo-fi rockers OFM, recording their album due for release in early 2009, were the final band to visit. Singer/guitarist Ben Lindley said: “Analogue’s closure is a real loss to the music scene. Darren’s hard work, expertise and knowledge is incredible. It was the most enjoyable recording experience we’ve had and the album sounds ace.”
“I’m proud of all the recordings we made,” said Darren, “but the Three Torches sessions stand out as always being fun. I used loads of geeky microphone techniques on the OFM record and it sounds great.”
Analogue Control Room
Feris and Little ran Analogue in their spare time and charged only for a contribution towards rent and tape costs. Amazingly, not enough struggling musicians took this remarkable opportunity. “It became more of a practice room than a studio,” explained Feris, “and I wanted to concentrate on the recording side.”
Fortunately the spirit of Analogue will live on. “I’m now a freelance recording engineer at Higher Rhythm,” said Feris. “It’s a great studio and just keeps getting better thanks to the manager, Steve Mundin.
“I don’t regret opening Analogue though. It’s been great working with the bands and making new friends, and hopefully I’ll be recording more bands in future.”
John Fell
Hotlinks:
Analogue Recordings Myspace
OFM Myspace
Higher Rhythm Website
