UP CLOSE : Who wants to be in the band - Volunteers needed for this special space
By Susie Watkins
23rd Apr 2021 | Local News
Although it is bang in the centre of Midsomer, lots of people walk on by without realising there is a fully equipped recording studio and band space as part of this big charity shop.
The Sounds studio offers locals a chance to get the band back together (once coronavirus rules are relaxed) for jamming sessions.
They can also cut a record for you, all for a very modest price. It is because the whole operation is run as a charity. They operate on a shoe string, and so the manager is hoping that he can find some willing volunteers to help support the venture. The P.E.O.P.L.E charity (Providing Ex Offenders Positive Learning Environments) was formed in 2002 and offers help and support to low risk ex offenders that have recently left prison. PEOPLE, is almost entirely self funding, although in the past Radstock Town Council has given it support. But having to rely on limited money from the charity shop it runs, and the peppercorn rents for the studio which has been closed under coronavirus, means that they are not really hitting the big time. So they could do with some help. Studio Manager Tymon Emery a former Writhlington School pupil told Nub News: " We have been here for about eight or nine years now.There is a huge sign outside which you cant really miss, but people still do and say they didn't know we were here. "
The band area and recording studio are in the PEOPLE shop, with all the second hand sales of clothes, furniture and bric a brac, being re-invested back into the work the charity does. But it is still a big financial struggle.
So they could do with finding the next big band, or perhaps getting a visit from a massive music name.
It is pretty much an open door (or will be when coronavirus restrictions are lifted) for bands to practice in or get together to write music, but they also offering the ability to record tracks with a Tascam multi recording system, three mixers.
It depends on how much work involved, but seems pretty good value.
" We used to work with the Sirona mental health charity and we still can offer a space for anyone who wants to learn to play guitar or try out the drums. All here. Whatever a musician wants. "
The prices are modest, £5 for a half hour, £10 for two hours and while studio rates vary depending on how much mixing work is done.
So have they had any stars in here?
Ty tells Nub News: " No - just me ! I have always played guitar, since I was eight or nine, play bass a little bit, play drums a little bit. But I am not a superstar.
" This all started because we saw a need for a practice space in Midsomer Norton just because there wasn't one, so we set one up. But it has not picked up as much as we might have hoped.
" We have had all kinds of people, and it is popular with those who have used it, but we need more musicians to use us, and help with promotion.
"And of course coronavirus came along and that had a huge impact on us. So we had to close up and we have had nothing in it since the first lockdown. We are hoping we can re-open as soon as we are able." If you can help by volunteering you can contact the team by visiting the shop during opening hours.
New midsomernorton Jobs Section Launched!!
Vacancies updated hourly!!
Click here: midsomernorton jobs
Share:
