28/05/07
Another long break between news items I'm afraid! Well there's not really anything new to report. Been away a lot over the last few months, both playing and holidaying. Plenty recording which is making good use of all the new equipment. Good luck to Craig Chalmers who is a regular face recording here. Hope you become the new Joseph for "Any Dream Will Do" on BBC1. Other bands who've been in recording include The Rezillos, Nitrogen Sky and of course Modus who's new album is just being mixed. OK, will sign off just now and finally look at this new site that will go live in about 10 years time judging by my past history on this one! (Yes that was what I said last time!)
25/01/07
Dear dear I am rubbish at this news lark. Happy New Year from us. I hope you all had a fantastic time, I know I did.
Been recording loads with the (most excellent) 2nd Lazyhand album just complete, the new Modus album just really awaiting backing vocals, horns and strings. Lots of smaller projects been on the go too so really haven't had time to update this. In fact I only thought about it as I had sat down to look at what the new site should have in it. Will be very groovy! Everything else is ticking over nicely with more bands than even rehearsing which was surprising over the usually quieter Christmas period. Thanks to you all for your continued support. OK, will sign off just now and look at this new site that will go live in about 10 years time judging by my past history on this one!
21/10/06
Oh dear, once again I've neglected the web site for too long and had my wrists slapped by Leslie Anne, our studio glamour girl! Well usual reasons, been away touring and playing a lot and when I have been in the studio we've been recording shed loads. Currently doing a big album project for the COSY organisation which is taking up most of the time up until the end of October then Modus start recording their 2nd (however some might say their first proper) album. There are a few odd dates between now and November but not a lot. If you are interested at all, pop in and see the place and hear for yourself why the place is so busy. You'll be most pleasantly surprised at the cost too! Rehearsal wise the place has been buzzing with new bands and new permutations. Hello to all and thank you for your custom. We're glad to see you're enjoying the facilities and bringing your friends along. Hello and thank you to the old regulars some of whom have been coming for over 4 years! Improvements have been going on through the summer with a fresh coat of paint throughout, new lines (with extra wide spaces) in the car park, new acoustic panels in the rooms and lots of nice new shiny microphones. OK, am off to continue mixing but a big shout out to Lazyhand who are enjoying a huge flush of success after recording their album here, hello to The Rezillos, still Top of the Pops and off touring Spain and big up to Modus who have done some storming gigs throughout Spain, Italy and elsewhere over the summer. It'll probably take me a good few months before I get round to updating this again but just call for more info or check out our MySpace site which Lesley Anne very kindly administers.
12/04/06
The TASCAM rep came to commission the studio's new main desk, a DM3200. One amazing machine. Preliminary tests suggest a marked improvement over the old TASCAM desk and the Yamaha we used to use. Recording at over DVD quality this should be heard to be believed. Unfortunately won't get much chance to play with the new desk for the next wee while as I'm off abroad playing Hammond but when I'm back there are a couple of projects ready and my own band will be catching up on some much needed recording.
29/03/06
New pc came and really has to be seen to be believed. Wow! The big and bright rehearsal room is being acoustically treated as it is just a little too bright so anyone who commented can try it again and see what they think. At present and for the rest of the year (and into next year!), weekends are booked up for recording so if you're after some top class recording, please think about weekdays. Rehearsal wise, Tuesday and Wednesday nights are chocca so if you're a new band thinking of rehearsing at The Groove Tunnel, please consider another night or the weekend. If you already rehearse here and you introduce a new band, your band and the band you introduce can get a free rehearsal to try out the place. New bands can also get a recording of their rehearsal presented on cd if they mention they saw this little news snippet! OK, need to go as busy as ever. Hello to "The Rezillos" who are back rehearsing and don't miss "Modus" if you like great music.
15/02/06
New pc coming which is the most powerful thing that's come out of any specialist audio pc supplier. Should be here in a couple of weeks and apparently has more power than NASA used for all the moon landings!
17/01/06
Happy new year to you all! As always I let this go well out of date and once again apologise. Been a hectic 2nd half of the year with a load of recording on ranging from individuals (some of the Pop Idol camp) to rock bands and punk bands to small orchestras. Welcomed on board for the end of the year have been Shawn, Ewan and the lovely Lesley Ann. A fine Christmas Night Out we had around Edinburgh on the 23rd. Sadly missed are Craig and David whom both went to London to further their musical careers. Good luck to you guys! Wednesdays seem to be the busiest night of the week these days so if you're thinking of rehearsing, can we suggest any other night. There are spaces available at the weekend too if that suits you better. As always, the best thing to do is just pop in and see the place for yourself.
7/07/05
Just thought I'd give you a quick update as I've discovered a problem with my Email which suggests I've not been receiving some. If you've emailed and not had a reply, please resend to groovetunnel@btconnect.com and we'll get back to you asap. This was an interesting week with a surprise call from the band "One Giant Leap" who wowed the crowds at Live 8 in Murrayfield. With the Groove Tunnel being recommended to them they'd called for a last rehearsal before the big gig. Tuesday saw Scottish legends, "The Rezillos" in who were also doing a Live 8 benefit gig and Friday saw one of the best gigs yet for Edinburgh soul popsters, "Modus" and Craig's band, The Pheremones who played with Shawn Ryder at The Liquid Room. Several of the bands who record here including Modus, Nitrogen Sky and The Phermones also saw commercial releases of their music this week, which was nice.
I don't have any photos of the new side of the studio but if you'd like to see some just Email and I'll send them to you. Good luck to the Groove Tunnel bands who are playing at T In The Park and I hope everyone else enjoys it.
20/06/05
Finally! I've worked out how to update this from my office in the new side of the Groove Tunnel. Being a musician firstly, pottering about with PCs isn't my strong point! Apologies again for not keeping this up to date but it's been so hectic what with the new side of the building being built and fitted out and the continuing work with various bands and my own band "Modus" who have themselves been recording a lot of busy. The new side then? Well, there's a "proper" recording studio now, another rehearsal room (mainly for my band but also for some of my favourite bands that come in), a kitchen (handy for the bands that are in for longer periods), another toilet, storage facilities, office and reception area. The recording studio consists of a very nicely fitted and comfortable control room looking onto a purpose built live room with lovely acoustics. This itself looks onto another large room which has points in the wall to plug through to 3 other isolation areas. Ideal for recording bands live to ensure they can all see each other to get that edge but while still providing excellent separation. The whole place is nice and clean which has already proven a hit with some of the more discerning artists. While the recording space has been well planned and built according to our specific needs, the recording equipment hasn't been forgotten about and a Tascam TM-D8000 desk brought in to handle all the mixing. Please feel free to ask for a listen to some of the stuff we've recorded to hear for yourself what we're capable of. Other than that, there's a new private car park been built specifically to cater for Groove Tunnel clients. This is located directly in front of the building and if that fills up there is parking beside and behind the building. All parking is free. Give us a phone if you need directions or get a number 37 bus from Princes Street to come past us. OK, I need to go now and get on with some recording but I do hope to see you very, very soon. Rod
01/04/04
Oops, just realised I haven't been keeping this up to date of late. Excuses this time include extensive work going on next door in the studio to improve the recording facilities and provide another 2 rehearsal rooms as well as a games room. Details will be released shortly but in the meantime, trust me it will be cool! In recording over the last period have been "The Last Band" with their excellent E.P., also a fantastic and totally authentic Brazilian band which I can't pronounce or type. Other oddities this month include some bagpipe music which was extremely uplifting, a Christmas single from "Mr Barking" which involved a load of kids singing as well as the colourful character himself, this is really catchy and will do great things during the festive season, watch out for it! Also some piano and fiddle music which was very haunting. Singing sensation Stevie Binnie was in doing some tracks along with Rob Thomas furthering his Pop Idol thang. "Lost Little Groove" who came in for some remixing. With the success of the Pop Parties continuing to give kids of all ages the chance to be a pop star for a while, other (band!) recording has had to move to 9 to 5 on weekdays. This will change when the studio is finished next door when we will be able to record in the evenings and a little more at weekends. Rehearsals can also recommence on a Saturday. For more information on the Pop Parties, go to www.pop-party.com.
Hello to old friends and fellow Hammond bothering band, "The Boogaloo Investigators" who have been in rehearsing with their new bass player, Tony. See you in Europe guys! After Sunday that is. Check this band out, well worth it. I personally have also been very busy with my band "Modus", working on new material, rehearsing for big gigs coming up and starting recording our first "proper" album. Also been working on another very exciting project which will be announced next month. I'm off to Italy for Easter but the studio will be capably managed by Craig with help from my sister Fiona and her boyfriend, Robert and new man to the studio, Andy Lainson, singer with the excellent young hopefulls, "The Lease".
20/01/04
Finally my own band "Modus" gets it act together and presents 2 gigs in February. These are at Bannermans (corner of Niddrie Street and The Cowgate, Edinburgh) on Friday 6th February and "Sara's 30th Birthday Bash" at The Cellar Bar (Chamber Street, Edinburgh) on Saturday 7th February (afternoon sesh, we're on at 3.30pm!). Hope to see some of you along for a beer and a laugh!
07/01/04
Happy New Year to everyone, I hope you have a prosperous, healthy and musically rewarding year! After a bit of a wild festive season, it's back to "work" and the realisation I haven't updated this again for some time. Usual excuse, very busy but here's some news in case you think I'm still sleeping. Rehearsals continue happily with a number of new bands joining and being welcomed into the Groove Tunnel fold. Recording at the Groove Tunnel over the last couple of months have been the young but musically ahead of their years, "The Lease", the weird but strangely addictive, "Namic" and the rocking "Hi Fidelity" to name some of my favourites. Jed Murray has been in tidying up recordings for his excellent Elvis Las Vegas Tribute act. This is well worth seeing, not only does he brilliantly capture Elvis during his Las Vegas years but also cleverly performs a number of other songs never done by Elvis which is truly sensational! Look out for this act as it's well worth catching!
01/12/03
Hello to everyone, I missed out any news last month as I'd been extremely busy producing a number of bands and also arranging music for Knox Radio. On the commercial front, I was given the opportunity to work with an old friend, Mark McDonnell (BBC1, BBC2, Velvet Soup etc - I produced his band "The Shrimptons", single some years ago) on some excellent voice over work. Last week was extremely busy as Wolfstone were in and I was finishing mixing some audio for an advertising agency. Kirsty Baird finished her new CD and that should be available in shops, on the internet and at her gigs, see www.musicroomproductions.com for further details. The Groove Tunnel Christmas bash is at Jongleurs nightclub so please do come up and say hello if you see us and we'll buy you a drink! I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Have fun, enjoy yourselves and see you next year.
01/10/03
Hello all, I've been a bit busy recently with work and my birthday a few weeks ago and so I've neglected to update this of late, however, here we go. Firstly, The Groove Tunnel welcomes a new addition to our family this month with Craig Hendry coming to join us. As well as taking care of rehearsals, Craig who is a sound engineering student will also be handling some recording and has already been involved with the latest set of recordings from catchy rock/metal outfit, "Vantage Point". Also recording at the Groove Tunnel over the last couple of months have been the final offering from the now sadly deceased UK Punk legends, "The New Town Grunts", a Jam tribute band, the critically acclaimed and well received debut offering from "Paco Zeus" and further tracks for the continuing genius that is "Kirsty Baird". We've also recorded drum tracks for "Jetset" and "Skyline" as well as recordings for "The Barricades", "The Big Project" and demos for the forthcoming 2nd (or 1st proper!) album by super cool Edinburgh stars "Modus". The core business of band rehearsals continues with an influx of new bands who replace some of the old faces who had or were starting to attract record company interest but have sadly decided to call it a day. Good luck in all your future endeavours chaps, you'll be sadly missed. On a better note, "The Thing Upstairs" who recently recorded their "Lose" single at The Groove Tunnel, got an airing at Manchester United's "Old Trafford" ground. Well done guys! The Pop Parties continue to give kids of all ages the chance to be a pop star for a while and have given rise to a number of copies around the country with those running at The Groove Tunnel continuing to be the original and the best. For more information, go to www.pop-party.com. That's all folks! Enjoy all your musical endeavours and wrap up warm!
31/7/03
Hello, a couple of months has passed since I last wrote anything as I was out of action for a few weeks after being in hospital for an operation then went to Italy (Tuscany) for a few weeks. Since coming back the studio has been busy with bands rehearsing and a fair bit of recording for both bands and individual acts. Today's extremely busy and includes an early start as Wolfstone are in for an all day rehearsal along with some other bands and Kirsty Baird in mixing some of her excellent solo stuff. If you're looking to get into The Groove Tunnel for rehearsing, please note that Wednesday and Thursday are the busiest days and Friday and Sunday are the least busiest. Nothing much else to say except enjoy all your musical endeavours and have a great summer!
1/6/03
Hello, as I write this we're being treated to another fine day (the first since I wrote last months news I think!). I'm off today but have spent the last few weeks doing a lot of remixing for bands and music for a program on Corvettes for American T.V. so a trip to the piccies is in order. Groove Tunnel was on the T.V. again on Wednesday there (S.T.V. 10.30pm). Which was nice. Musical Momento's "Pop Parties" are taking off a treat and Saturdays are booked up well into the end of the year. This of course means that band recording is now only taking place Monday to Friday (during the day) although mixing can take place any time. Of course considering the extemely low rates for recording at The Groove Tunnel, this shouldn't put anyone off. Please do bear in mind however if you are looking to record in the near future. Bands rehearsing at The Groove Tunnel who are enjoying some success now include Paco Zeus who were filmed at The Groove Tunnel and broadcast on S.T.V. and Grampian last week. Modus have had several publishing companies sniffing around and of course Baltic continue their world domination with gigs around the country. I'll not be around for a few weeks now as the rock'n'roll lifestyle I led in the 80's and 90's finally caught up with me and I'm off for a stomach op (remember kids, it's not big and it's not clever!). Simon will be taking over the show for a bit along with Douglas and Eileen and I'll be back soon. Enjoy June!
1/5/03
Hello to you , I hope you're enjoying the start of summer or at least the few sunny days we had! The last few weeks has seen The Groove Tunnel on the T.V. a number of times and even an appearance on BBC 2's "Newsnight" showing me producing the first of a number of recordings made by Margo MacDonald S.M.P. for her election campaign. Click here for photo! The Groove Tunnel's facilities were upgraded to provide full video editing facilities and DVD production. Please contact me for full details. Tonight will see me DJing at "The Thirteenth Floor" at Club Ego, Picardy Place, Edinburgh playing some cool Hammond driven sounds. If you're interested in coming along, get in touch.
9/4/03
Hello to you, it’s been another busy period. I've been making more improvements to my Groove Tunnel rehearsal/recording complex in Loanhead and doing a lot of production for bands. On Tuesday I had the pleasure of a surprise visit from Margo McDonald S.M.P. and a film crew from Scottish Television. They had come to film material for a forthcoming documentary and focussed on the studio and the Pop Parties which are hosted here. The band, "Paco Zeus" were in rehearsing and were lucky enough to be interviewed by Margo - see them soon on Grampian and S.T.V. Saturday was a good night as I was involved in the final of the DIG (Disablement Income Group) charity finals of their Karaoke competition. This was an excellent night with great entertainment from the Karaoke finalists and much fun had round the table. At our table we had the pleasure of sitting with Margo McDonald S.M.P., Eileen Stevenson (Pop Party Ltd), Grant Stott (Radio Forth and BBC Scotland) and Andy Gray (Chancer from Rab C Nesbit amongst other T.V. roles). (Click on the names for some photos). Musically I have been mainly producing bands, including acclaimed an E.P. for Punk band, "Scum" which led them to a Stateside record deal and pushed a number of other Punk/Rock/Metal bands my way for a similar treatment. Other bands include the "Modus" album which has caused a stir in some areas of the music world. Unfortunately, the drummer's departure has ensured this couldn't be capitalised on and most of the forthcoming projects have been postponed.
Works in progress include an album for rock band, "Vantage Point" (who are in need of a drummer if anyone is interested), a single for "Prose" just prior to their Swedish festival gigs, an E.P. for excellent Ian Dury tribute band, "Reasons To Be Cheerful" and 4 songs for R'n'B/Blues outfit, "The Belgranos". Proving to be a great success since their launch at the beginning of the year are the "Pop Parties" run by Eileen of Pop Party Ltd. These give kids of any age the opportunity to have a party with a difference where they are treated like a star and leave with a CD of themselves and friends singing whichever songs they choose. For more information, go to www.pop-party.com.
As an aside, The Groove Tunnel doesn't just cater for bands rehearsing and recording but also performs other tasks such as all kinds of audio editing, putting vinyl onto CD (with appropriate audio cleaning), preparing backing tracks for vocalists and mobile recording for bands wanting either gigs recorded or recording done in an environment of their choice. Basic video work can also be undertaken for band demo videos or just editing of your favourite family moments! If it involved music or video, just ask!
One of the most wide reaching things I've done recently, other than an advert for top life assurance company "Standard Life", is some music for the book "Creative After Effects 5" (Focal Press - ISBN 0 240 51622 2) which has received much international acclaim. The book is a manual on the Adobe (of Photoshop fame) product which provides animation, motion graphics and visual effects production for TV, Video and Film production companies.
I provided music for the example clips. If you're interested in learning more, there is a website at:
www.adobe.co.uk/motion/gallery/taylor/main.html
So there we are, that's what I've been up to. I hope you've been enjoying a busy time yourself with accompanying success. Enjoy the clips and I hope to provide a lot more for you in the coming months.
Take care!
Comments