A Wonderful 2024 at Astar Studios – Manchester’s Premier Recording Studio

As 2024 comes to an end, we’re reflecting on an incredible year here at Astar Studios, one of the best recording studios in Manchester. It’s been an honour to work with so many talented artists and bands, helping to craft music that truly stands out. From emerging local talent to seasoned professionals, every project has been a rewarding experience. To all the musicians I’ve been fortunate to produce this year—thank you for making Astar Studios your creative home.

On behalf of everyone at Astar Studios, I’d like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We hope the festive season brings you joy, inspiration, and the perfect chance to recharge for an even better 2025.

Struggling to Find the Perfect Christmas Present?

If you’re searching for a unique Christmas present or Xmas gift for the music lover in your life, look no further than our Astar Studio Vouchers. These are an ideal choice for anyone passionate about music—whether they dream of recording in a professional Manchester recording studio or want to enjoy a singing experience voucher in one of the best recording studios in Manchester.

Whether they’re a budding singer, a songwriter looking to bring their ideas to life, or simply someone who’d love to experience the thrill of working in a professional recording environment, our studio vouchers offer something truly special.

How to Purchase

Purchasing a voucher is simple! Just email andy@astarstudios.com, and we’ll help you arrange the perfect gift. Give the gift of creativity this Christmas and make it a festive season to remember.

Thank you for making 2024 such a special year at Astar Studios. We can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store. Here’s to creating more incredible music in the heart of Manchester!

Warm regards,

Andy & the Astar Studios Team

A Wonderful 2024 at Astar Studios
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Astar Studios based in Manchester, have teamed up with Liverpool Venue Jimmy’s, Video company Vision4Dreams and Radio, Press and PR company Pufferfish Press to offer the ultimate giveaway.

For your chance to Win simply enter at www.astarstudios.com/competition

(Hint, enter on Insta and FB for an extra chance to win! )

#MUSIC IS BACK
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Finally, live music venues are going to be allowed to re-open in the coming months and the buzz amongst musicians has already started at the thought of being able to play live again. However, is it going to be that simple to get a gig anymore? 

Now let’s be realistic, every band or solo artist will be after the same gigs, at the same venues, looking to make up for lost time. It is no doubt going to become a real dogfight to fill up the diary.

Venues need to make money fast to recover financially and that requires maximising ticket and bar sales. Who can blame them?  Furthermore, we are likely to see reduced capacities across the board in venues and the smaller capacity venues in greater demand from promoters of more established artists, looking to minimise risk. As a result, any new artists and bands who don’t have the best possible recordings, a solid plan and decent fanbase, will likely be out in the cold. 

Every artist or band I have ever worked with a) wants a record deal and b) to play live gigs. However, the first thing a label A&R, promoter or literally anyone in the industry will request is to hear your music. This is why you need the very best recordings possible, especially now, more than ever.

Put yourself in the promoter’s shoes whereby he is inundated with requests for gigs from artists and bands. Who is he going to choose? – The ones who have invested in the best possible recordings with a professional looking presentation comprising great photos, a well written biog and a fanbase of 1000+ social media followers, OR the one with a home or inferior studio demo and 100 Facebook friends? – It’s a no brainer!

Every town or city has music venues to play, but it just takes a little time and research to select the right ones. Always start local and spread outwards to build your following, because if a promoter sees you have played somewhere nearby, it will give them confidence to put you on. Forget rushing into wanting to do a sea of ten gigs in a row around the country calling it a ‘Tour’. It is better to aim to get in the diary a gig a week, every 2 weeks etc, so if someone from a label shows interest in you and asks to see you live perform, you can instantly direct them to a date and venue.

There is nothing worse than when an A&R rep wants to see you and you have nothing in the diary. By the time you have managed to source a new gig, they will likely have lost interest and signed someone else. Trust me, this really does happen!

One solution to getting gigs might be to act as your own or co-promoter, and together with other artists and bands you know, try to put on your own gigs, sharing venue hire costs. For certain no-one knows what is going to happen and while it’s likely things will eventually settle down and the live scene may return to normal, the indications are that promoters appear to be proceeding very cautiously. 

So, getting yourselves into the studio to create new or refresh old material will increase your chances of success, and get you your fair share of and better-quality gigs. If you can devise a plan and campaign around an EP or album to gather media support and airplay for your release, and drive online sales and streaming, then it will only strengthen your case and the gigs and interest from A&R will come!  

Why not contact us to discuss how we can help you take your musical ambitions off pause and create a package and plan that stands out from the crowd!

Tel 0161 280 0908

Email andy@astarstudios.com

www.astarstudios.com

Photo by Glenn van de Wiel

How Will Covid Affect Unsigned Musicians’ Ability To Play Live
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I’d like to say how delighted I am to announce that Astar Studios is open for business again, and to explain the changes we have introduced to comply with social distancing requirements and government guidelines.

After the amazing work carried out by the NHS it was imperative, we do our upmost to continue the national effort. We have made the studio as safe as possible for our staff and clients, while preserving our philosophy to produce the best possible recordings. So, if you have been writing and demoing songs during lockdown and are ready to record them professionally, it’s now possible to do so safely at Astar Studios.

Measures taken include using signage and floor markings in all areas, installation of a hand sanitizer dispenser in the entrance area, hourly surface and daily deep cleaning throughout the studio, and the creation of ‘Social Distancing Zones’ within the large control and live rooms.

Each incoming project will be risk assessed in advance to determine the number of persons permitted in specific areas and allow for distancing while moving around the premises.

We have also varied our booking contract to include provision for rescheduling dates free of charge in the event that anyone from the company or the client, is affected by Covid-19 symptoms requiring isolation, or tests positive for the virus.

With all live venues shut and gigs cancelled, many musicians have turned to live streaming on social media. However, performing solo from home or collaborating with other musicians over the likes of Zoom simply isn’t the same. The novelty value is beginning to wear thin, and most importantly unlike gigs this activity generates no money for the artists who desperately need it and are giving their talent away for free.

Eventually music venues will reopen in some format. Maybe people will have to stand further apart or less people allowed in, but the first step is certainly trying to get back to some form of normality which this horrible virus has restricted us all from.

One thing is for sure – the desire to make music will never change and having the best quality recordings is now more important than ever to stand out from the crowd!

We would love to hear from you.

www.astarstudios.com

0161 280 0908

By Andy Ross

 

Welcome to a ‘New Normal’ As Astar Re-opens After Covid-19 Lockdown
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Astar Studios is launching ‘Band Awareness Month’. The campaign across social media will offer vital hints and tips for emerging bands, in a fun and informative way that introduces and unleashes the power and potential benefits of choosing to record at Astar, with the studio’s Mercury Prize nominated producer owner Andy Ross.
To celebrate ‘Band Awareness Month’, Astar has joined forces with leading artists and musicians, and with the legendary VOX Amplification, who have equipped the studio with their latest AC30 S1 amplifier.
Every band that makes a studio booking during ’Band Awareness Month’ will receive a FREE VOX ampPLUG 2 AC30.

VOX has a rich 60 year musical heritage that draws upon the most influential artists in the world who continue to rely on VOX amplifiers to deliver world-class tone in the finest studios and on the biggest stages around the globe.
To qualify for a free VOX amPlug 2 AC30, bands must book a minimum of 1 x 8 hour day in the studio. Bookings made during ‘Band Awareness Month’ can be for projects up until August 2020. Keep watching Astar Studios social media, or for more information call 0161 280 0908 or email andy@astarstudios.com

Band Awareness Month
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Among its many awards and accolades Astar Studios is immensely proud to have achieved top 4 finalist position for ‘Best Studio’ and ‘Studio of the Year’ in two consecutive years at the Pro Sound Awards, held at London’s Ministry of Sound. The prestigious awards, likened to the music production equivalent of the Brits honour excellence in recording and live music production across Europe.

Astar was selected by a panel of independent judges – experts drawn from across the pro-audio spectrum who recognised the quality of the studio and the innovative approach of its Mercury Prize nominated producer owner Andy Ross who has created a stunning sounding recording studio to serve artists at every level including the growing independent music sector. Andy has also been honoured in the top 50 ‘Rising Star’ producer award category.

Andy  stated, “I am proud and delighted that the quality of our studio and the uniquely innovative approach we have taken has been acknowledged at the highest level. At Astar we aim to provide an enjoyable recording  experience and creative environment where artists can express themselves freely and feel inspired to produce their best performance.”

Within 3 years of opening Astar Studios, its writer/producer owner scooped a Mercury Prize ‘Album of the Year’ – an achievement that advanced the status of Andy Ross towards the producer premier league, sparking the interest of artists, managers and record companies.

‘Golden’ by the Kit Downes Trio (Basho) was released to critical acclaim receiving 4 stars from the Guardian and Observer jazz critics. The album that was the surprise contender for the prestigious Mercury musical crown alongside artists such as Dizzee Rascal, Paul Weller and Corinne Bailey Rae resulted in widespread recognition for the unique approach producerAndy Ross has taken since opening Astar Studios, where the emphasis is on what matters most – superbly designed acoustics, an outstanding technical spec and engineering and production of the highest possible standard.

Andy Ross told us, “When I heard the news I felt totally elated and delighted for Kit and the band who are such talented musicians. Personally I feel so proud that the quality of my recordings and sound from Astar Studios has been judged at the highest level as worthy to sit alongside those of the other more established and big budget album nominees including the legendary Paul Weller.” Andy first met Kit Downes in 2008 when he came to Astar Studios to accompany double bassist Calum Gourlay on a recording for ‘The Yamaha New Jazz Sessions’ with fellow Royal Academy of Music student James Maddren on drums.

From that recording The Kit Downes Trio was born, they signed to Basho Records and Kit called Andy to invite him to record the trio’s debut album ‘Golden’. Kit returned to Astar to record a solo piano composition, ‘William Cooper’ for the Yamaha New Jazz Sessions CD series.

Astar Honoured Among Europe’s Elite Studios
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Honoured to have iconic Joy Division and New Order Bassist Peter Hook record at Astar Studios.  Hooky received a warm welcome and seen here sharing a laugh with producer owner Andy Ross. 

Legendary Peter Hook Records at Astar
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Within 3 years of opening Astar Studios, its writer/producer owner scooped a Mercury Prize ‘Album of the Year’ – an achievement that advanced the status of Andy Ross towards the producer premier league, sparking the interest of artists, managers and record companies.

‘Golden’ by the Kit Downes Trio (Basho) was released to critical acclaim receiving 4 stars from the Guardian and Observer jazz critics. The album that was the surprise contender for the prestigious Mercury musical crown alongside artists such as Dizzee Rascal, Paul Weller and Corinne Bailey Rae resulted in widespread recognition for the unique approach producer Andy Ross has taken since opening Astar Studios, where the emphasis is on what matters most – superbly designed acoustics, an outstanding technical spec and engineering and production of the highest possible standard.

Andy Ross told us, “When I heard the news I felt totally elated and delighted for Kit and the band who are such talented musicians. Personally I feel so proud that the quality of my recordings and sound from Astar Studios has been judged at the highest level as worthy to sit alongside those of the other more established and big budget album nominees including the legendary Paul Weller.” Andy first met Kit Downes in 2008 when he came to Astar Studios to accompany double bassist Calum Gourlay on a recording for ‘The Yamaha New Jazz Sessions’ with fellow Royal Academy of Music student James Maddren on drums.

From that recording The Kit Downes Trio was born, they signed to Basho Records and Kit called Andy to invite him to record the trio’s debut album ‘Golden’. Kit returned to Astar to record a solo piano composition, ‘William Cooper’ for the Yamaha New Jazz Sessions CD series.

Mercurial Rise for Astar Producer
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MOBO nominee Kristyna Myles combines sublime vocals, superbly crafted songs and stunning musicianship to ‘Paint A Brighter Day’ with her second album.

Recorded at Astar Studios with Mercury Prize nominated producer Andy Ross, ‘Paint A Brighter Day’ features 11 songs about life-lessons with the aim of inspiring and painting listeners’ days brighter. All songs are written or co-written by Kristyna who has created a musical canvas true to her pop roots, with brush strokes that evoke jazz, soul and gospel influences.

‘Paint A Brighter Day’ is released thanks to a successful campaign on PledgeMusic that enabled Kristyna to fund the album and video with support from music fans. This was rewarded with a variety of opportunities, including visits to the recording sessions and parts in the video for first single ‘I’m Getting Rid Of This’. This unique strategy not only enabled Kristyna to fund the project without major label investment, but also interact and engage with existing and new fans at the same time.

More importantly for an independent artist, this groundbreaking approach allowed Kristyna to maintain full creative control and copyright ownership.

Kristyna Myles got her first break busking on the streets of Manchester, winning BBC Radio Five Live’s ‘Busk Idol’ competition. Since then she has toured Europe, receiving extensive coverage and supporting a host of big name artists including Chris de Burgh, Lisa Stansfield, Mick Hucknall, Will Young, Lemar and the legendary Nile Rogers & Chic.
Despite signing a five album deal with Decca Records, just one single release in three years saw exhilaration turn to exasperation, providing the motivation for Kristyna to take back control of her career in 2013.  It was a brave move that paid off with her debut independent single – a cover of the ‘Style Council’ classic, ‘The Paris Match’ described by Paul Weller as “absolutely stunning!”

In 2014 Kristyna followed up with the release of her debut album ‘Pinch Me Quick’ produced by the Grammy Award winning Ken Nelson. The year ended with a performance of her song ‘Heaven Knows’ on BBC Songs of Praise and a MOBO Award Nomination for Best Gospel Act.

Now with her own label ‘Take Note Recordings’, the future looks even brighter for this extraordinarily talented independent artist and young businesswoman. A supporter of charity Tearfund and ambassador for Centrepoint.

“Paint a Brighter Day” – Take Note Recordings
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