The Crypt Studio

(3 reviews)

Absolutely first class place! If you are lucky enough to visit this place you won't be…read moredisappointed, it basically was the top studio in London during the 70's and 80's and probably still is today competing against the likes of Abbey Road Studios etc... Metropolis Studios are located in Chiswick High Road next to the bus station this is also where they also filmed 'On The Buses' from this garage! this place used to be a power house in it's early days and was converted and was basically was the home for many very big recording artists including Queen that had a studio made for them as this was where they basically made history for many of their well known classic songs they produced at Metropolis Studios.

I had the pleasure to record in one of their studios along with Right Said Fred (Richard Fairbrass…read moreand Fred Fairbrass) along with some other fans to record a new fan based version of "I'm Too Sexy" to celebrate their 25th anniversary. The studios are spacious and well equipped however even though spacious does get a tad warm in the room. They have a large mix base with all these knobs and buttons everywhere don't know what most of them done but looked impressive and was great watching the mixers at work. The experience with Richard and Fred of Right Said Fred will be one I will never forget. Near the end of the day of busy recording we had a tour around the rest of the building and it was great to see Queen's (Freddie Mercurys) piano that he used to take everywhere with him at these studios in a big hall area I even got to tinkle the keys of the great black piano. Sounded beautiful even though I don't know how to play. Also saw the room where Queen used to hang out and many other artists and other studios in which famous musicians have sung. However the studios can be hired out so its not always the rich and famous that use them. I highly recommend to anyone that is thinking of doing a recording. Facts: Metropolis Studios is one of the few remaining recording studios in London. Famous musicians such as Queen, Michael Jackson, Right Said Fred, Adele etc have sung in these studios. But before this place was a studio it was a Power House and was also used in the classic TV program "On the Busses"

Omnibus

Nice little Theatre in Clapham Old Town. Lovely bar with terrace for pre and post show drinks.read more

Sterns Music

4.5

(2 reviews)

I've been going to Sterns Music (no apostrophe) since 2000, when my cousin took me there to pick up…read morean awesome new Zairian Soukous album. Since 1983, this store has been a foundation of access to African music of all sorts, with a bias towards sub-Saharan genres. Their selection is wide and deep. By genre, you can find Soukous (Zaire/Congo), Highlife (Ghana/Nigeria), Juju, Afrobeat, Apala (Nigeria), Wassoulou (Mali), Chimurenga (Zimbabwe), Funana, Batuque (Cape Verde), Bikutsi, Assiko, Makossa (Cameroon), Biguine (Martinique), Benga (Kenya), Kwaito, Mbaqanga (South Africa), Mbalax (Senegal), Zouglou, Ziglibithy (Ivory Coast), Kizomba (Angola). You can also find compilations and special editions of North African flavours like Chaabi (Morroco) and Rai (Algeria) as well as sounds from around the planet like Zouk (Guadeloupe and Martinique) 5 Wholehearted Stars!

My parents brought me up on world music, so I had been to Sterns Music Café before I even knew it…read more Along with (I believe) one of the largest collections of world and in particular African music which you can listen to before you buy, there is also a café serving drinks and build your own salad type dishes. The café is not the greatest, rather cramped and a bit unsatisfactory, but the music collection is excellent and the staff, incredibly knowledgeable. This is basically Fopp, if it were taken over by hippies on their way to WOMAD.

Henry Wood Hall

I recorded here with a large choir and orchestra. The "Everybody who's anybody" space to record a…read moreclassical album. Check out the website for more info. I'm sure it costs a pretty penny to rent, but they are well equipped for professional recording on all levels.

Brittens Music

Brittens Music store in West Byfleet is a great local music shop and probably one of the best in…read morethe Woking/Byfleet areas. It's a large store which stocks instruments, accessories, sheet music and CDs. Half of the store is dedicated to classical instruments and the second-half to keyboards and guitars. The store will stock most basic instruments for immediate sale. They will order other instruments in, but, if you're looking for something better than stock you'd be better going somewhere where you can try before you order. The store offers a hire and buy scheme for those just starting out and who are unsure whether they will want to purchase an instrument. A repair service is offered which will be good enough for most school grade instruments. Most of the music for the common exam syllabi is stocked although you'll find less for the higher grades. Staff are generally knowledgeable although they tend to be jack of all (instruments) rather than specialists. Music lessons for keyboard and guitar are available in store and come recommended. Lists of tutors are available for other instruments.

Dropout

Having been involved with the underground music scene in London for quite sometime now, there's…read morealways one place I seem to end up: Dropout. This is a little recording / practice studio set up in the basement on an old butter factory just off the side of Camberwell New Road; fully equipped for your band rehearsal needs with three separate studio rooms, Dropout has always had an independent / "up yours, establishment" approach to business, which in turn provides a nice and informal space to practice in, with competitive prices too. The recording equipment, however, is not for public use; so if you do want to record you have to either hire one of the owners to records you, or you are more than welcome to bring in your own equipment and record yourself. It almost goes without saying as well; make sure to tidy up after yourselves for leaving mess is frowned upon. Yes, Dropout (albeit characteristically "a little rough around the edges") is one of the coolest places to hangout this side of the river. NOTE: If you want to get in touch, the best way to contact Dropout is via their Myspace site www.myspace.com/dropoutstudio

The Others

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Rough as a monkey's arse venue, just past some dodgy looking shops and a snooker hall but the…read morepeople running it have made it a little home from home. A big sound in a small venue with comfy sofas, heavy handed g&ts and a dj who played gwen mccrae without me even having to ask.

Saint Andrews Church

Community church which has been around for a very long time catering for the community with various…read moreclubs and activities. Church has been modernised inside in recent years and have hall inside which can be hired out. Providing the usual church services for weddings, baptisms and funerals.

The Piano Store

Specialist piano shop offering a range of pianos and services including tuning. Very knowlegable…read morestaff and low pressure sales.

Bark Studio