Black Bay Studio: the UK’s most remote studio
Words by Annie Barber
Bernera, an island in the Outer Hebrides, is home to a residential recording studio by the name of Black Bay Studio. It is one of few residential studios in Scotland, boasting an impressive roster of equipment and well-known clients.
The studio’s owner Pete Fletcher says “the great thing about a residential studio is that it allows an artist to escape their everyday lives and just immerse themselves completely in the process of making a record, so I think we’ve kind of taken that to the extreme.” The Isle of Lewis is very scenic, with beautiful beaches, rugged coastline and tranquil, clear seas. This idyllic setting can provide inspiration for those recording at the studio and a calming atmosphere to work in. Furthermore, travelling to get there is even part of the experience. Fletcher says that “the journey through the highlands and onto the ferry is a big part of the experience, it’s an adventure in every sense.”
The studio consists of three spacious acoustic rooms and an extensive equipment list, consisting of instruments and other creative tools which their clients can use as they wish. Fletcher also offers in house production provided by himself and engineer Cal Roden. The studio’s live room is specially designed to be a large space, enhancing the sound of drums and acoustic instruments. The space is designed purposefully to inspire its clients. Speaking about the studio’s setup, Fletcher says “I really want [it] to feel like a place of creative work, not just an empty room.”
The accommodation provided to the studio’s clients can house 9 people and is very spacious. It consists of a large lounge and dining room with a kitchen, 4 bedrooms (with a mix of single, twin and double rooms) and 2 shared bathrooms. Self-catering is also offered and all dietary requirements can be accommodated.
Fletcher thinks that recording residentially is perfect for bigger projects, such as albums. Being able to have everyone in one space and not have the creative process disrupted by people coming and going are some of the many advantages of recording at a studio like this. Additionally, due to accommodation being included, the extra stress of having to book a hotel or self-catering place is taken out of the equation. Fletcher believes that this creates the space for some very special ideas to come to life: “So many moments of magic happen between the normal recording sessions, in the evenings when someone sits at the piano on their way to bed, or a discussion over dinner or on the beach”.
Residential recording studios are much more common in England, so Fletcher is proud to be able to give Scottish artists an alternative in their home country, especially for those with connections to the islands. However, he notes that their clients come from all over, whether that be from the rest of the UK or internationally. He says “they’ve often experienced nothing like the Western
Isles, it’s great to share it”. It’s evident that the studio is not just offering a facility to record in, but a complete experience.
Some of the studio’s most notable clients include Joesef with Barney Lister as producer, Kathryn Joseph with Lomond Campbell making her upcoming album, Penelope Isles, Black Foxxes with producer Dani Castella, Banners with producer Cam Blackwood and Dan Moyler, Lucia & the Best Boys with Ash Workman, and Elliott Armen. For Fletcher, one experience stands out: working with Silver Moth. He says “Stuart Braithwaite is a legend to me so that was a real treat and an beautiful record”.
The bedrooms at the studio have recently been renovated and they intend to add to their equipment list. Making the studio the best it can be is something which they seem to be constantly working on. Fletcher says that they want to make it as an inspiring, comfortable and productive space it can be. It’s evident that the studio offers a brilliant alternative to residential studios in England. The studio is in a secluded, scenic setting and is a great facility, complete with brilliant equipment.
You can visit their website to find out more information and to get in touch if you would like touse their facilities.