|
 |
| History |
After
years of rehearsing in either poor quality cheapo rehearsal
rooms or very plush studios which cost a few arms and legs,
Paul Lewis with his pal Chris Gordelier decided to quit their
9 - 5 existence to put together a rehearsal suite that offered
professional facilities at reasonable prices, in other words,
the middle ground.
We attempted to incorporate the best ideas from other studios
whilst avoiding the pitfalls. These concepts were also enhanced
by our market research with other musicians who gave us some
invaluable feedback.
Following months of searching for a suitable venue to put Paul's
business plan into action, we finally found the present site
at 143 Mare Street.
Originally an underground car park for a Peugeot dealership,
the basement of 143 Mare Street was a disused rag trade sweatshop
when OTR saved it from drowning in hundreds of bales of psychedelic
crimpeline material in August 1993.
Following many months of wrangling with building regulations
people to obtain planning permission, complete gutting of the
premises and extensive building work, we finally opened our
doors for business in February 1994.
We started with Studios 1 and 2, a 16 Track analogue recording
studio and a reception desk. 15 months later we added Studio
3.
The recording arm of the business was started by techno wizard
Rik Kew. However, after a year of slaving over a hot Fostex
16 Track, Rik got a lucrative offer he couldn’t refuse
and so joined the corporate rat race.
6 months after Rik’s departure, the extremely experienced
and talented (not to mention “gobby”) engineer/producer
Mickey Howard arrived on the scene and is still making quality
recordings to date.
In 1998, we upgraded our recording studio to 24 track digital.
Around the same time, we also added the final “piece de
resistance” a spacious showcase studio which became Studio
4.
In August 2000, there was a major change to the management structure
of the company. By mutual consent, Chris and Paul decided to
split their partnership with Chris leaving to pursue his thespian
ambitions and Paul taking sole ownership of the company. |
| Our
Aims |
*
To provide professional standard rehearsal and recording facilities
at competitive rates
* To be a studio run by musicians for musicians where we understand
your needs through our own experience.
* To create a positive and comfortable vibe which will hopefully
inspire you.
* To give everyone the same courteous, helpful service regardless
of who you are. |
| Our
People |
|
REHEARSALS
Paul Lewis is the owner and manager
of OTR Studios. An experienced guitarist and songwriter who
has used an innumerable number of rehearsal and recording
studios during his long playing career. Paul has the distinguished
honour of being listed in Kerrang’s IRON MAIDEN family
tree from his work with Thunderstick (the solo project put
together by the former SAMSON drummer).
Thunderstick was infamous for wearing a black leather mask
on stage and paying his drum kit within a cage (verrry bizarre).
Paul also put glam metal band “Belladonna” together
in the late 80’s who enjoyed much critical acclaim and
supported “Tigertailz”, “Wolfsbane” and
“Tattooed Love Boys” (featuring CJ from The Wildhearts)
amongst others. Paul is currently playing with stadium rockers
D -TOX.
Paul appreciates all types of music, particulary anything
that rocks and grooves.
Dave Shepherd is a very experienced
sound engineer as well as a talented musician and songwriter.
Dave has had his music played on GLR radio and, in the past
has supported “Feeder” , "Gallon Drunk"
and “Ken Dodd’s Dad’s dog’s dead”.
Dave is one of the most diplomatic people you are ever likely
to find and, when needed, can tell someone to “go to
hell” and they will enjoy the journey. Dave also runs
his own PA hire business.
Steve Acutt is a gentle giant
who has spent many years installing PA systems as well as
running them and therefore is more than qualified to deal
with everything the studio throws at him. Steve is also a
very keen computer buff and is “the fountain of all knowledge”
of anything to do with computer software and hardware. Steve
loves digital recording and mastering and produces techno
and drum and bass tracks in his own home studio. He also spent
some time during the 60's and 70’s playing bass guitar
with Arthur Brown (he of the blazing helmet fame), Carl Wayne
(The Move) and Pete Bardens Cherokees (later of prog rockers
Camel).
A special mention must go to Shiner,
a lovely guy who worked at the studios for many years. He
was a very popular and valued member of the workforce before
"quitting the rat race" (subject of a BBC Ireland
and Channel 4 documentary) to go back to Ireland and then
on to Spain where he eventually wants to settle. A few years
ago Shiner was very well known for organising parties and
raves, putting together some massive sound systems. Currently
back in Hackney, Shiner has again been lending a hand covering
for absences.
RECORDING
Mickey Howard
runs the recording arm of the business as a freelance producer/engineer.
Mickey has the best set of ears in (er) Hackney as well as
an awesome track record. He worked for 5 years as William
Orbit's live and studio engineer. He has also worked closely
with George Glossop (one of the top live sound engineers in
the country).
Mickey’s well- produced recordings have paved the way
for many an artiste to secure that elusive recording or publishing
deal. Mickey is also blessed with a keen sense of humour which
helps along the often arduous recording process.
Mickey is currently playing the circuit with the band SUBT
LEMON to promote their new Suspect Records released album
"Nice Try".
|
|
