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Latest Releases
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Terracide (single)
The Lantern Parade
Shipwreck (single)
The Lantern Parade
"Paul Kenward makes the process of recording and producing stress free and effortless. His extensive knowledge, experience and caring nature creates a relaxed and open environment, perfect for when you're working on a project of any size. Nothing is too much trouble, and Paul's attention to minute detail is something I have never experienced before." Toby Janes
bio
Notice To The Builder. Photo: Rhona Murphy
facs
Paul completed an HNC in electronics and communications engineering at Devonport CFE before embarking on a 30 year career as an air traffic control systems engineer for National Air Traffic Services (NATS).
After accepting an offer by Solent University, Southampton to study the final year of their BA (Hons) degree in Popular Music Production, Paul left NATS in September 2018 to pursue his passion for music production.
Abbey Rd, London
At university he worked closely with professionals in the music business and in other media, and was awarded a First Class Honours Degree in Music Production, as well as the Achievement in Music Production, Year 3 at the Solent Awards 2019.
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No stranger to performance, Paul recorded his first album in 1996 with his band Ampersand, where his interest in the recording process started. For five years he fronted Southampton band Notice To The Builder (NTTB), taking the opportunity to record and produce the band, initially working with Garageband and then Logic.
He has since produced local solo artists Toby Janes, Nick Haynes, James Inflames, A M Davis and The Lantern Parade - the band he also co-fronts. He is currently working on three new projects for release later this year.
The Lantern Parade. Photo: Alice Stinetorf
Studios, facilities and services
Recording facilities
The recording facilities are within a residential property, providing a relaxed, homely atmosphere to work in with the usual comforts. There are two recording rooms available:
The treated studio
The smaller of the two, but fully treated with bass traps and sound proofing, ideal for recording vocals, acoustic instruments and overdubs. Suitable for two people.
The open studio
A larger room, ideal for direct input and live recordings, and where room ambience is beneficial to the sound. The room houses the Harbeth monitors, and is a comfy, relaxed recording and mixing space, suitable for up to six people.
Recording & production
The number of tracks and musicians involved will determine the time and processes required, and no two projects are the same. A free, face to face meeting to examine and plan the recording and production to meet your expectations, is the ideal way to start.
A structured recording timetable helps to maximise the time available and maintain project momentum to its conclusion. This is particularly helpful when there is more than one musician. Sessions can be arranged for evenings, days or weekends to provide flexibility around your needs.
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You can be as involved in the production process as you want to be. As the project evolves, mixes and recordings will be made available on Dropbox for you to comment on. Regular communication throughout the process is the best way to achieve the result you want.
Additional Instrumentation
It often transpires through the recording process that additional instrumentation will benefit the end result. Musicians are available to add keyboards, guitars, bass and backing vocals if required, and the studio has a selection of various guitars, a bass, cajon, amps and a Roland Juno DS Keyboard which you are welcome to use.
N.B. Drums
Presently it is not possible to record a full drum kit here. External recording space will be required and there are many studios in Southampton which can be hired.
Equipment
Microphones:
Audio Technica AT4050 large diaphragm condenser, Rode NT1a condenser, Shure SM57, SM58 and Sennheiser e838 dynamic mics.
DAW:
Apple Logic Pro X 10.4.6 running on Macbook Pro
Audio interface : Focusrite Scarlett 18i8
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Monitoring:
Focal Alpha 65, Harbeth Monitor 30.1 speakers, Sennheiser HD380, HD600, and AKG K702 headphones.
Guitar amp:
Line 6 Spider 3 (75W 1 x 12 cab)
Keyboard/ multi-purpose amp:
Behringer Ultatone K900FX
Costing
Due to all possible variables, costing is individually tailored to each project. Having a clear, workable and achievable budget is a good starting point.
Additional instrumentation and external drum recordings may well incur extra costs.
Costing is discussed at the initial project meeting.
Top Tips
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Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse!
...then rehearse some more...
Recording pressures can create nerves, tension and stress. Take the time to prepare your music, arrangements, equipment and performance before entering the studio. This will help maintain focus, a calm state and more importantly, maximises our time to get the best recordings possible.
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Consider the production qualities for your completed songs
It may just be a guitar sound in one song, a vocal line from another or the feel and groove of an entire song, but having a clear idea of your favourite sound and production qualities ensures that I am able to bring these to your production. This is easily done through providing reference tracks, which are analysed for the production and/or recording techniques used.
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