Name: Blast Furnace
Business: Recording Studio
Address: Unit 11, Rath Mor Business Park
Derry
BT48 0LZ
Telephone: 028 71 377 870
Website: http://www.blast-furnace.com
Blast Furnace is based just five minutes walk out from Derry city centre. We caught up with head engineer Rory to learn about tuna, iPods and sherbet fountains.
What inspired you to set up a studio?
A group of like-minded young musicians fed up with nowhere to practise or record got together in Derry and formed a musicians collective and from that came Blast Furnace and The Nerve Centre (multi-media centre and venue).
What are your preferred music styles to work with?
I don’t really have one and the studio caters for all styles. I myself (Rory) tend to work a bit more with the acoustic and electronic acts and Mik loves guitar bands so he does a lot of those but we do cross over quite a bit to try and keep things fresh. If you talk to any engineer or producer who’s been around a while they’ll all tell you that the more styles you are comfortable with the more you can bring to any project in terms of a palette of sounds to draw from.
Do you like to get involved with the creative process during recording?
Of course – that’s the best bit! But it’s important to know when to suggest input and when to facilitate the artist’s own creativity.
How would you describe the studio atmosphere?
Most clients say it’s relaxed, easy-going and productive. Mik (the engineer) says it smells like tuna…
Do you find that songs change during the recording process?
That depends very much on the artist. Some come in with an outline and have the idea and of course the budget to experiment and create a big production. For others it’s more about capturing them at the peak of their performance.
Where do you stand regarding capturing a raw live performance against studio perfection?
The best recordings have elements of both. They are the yin and yang of studio work!
What’s your opinion on the current scene?
I think it’s great at the minute – but then I grew up in the 80’s! If there’s one good thing, and it may well be the only good thing, about the ipod it’s that people have become more eclectic in their tastes and are more open to mashing up various styles and genres. That lack of boundaries is reflected in all the best new music and it’s always such a thrill to hear somebody trying something different.
What is your recommended studio time for bands?
Depends what the recording is for. If you are a new band and you want to get gigs then book a day, set up and play your songs live. When you want to sell your CDs at the gigs and put stuff online then you should probably take more time and make the songs sound as good as you can make them.
Do you offer any other services besides recording?
Yes we do, but you have to be over 21 and have an extraordinary capacity for Sherbet Fountains…
Posted on: 27th January 2010
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