April 2026 Newsletter

The Premises Studios
Apr 3
5 min read

WE REMEMBER THIS….

Our anniversary tale this month comes courtesy of Ollie Crooke, a stalwart at the Prems for many years, mostly pre '96. Legendary dub master Lee Scratch Perry was a regular back then and applied his somewhat eccentric approach to studio cabling. One day he became obsessed with the idea that demonic forces were getting in via the mains sockets so he carefully stuffed them full of Blu Tak. Poor Colin, the owner then and according to Mr P, the originator of said demons, had to spend several days and a small fortune making the studio usable again!

Got a Premises story from the past 40 years? Email it to: vivbroughton@premisesstudios.com

But April is not always the cruellest month. These days our electrics are all certified and strictly demon-free. Just the occasional angel permitted to make a guest appearance. Onwards and upwards then...

GOSPEL SONGWRITING WITH ANU OMEIDEYI AND GOZ I AM

Anu Omedeyi and Goz, who ran our Gospel recording week a while ago, came back for an intensive two-day Gospel writing workshop. The deal was, composers and singers who used to compose alone, at home, came together to write collaboratively, and the atmosphere was electric.

They had a special guest appearance too, by US Gospel star Israel Houghton, who said, “The future is secure and diverse, thank God, and the UK is leading that change.”

The vibe in the rooms was palpable, everybody was so charged and happy. Instant creative connections were made, and what was apparent was the importance of the song, not the personality. This was a humble bunch and Goz put it very well when he spoke about the power of collaboration in song writing. “They show their strengths better when writing together. These songs are not just hidden and sitting on hard drives or voice memos, but come out as songs to be shared.”

Singer, songwriter participant Faith said, “I usually write by myself in a bedroom to a metronome but to write with other people helped me resolve problems I sometimes have with a verse or chorus.”

Similarly, Sharon said, “In a Gospel space we talk a lot about collaboration and this has breathed fresh life into songs. I feel like I have a new lease on life as a writer.”

Watch this space for more Gospel workshop news.

Also check out: https://www.liverpoollighthouse.com/national-gospel-music-centre

PIANO PERFORMANCE COURSE, 29-31 MAY

This course is the most piano-related fun you can have with your clothes on.

Two and a half days of intensive tuition with Nikki Yeoh, Tim Richards and John Crawford. The focus is on learning those nuances and techniques to play live as well as you possibly can, with a pro band.

On the third day, you will have rehearsed your piece (usually a jazz standard from the Real Book, but open to negotiation) and perform it to friends, Romans and countrymen in Studio One which we deck out like a club, with drinks and bar snacks, all free!

The band performing on stage will be you on piano, plus Denys Baptiste, Miles Pillinger and Dominic Howles, with a really fun surprise at the end. It’s not for absolute beginners, but it IS OK if you play by ear.

On this course you will learn those subtle skills of live performance, communication by look, gesture and intuition.

Total cost for three days, including guests and party, is just £285.

To register, write to Michele and tell her about your playing experience, and let’s get you signed up. michele@premiseseducation.org

OVERWATER BASS HANG: 19^th APRIL

One of the most established custom-made bass manufacturers, Overwater, are coming to the Premises on the 19^th of April, 12-6, in part to show off their new models but also create a place for bass players to gather and swap gig news, socialise, and just hang. It’s a nifty idea for networking, and having a go on the latest and greatest basses. No need to book. Just show up and slap that bass!

FAB MASTERCLASS WITH RALPH ROLLE!

My what a time we had when humble, funny and hugely successful drummer Ralph Rolle, who hails from da Bronx and whose main gig has been with Nile Rodgers and Chic for the last 16 years, came to give a talk and demo to a packed room of drummers and others. Bursting with charisma, great anecdotes and chops, he told his drumming life story (starting when he was a boy sharing a bedroom with his brother, their beds separated by a drum kit) and showed by attitude - polite, calm, and quick to learn - how to make the drums important but not THE MOST important thing, which is the song!

His presentation was called ‘How to get and keep the Gig’ and the basic lesson was to be nice, be co-operative, and play with flourish but not show off.

Even though, according to Rolle, the drummer is the real bandleader, the cop at the back! At the end we were all on our feet dancing and singing along to Bowie’s Let’s Dance, which was of course co-produced by Nile Rodgers.

Main takeaway? Ralph said, “Show your passion. Shine your light. Pay respect to the song because it is all to do with the song and nothing to do with you.”

LIVE MUSIC NOW - IN STUDIO A

Our pals Live Music Now, just down the road in Islington, came to do some recordings up in Studio A. They provide an important service to those living in supported accommodation, running music sessions with song writing, helping the residents explore their creativity. All enjoyed the experience of recording in a proper studio and the songs they had written – one temporarily called 2026, and one called You Know You Can Win, with both songwriters - Mary and Daisy said their main message was that everyone goes through difficult times but it is always possible to come out the other side.

There was a bit of call and response, a bit of handclapping, and resolutely life affirming lyrics. The songs are not currently on release but as and when they are, we’ll let you know. Their news is MILES better than THE news.

JOINING THE BOARD

We’re delighted to welcome Ula Wodarz who joins our company board of directors. Ula is a powerhouse of energy, skills and ideas who has worked at the Premises for many years on both the busy rehearsal side and as a recording engineer in Studio A.

Also, joining the board of trustees of our sister charity, (Premises Music Education Programme) is Grammy-nominated producer/songwriter Hannah V, a long time associate and friend of The Premises. We wish both Ula and Hannah all the very best as they help take the business and the charity go from strength to strength.

WHO’S BEEN IN?

Let’s get our inappropriate staff crushes (of all genders + Oscar the cat) out of the way first and say we were swooning when the orchestral, dramatic and lush singer-composer Rufus Wainwright sauntered into Studio One for the Marianne Faithfull Broken English tribute, did his thing, and gracefully swanned out again saying “First time here – and it felt like home.” Any time Rufus, any time! Last month we also had Yumi Zouma, Do It With Soul, Grace Gachot, Resigned Simon, Glory Choir, Asian Dub Foundation, Lizzie Wood, Jane Weaver, Jack James, Trinity Laban, The Jam, Lust Ritual, Rosanna, Rachel Chinouriri, Singing Bowie, Ute Lemper, Marc Almond, Kyle Hume, Nightmares on Wax, Springfield Quartet, Ewan McLeish, Kate Nash, Scott McLaughlin, Cath March’s Little Wonder, Xanadu, Arlo Parks, Duke Street Big Band, English Teacher, Norman D. Loco, Jane Street, May Payne, The Victor Ray, Saleem, Danny Silverstone, Remetic, Ralph Rolle, Savannah Ministry, Eliza Rose, Cymande, Anthony Mason, Chloe Qisha, Nadine Khouri, Momoko, Beth Orton, Art School Girlfriend, Folded Wing, Rob Marr, Colle Express, Black Lounge, Tanis, Eric Wade, Irene Taylor Trust, Clive Brown, Wealth Union, Vula Malinga, The London African Gospel Choir, Joel Culpepper, Tom Homes, Beany McSweeny, Chelsea Becker, RIP Magic, Girls on The Floor, Rhoda Dakar, and many other luminaries.

AND FINALLY...