Recording studio offers a different approach

A NEW recording studio in Cardiff Bay promises to offer a different approach.

Bywyd Studios in Cardiff Bay is the creation of University of South Wales postgraduates Leone Vuetivavalagi and Thomas Westgard who favour an open studio to get the best from their artists.

In an open studio, technicians work silently in the same space as the artists rather than sitting in an adjoining room behind a window.

“Artists seem to feel calmer working in this way and I believe they produce better work, especially if they are new to the recording studio which can be a daunting place,” said Mr Vuetivavalagi.

“When performing, people need to feel relaxed so they can give their best. We have tried to create a relaxed atmosphere to capture a vibrant, natural performance allowing artists to express themselves.”

The pair first met at University of South Wales where they both studied masters degrees in music production. Realising they had similar philosophies of music and sound recording they set up Bywyd Studios.

Mr Westgard said the studio wants to help artists develop their performance skills.

He added: “We want Bywyd to offer an environment where artists can be creative and allow the personality of their music to come through. Bywyd means life or essence of life in Welsh, and it is this we want to capture when we make recording.”

This approach ties in with the recent movement away from pure digital sound to analogue hybrids.

“Digital can sound sterile and can benefit from a dash of analogue realism, for example in the move back to vinyl records,” added Mr Westgard.

The studio recently launched its own label to help promote its work worldwide. Barry rockers Them Dead Beats have just recorded EP Hang on a Second and Cowbridge folk trio Barefoot Dance of The Sea have recorded their latest EP with Bywyd and a couple of live videos that will be out soon on Bubblewrap Collective.

“When people perform they are exposed and nerves can get the better of them. We try very hard to reduce this and get as natural a performance as possible,” said Mr Vuetivavalagi.

The studio also does voiceover work for video, film and sound mixing.

The venture has been backed by Robert Owen Community Banking based in Newtown, which provided a loan through the Start Up Loan Company.