Bristol's Batu launches pioneering free-to-use community music studio

Bristol's Batu launches pioneering free-to-use community music studio

Posted on: 20 May 2021

First Light Studio will be opening at the Trinity Centre in June.

 

Bristol-based DJ, producer and label head Batu is launching a brand-new, free-to-use studio next month, aiming to provide equal opportunities to local emerging talent and enable budding artists across the city to hone their craft.

 

Founded with the support of Dr. Martens, First Light Studio will be opening in mid-June at the Trinity Centre in BS2, with a workshop programme getting underway in July featuring sessions hosted by a selection of local musicians.

 

Artists of all genres and backgrounds are encouraged to find out more and get involved, with bookings available now via the First Light website.

 

 

Determined to contribute to Bristol's rich cultural legacy, Timedance boss Batu hopes to provide an open and inclusive space for the next generation of talent, bypassing the financial constraints of the modern music industry with his new no-cost studio.

 

The space will act as a valuable stepping stone by allowing producers to create, refine and experiment with the professional equipment they need to develop their ideas into fully-fledged musical projects.

 

First Light Studio has been supported by Dr. Martens, who provided industry-standard equipment and will be covering the studio's rent going forwards as part of an ongoing campaign to cultivate opportunities for emerging artists nationwide.

 

 

Marking the launch of the studio, Batu has delved into Bristol's diverse music scene to set up a series of one-off workshops to take place at First Light in July.

 

Renowned DJ and producer Hodge will provide feedback on aspiring artists' tracks, electronic trio Elder Island will lead a session on understanding pedal effects, and multi-talented producer Sir Hiss will break down the creative process of making a track for emerging grime artists.

 

The Mix Nights collective, meanwhile, will be hosting a First Light Studio edition of their popular DJing workshops for women and non-binary people.

Clockwise from top left: Elder Island, Hodge, Sir Hiss and the Mix Nights teamClockwise from top left: Elder Island, Hodge, Sir Hiss and the Mix Nights team.

 

Speaking on the launch of the project, Batu said: “So many people have helped me along the way and I've received a huge amount of support from the community around me.

 

“Privately renting a studio is an expense that is prohibitive for a lot of up and coming artists, and there should be more access for free.

 

“I’m really proud to bring First Light Studio to life with the support of Dr. Martens, and help give Bristol’s talented network of up and coming artists the support they need.”

 

Free studio time for Bristol-based artists aged 16 and over is available from Thursday 17 June. A full workshop schedule has been announced, with dates to follow in the coming weeks.

 

For more information, to book studio time or to follow news and updates in the coming weeks, head to the First Light Studio website or head to their Facebook page.

 

Alternatively, you can find out more about the Dr. Martens Presents project here.

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Article by:

Matt Robson

 

Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
 

Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.