What makes your studio unique? What do you stand for and what is at the heart of why you are in the recording industry?
It’s a mix of things – the history, the atmosphere, and most importantly the people. As a family-owned space, there’s a warmth to the studio that we think artists can feel as soon as they walk through the door. We strive to create a space where our clients feel relaxed, inspired, and free to make something meaningful. The history of the place definitely adds to that. You can’t help but feel something when you’re working in a building that’s been the birthplace of so many classic records. There’s a sense of inspiration in the walls that’s contagious. Our vintage gear – particularly our API desks – and the sound of the rooms play a big role in what makes RAK unique and continues to attract artists to the studio. And of course, at the heart of it all – and maybe the real reason people keep coming back – is our legendary biscuit cupboard.
Are there any previous recording, mixing or mastering projects that your studio has been a part of that you are particularly proud of?
It’s honestly hard to choose – there’s so much we’re proud of. Classic records such as Radiohead’s ‘The Bends’ will always be up there. That said, a few more recent projects also stand out. Little Simz new album ‘Lotus’ was just released and is a project we’re proud to have been a part of. We also had the pleasure of having Cymande record their reunion album ‘Renascence’ in RAK 1, which was a real honour and highlight for a lot of our team. On the Atmos side, it has to be the ‘Ziggy Stardust’ reimagining, mixed by Ken Scott and Emre Ramazanoglu. It’s always exciting to see such a wide range of artists bring their vision to life.
What does an average day at your studio look like?
Every day is different and that’s what keeps things interesting. There’s always a new face in the studio, so creatives that might not usually cross paths often do. You never know who you’ll bump into in the kitchen. If you’re lucky, Opie, our studio manager’s Frenchie will pop by to say hello.
Tell us about your studio staff. How do they contribute to your studio’s ethos and reputation?
We’re lucky to work with a very talented team of freelance engineers and assistant engineers, who bring experience from across the industry. They’re highly skilled and know exactly how to support artists in bringing their projects to life. Many of them also work across other studios, fostering fresh perspectives, adaptability and are always ready to go the extra mile to create a supportive and professional environment. It’s safe to say that our team is the heart and soul of the studio.
Is there a highlight from the previous working month (or recently) at your studio that you would like to share?
A recent standout moment was seeing Isabel Gracefield, our wonderful head engineer, win MPG Breakthrough Producer of the Year. It’s a huge achievement and we’re incredibly proud to have her as part of the RAK team! We’ve also been working closely with a few incredible producers and engineers across multiple new projects. While we can’t share details right now, there’s a lot to look forward to and we can’t wait to reveal more soon!
Is there anything else you would like to say about your studio and share with the Guild?
We love being a part of such a vibrant music community and to have had so many iconic artists pass through our doors over the years. RAK has a rich history, but we’re always looking forward to evolve with the needs of our clients and the ever-changing industry.
Supporting the growth and development of our team is very important to us. Our assistant engineers have the chance to learn directly from experienced professionals, gaining hands-on experience that helps build confidence and craft. We’re equally committed to nurturing emerging talent and working with producers whose work actively fosters fresh and exciting new artists.
Visit RAK’s website: https://rakstudios.co.uk
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