“Gladly” is the first Metropolis Sessions release by Tirzah…

The session features Micachu, was engineered and mixed by Alex Robinson from Metropolis and shot by the team at Crack Magazine. The series is powered by Sennheiser.

Following text taken from Crack Magazine…

“We’re hugely excited to launch the Metropolis Sessions – a new live session series recorded at London’s iconic Metropolis Studios, one of the best recording spaces in Europe. The series is powered by Sennheiser.

We’ll be using this series as an opportunity spotlight for some of our favourite emerging artists, welcoming them to the studio to capture their sound through a world-class system and bring it to you on a monthly basis.

First up, a truly unique voice in the contemporary UK landscape, Tirzah. First making waves in 2013 on the fringes of alternative UK club music, Tirzah’s soft, playful sensibility brought a fresh blast of colour to London’s dance-pop underground. For her debut full-length, Devotion– upcoming on Domino – she’s found an even more soulful groove.

Pairing plainspoken lyricism with an offbeat style of pop songwriting, she fully arrives as a singular voice existing somewhere between RnB, soul and lo-fi experimentalism. Written and produced in collaboration with her best friend Mica Levi, the record has a loose, intoxicating connectivity which comes only through years of collaboration.

For the debut Metropolis Session, Tirzah performs Gladly, the lead single from her debut album. Backed by Mica Levi and Coby Sey, the performance captures the understated, intimate magic of the LP.

Tirzah’s debut album Devotion is release 10 August via Domino. She plays Simple Things Festival, Bristol on 20 October 2018.”

TĀLĀ & Beth Rowley to play Clash Live…

Keep Thursday 19th July free… electronic R&B producer TĀLĀ & BRIT-nominated singer songwriter Beth Rowley are coming to Clash Live!

Grab your free tickets here…

TĀLĀ was born in Hampton to an Iranian father and an English mother. Immersed in a variety of sounds, from Iranian Googosh to Michael Ball with Garage, RnB and Hip Hop in between, this freedom of expression is clear in her production style.

Her collaboration with BANKS triggered her transition into an electronic producer and RnB songwriter which has seen her remix for the likes of Katy Perry. TĀLĀ is now in the final stages of recording her debut album, establishing her own label ‘The Duchess Records’, producing a sample kit to be release with Splice and partnering with new crypto currency platform Choon.

Ten years ago Beth Rowley’s debut ‘Little Dreamer’ went top 10 and garnered a Brit nomination, selling in excess of 100,000 copies. It was a bittersweet experience though, marketed as a mainstream contender by her record label left her feeling compromised both musically and stylistically.

Beth returns with Gota Fría, a heady fusion of rock, blues and Americana, co-written with Ron Sexsmith, Marcus Bonfanti and Ben Castle. We are delighted to have her perform her new album for Clash Live.

Grab your free tickets here…

Emanative & Louis VI to play Clash Live…

On Thursday 21st June, Clash Live’s monthly showcase brings some seriously vibey fusion jazz from Nick Woodmansey, AKA Emanative, to the table. Get cosmic with one of the DJ don himself Gilles Peterson’s favourite under-the-radar artists.

Louis VI (pictured above) will be bringing his jazz-inspired rap too. Having collaborated with Frank Ocean as part of his Boys Don’t Cry project, Louis’ eclectic sound comes together on his exceptional forthcoming debut album Sugar Like Salt.

Grab you FREE tickets by clicking here!

Watch Mystery Jets record live-to-vinyl at Metropolis Studios!

Tour the studio, meet the band, and receive a tracked vinyl after the event.
Metropolis Studios in partnership with Mastercard Priceless Cities present a Live-to-Vinyl experience. Be at the first in a series of unforgettable events starting 7 July, hosted by Europe’s top independent recording studio, Metropolis. Bring a friend to watch Mystery Jets record live in London’s iconic Studio-A. Watch two tracks being cut in real time from two different viewing angles; the A Lounge and the control room. You will enjoy VIP treatment with a champagne reception, a tour of the studio, a meet-and-greet with the band, and your very own record from the limited-edition run sent to your house after the event.

Mystery Jets are a well-loved British band who have been performing around the world since 2003 and have released five studio albums, containing hits such as ‘Bubblegum’ and ‘Young Love’. Their many years of performing and studio experience make them a great artist to launch the Live-to-Vinyl event series.

Exclusive for Mastercard cardholder – Book here!

What’s priceless?

Watching a great artist record tunes straight to vinyl with a fellow music fan, in a world-renowned studio.

The highlights

• Watch a full recording session with Mystery Jets
• See a two track EP cut straight to vinyl
• Tour the formerly closed-to-the-public Studio-A
• Meet the band over a champagne reception
• Get one of only 500 copies of the limited-edition record

Exclusive for Mastercard cardholder – Book here!

We’re heading down to The Great Escape! See you there?

Meet our team at this year’s Great Escape Festival. Members from our studios and mastering teams will be down in Brighton, so if you want to book in a meeting – here’s how!

Studios: Marnie Keeling (Studio Manager) & Liam Nolan (Grammy Award Winning Engineer) – studios@https://www.thisismetropolis.com

Mastering: Dan Baldwin (Mastering Manager), Shola Aleje (Senior Mastering Bookings Coordinator) & Felix Davis (Mastering Engineer) – mastering@https://www.thisismetropolis.com

Or find us from 2.15-3.45pm at The Old Courthouse

PRS Foundation & Key Production Group Present…FLASH FUNDING FOR VINYL LIVE DECISION PANEL, In Association with Music Glue & Metropolis Studios. Flash Funding for Vinyl offers emerging UK artists and bands the opportunity to develop their careers with:

• 500 x 12” Vinyl from Key Production Group & Modo
• Release support from Music Glue
• Audio Mastering from Metropolis Studios
• Ongoing Promotional Support from Flash Funding Partners

Flash Funding for Vinyl was announced on 30th April, with artists applying by 4th May via video application. 10 artists have been shortlisted and this decision panel is made up of special guest industry experts and will give a unique insight into how funding decisions are made. The event will also be broadcast through Facebook Live on Key Production and PRS Foundation Facebook profiles.

With guests:

• Nadine Shah, Artist
• Julie Weir, Music For Nations/Sony
• Nadia Khan, CTRL Management
• Damian Morgan, Brave Music

Join us at The Old Courthouse…

PRS Foundation and Key Production Group present…Flash Funding for Vinyl in association with Music Glue and Metropolis Studios.

Following 2017’s popular partnership, PRS Foundation is pleased to announce the return of Flash Funding for Vinyl – offering emerging UK artists and bands the opportunity to develop their careers with additional support this year from Music Glue and Metropolis Studios.

Apply here…

4 x artists/bands will each receive:

• 500 X 12” Vinyl from Key Production Group & Modo

Worth over £1,500, artists receive 500 x stunning 12” vinyl, with Key Production Group supporting artists based on a menu of design options

• Release Support from Music Glue

Artists will receive tailored support from Music Glue to help with their direct-to-fan ecommerce, including:

• Free website build and integrated online store on the Music Glue platform
• Release strategy meeting with the Music Glue team
• Audio Mastering from Metropolis Studios

Artists can access free mastering and a vinyl lacquer cut for single or EP releases*

• Ongoing Promotional Support from Flash Funding Partners

Partners will help to promote each release, staggered through 2018

The award is open to any emerging artist writing and performing their own music. The partners are looking for a healthy mix of new artists and those at a crucial career tipping point whose music is outstanding and is not limited to a specific genre. Those most ready to release 500 copies will be prioritised, as will those demonstrating that they are in need of support and have a sufficiently growing fan-base. Artists must be based in the UK and we will prioritise PRS members**.

PRS Foundation’s Flash Funding programme addresses issues facing emerging music creators by responding to specific needs with an innovative approach to funding, involving video submissions, quick decision turnaround and high-profile industry experts and partners.

This year’s Flash Fund for Vinyl is launched on April 30th, with a deadline of Friday 4^th May. A longlist will be whittled down to 10 shortlisted applications taken to our Live Flash Funding Panel at The Great Escape on Friday 18^th May (The Old Courtroom, 2.15pm) which will also be broadcast via Facebook Live.

Following an entertaining and informative live decision panel last year, the Live Decision Panel at The Great Escape features independent music expert advisors:

• Nadine Shah, Artist
• Nadia Khan, CTRL MANAGEMENT
• Julie Weir, Music For Nations/Sony
• Plus special guests TBA

Delegates will get an insight into the strength of video application and musical submissions and will hear from those working on the front-line of new music to see how selected artists jump out and receive support. This level of insight is invaluable to artists, managers and team members putting themselves forward for support opportunities.

Who can apply?

• UK-based artists, bands and performers
• Self-releasing artists and artists signed to independent labels (unless financial support is clearly not needed)
• Artists with team members (e.g. management, booking agents, PR, pluggers) are welcome to apply but all video applications must be submitted by the artist.
• Artists with recent or upcoming recordings will be prioritised. Those whose related recordings have been previously released must justify demand for a vinyl release
• Those with a clear sales plan for resulting releases

What are we looking for?

We are looking to support those creating, recording, performing and promoting outstanding new music. We want to support the next generation of credible talent and artists that are most ready to reap the benefits of a vinyl release. Those receiving support must sell resulting vinyl and must show a clear plan for their release.

*Flash Funding partners envisage selected artists are most likely to release EPs. Metropolis Studios offer free mastering (where required) for up to 4 tracks. For releases with more tracks, partners will use best endeavours to cover costs or offer discounted mastering.

**we can support those who are not members yet but would not select those signed up to competing collection societies such as ASCAP and APRA

Artists supported in previous years are:

• Yassassin (Brighton)
• Speakman Sound (Glastonbury)
• Vulgarians (Hull)
• Marsicans (Yorkshire)
• Them Blends (London)
• Barney Artist (London)
• Robocobra Quartet (Northern Ireland)
• The Pictish Trail (Scotland)
• Weirds (Yorkshire)

Who should not apply?

• Artists signed to major labels are ineligible
• Artists funded recently through other PRS Foundation schemes are unlikely to receive support. If in doubt, ask your existing PRS Foundation contact
• Those deemed not in need of funding support will not be selected
• Those planning on giving away the resulting release

The application process
Our online application form allows artists to submit the following parts for consideration:

• 2 x Musical Examples (links to SoundCloud, Spotify, Bandcamp, MixCloud, YouTube, etc.)
• 1 x Video Submission (3 mins max)
• A 3 minute video must answer the following questions:
  – Describe your music and summarise your career to date (45 secs maximum)
  – What are your musical ambitions? (30 secs maximum)
  – Why is now the right time for you to make and release 500 x 12” vinyl? (45 secs maximum)
  – How do you plan to sell your vinyl? (30 secs maximum)

– What will you do with the money raised from selling vinyl? (30 secs maximum)

While well produced videos are nice to see, you will only be judged on the strength of your music and your answers to the above questions. Passion goes a lot further than visual production values so feel free to use camera phones if you do not have access to professional standard filming equipment.

The vinyl offer

Key Production Group offer 500 x 12” vinyl per artist, which includes:

• 140g Black vinyl 12″ with full colour label
• Full colour LP sleeve with 3mm spine on 300gsm w-w Board
• White paper inner bag
• Plus free: 5x test pressings, artwork check, 1 x UK delivery

Application Deadline: 6pm, 4^th May

Please be aware that – if selected for panel discussion – your video application and musical submissions will be seen and discussed at The Great Escape and potentially broadcast live. If you are not comfortable with this, please apply for alternative funding opportunities.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY…

We have office desk space available at Metropolis. There’s currently office space for six plus a separate meeting room.

If you’re interested please contact Alexandra Neilson or call 0208 987 7563 .

Massive congratulations to all of the BRIT Awards 2018 nominees. We’re delighted to have worked with so many of the nominated artists over the past year…

Dua Lipa – nominated for British Female Solo Artist, British Breakthrough Act, British Single, British Album Of The Year & British Artist Video Of The Year. #DuaLipa was mastered by John Davis.

Ed Sheeran – nominated for British Male Solo Artist, British Single, British Album Of The Year & British Artist Video Of The Year. ÷ was mastered by Stuart Hawkes.

Gorillaz – nominated for British Group. Humanz was mastered by John Davis.

Jessie Ware – nominated for British Female Solo Artist. Glasshouse was mastered by Stuart Hawkes.

The xx – nominated for British Group. I See You was mastered by John Davis.

J Hus – nominated for British Breakthrough Act, British Single & British Album Of The Year. Common Sense was mastered by Stuart Hawkes.

The Killers – nominated for International Group. Wonderful Wonderful was mastered by John Davis.

Clean Bandit ft. Zara Larsson – nominated for British Single & British Artist Video Of The Year. Symphony was worked on by Liam Nolan and mastered by Stuart Hawkes.

Jax Jones ft. RAYE – nominated for British Single & British Artist Video Of The Year. You Don’t Know Me was mastered by Stuart Hawkes.

Anne-Marie – nominated for British Artist Video Of The Year. Ciao Adios was mastered by Stuart Hawkes.

Rag’n’Bone Man – nominated for British Male Solo Artist, British Single & British Album Of The Year. Mixed in Studio C by Dan Parry.

Paloma Faith – nominated for British Female Solo Artist. Tracks from the album were mixed in Studio C.

Loyle Carner – nominated for British Male Solo Artist & British Breakthrough Act. Yesterday’s Gone was mixed in Studio C.

…and breathe.

To find out more and book our Mastering team, click here…
To find out more and book with our Studios team, click here…

Never one to miss the opportunity to combine reading the future and espousing passionate music recommendations here is The Playback’s Sound of 2018.

Featuring a wide variety of artists, some of which will already be on your radar, we give you eight acts to keep an eye on in the months ahead…

Not3s – My Lover

East-Londoner Not3s has been winning over critics and celebrities such as Louis Theroux, Raheem Sterling and Stormzy with his cheeky rhymes and party ready rhythms. After the viral hit of “Addison Lee” Not3s has kept up the strong output of bangers. “My Lover” bobs up and down on the powerful kick drum and funky guitar licks. Not3s’ slick delivery is both confident and laid back and the young man’s charm shines through clearly.

Rex Orange County – Untitled

We tipped you off to Rex’s talents way back in April and since then he has released his album “Apricot Princess” to overwhelmingly positive reviews. A lot has been written about young Rex (Alex O’Connor) since then, with the majority of it rather unfairly focussing on his star studded and glamorous collaborations with the likes of Tyler the Creator instead of the work he has created on his own. It’s all here on tracks like “Untitled” with the uniquely soft crooning vocal that will surely get even better with age. You can catch Rex when he embarks on his UK and European tour in the New Year.

Nabihah Iqbal – Something More

Having previously worked under the moniker “Throwing Shade”, this year Nabihah Iqbal released her debut album “Weighing of the Heart” under her own name. On the track “Something More” you can feel her dance music oriented past blending smoothly with post punk guitars à la New Order and The Chameleons. Warm pads and sharp synth strings glide over a pounding robotic beat and her breathy vocals will have fans of The XX salivating throughout this retro sounding single.

Easy Life – Pockets

“Pockets” is the first taste of Easy Life’s soon to be released debut EP on Chess Club Records and it has rightly so whipped up plenty of interest in what the Leicester based 5-piece also have up their collective sleeve. Relevant tastemakers also deemed the track worthy of the New Music Friday UK Spotify playlist which would have introduced the boys to over half a million subscribers. The group are already selling out local venues as well as their first ever London show so if you want to catch them live there is no time to stall.

Alma – Chasing Highs

With a Top Twenty hit already to her name at just twenty one years of age, Finnish singer-songwriter Alma has made an exciting start to her career. “Chasing Highs” is pure pop brilliance with its staccato keys, massive house beat (with accompanying hand claps) and at its centre a tough and assertive vocal performance. There is surely much more to come from the young and bold singer who has seriously progressed from her days on the Finnish singing competition “Idols” back in 2013.

Benny Mails – Aware, The Mixtape

Benny Mails is a hot new MC from South London with an elegantly rhythmic flow naturally developed during his formative years break dancing and listening to Hip Hop, Funk and Jazz records. “Aware, The Mixtape” is made up of eight wildly different tracks that excellently demonstrates the young talents abilities. Benny vocally spars with the listener delivering fast and phonetically fatal jabs yet with “Aware” he shows he can slow things down and come up with Connan Mockasin style make out music.

Dama Scout – Sugar

The Playback has been flying the flag for Dama Scout ever since we saw them supporting one of our other favourite bands Our Girl at the Shacklewell Arms in Dalston. Their kinetic energy combined with a discernible ear for a melody results in something very interesting indeed. Much like bands such as experimental rockers Deerhoof, Dama Scout effortlessly combine harsh and dissonant moments with sublime and sweet ones.

Pink Kink – Munchie Magic

Liverpudlian band Pink Kink make us think “why can’t more acts be this wild and fun?” With “Munchie Magic” it sounds like Pink Kink are the stars of a Tarantino film about Punk surfers from the 1980’s that have time travelled back to the Wild West… in the best way possible. Anarchic, sharp and rude the track and the band are accessible without playing down their politics and intellect.

To keep up to date with all things Metropolis Mastering related check out our website…

Check out our Spotify playlist which we will be adding to as the year goes on with all our tips and recommendations…

The Playback