"Work had already begun on my new studio when I first met Richard Vivian from Big Sky," says Harding. "The building had been designed by a local architect and was being built by a local, non-specialist builder. I had made the classic mistake of allowing these people to erect a parallel walled room. One visit from Richard to the site immediately highlighted a list of improvements that were both economic and practical to implement. Suggestions such as an internal lobby on the entrance door, built on an angle to break up the parallel walls, and changes to the internal wall construction have made a huge difference to the performance of the room and saved money on our original design plans."
The studio's internal room acoustics where customised to provide a reflection-free mixing space with a smooth low frequency response. Phil Harding adds "The installation of bass traps and sound absorption panels have made the room sound so much better than when it was initially finished."
Phil Harding, who recently served as Chairman of the Music producers Guild (MPG), started at Marquee Studios in 1973, working with acts such as The Clash and Matt Bianco. He later became chief engineer at PWL Studios and then together with Ian Curnow established a studio within London's Strongroom complex. Together, they produced and remixed hits for Pet Shop Boys, Jesus Jones, Climie Fisher, Donna Summer, Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan.
(Jim Evans)
