Like Trying to Catch Lightning in a Bottle: 40 Years of Making Music at Eastcote Studios

Philip Bagenal founded Eastcote Studios in 1980, which became a significant and influential music studio in London. It was where Massive Attack recorded their debut album, Blue Lines, and where Neneh Cherry, Tricky, and Seal recorded. In the late 1990s, it became a hub for Brit pop with Placebo, Elastica, and Suede. The studio also played a pivotal role in the success of a new generation of musicians, including Adele, Arctic Monkeys, Kaiser Chiefs, and Mumford & Sons.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 07 October 2021
Publisher: West Ten Publishing Ltd

In the vibrant year of 1980, a young musician and engineer, freshly adorned with a degree in architecture from the esteemed Cambridge University, embarked on a remarkable journey. With a passion for music and a vision for creating a haven for artistic expression, Philip Bagenal decided to establish a music studio that would leave an indelible mark on the London music scene. Nestled north of Ladbroke Grove, Eastcote Studios emerged as a beacon of creativity, destined to become one of the most significant and influential studios in the city's rich musical heritage.

Eastcote Studios, with its serene location, quickly gained prominence as a Mecca for musicians seeking to capture the essence of their musical visions. It witnessed the birth of seminal albums, such as Massive Attack's iconic Blue Lines, where the iconic trio of Neneh Cherry, Tricky, and Seal laid the foundation for their musical prowess. In the 1980s and early 90s, the studio became a sanctuary for a diverse range of artists, including Depeche Mode, who recorded some of their most iconic tracks within its walls.

However, Eastcote Studios' story extends far beyond its musical contributions. It became a central hub of the Brit pop scene in the late 1990s, nurturing the talents of bands like Placebo, Elastica, and Suede. It witnessed the emergence of a new generation of musicians, who, with their unique styles and profound artistry, created some of the most celebrated albums of our time. From Adele's timeless melodies to the Arctic Monkeys' electrifying rock anthems, the Kaiser Chiefs' infectious pop hooks to Mumford & Sons' heartfelt folk tales, Eastcote Studios played a pivotal role in shaping the soundscape of contemporary music.

This book, however, goes beyond the mere recounting of Eastcote Studios' musical triumphs. It delves into the intricate tapestry of its success, exploring the stories of the bands that graced its stages, the sessions that teetered on the edge of chaos, and the triumphs that emerged from the depths of adversity. It sheds light on the enigmatic figure of Philip Bagenal, the visionary behind Eastcote Studios, whose anti-authoritarian approach to sound manipulation shaped the studio's unique identity.

Through vivid anecdotes, exclusive interviews, and meticulously researched historical accounts, this book offers a captivating journey into the heart of Eastcote Studios. It serves as a tribute to the enduring legacy of this iconic studio, celebrating the artists who have graced its halls and the transformative power of music. As you immerse yourself in the pages of this book, you will discover the untold stories that shaped the musical landscape, and be reminded of the profound impact that a dedicated space can have on the creative spirit of humanity.

Weight: 1552g
Dimension: 266 x 262 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838340810