Musicians band together for new studio

A group of musicians are banding together to crowd fund a new recording studio, as their current home is turned into luxury flats.
CulturGen, from left: Niall Smith, Robert Owens, Carlos Nisbet and Nic MarsdenCulturGen, from left: Niall Smith, Robert Owens, Carlos Nisbet and Nic Marsden
CulturGen, from left: Niall Smith, Robert Owens, Carlos Nisbet and Nic Marsden

More than 20 band members, solo artists and producers set up the Palace Studio 12 months ago in Dewsbury’s former Register Office in Wellington Road, but hope to move premises to Mill Street East before the current space is auctioned.

Producer Nic Marsden, 30, said the studio played an important role in bringing local musicians together.

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“Before the Palace no-one really got on, everyone was in separate bands, but here people are forced together in a music community. The elders overlook the youngers and say, ‘get on with it’,” he said.

Founding musician Duncan Harris, 40, first had the idea to crowd fund the project though website indiegogo.com after seeing similar ventures succeed on the page.

Crowd funding is becoming an increasingly popular way for campaigns to raise money, relying on internet donations from supporters locally and internationally.

“We have done our research and its not going to be easy. We have to work together as a community to make this happen. Dewsbury is lacking the facilities to help our local bands move forward.” said Mr Marsden.

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Nicknamed the Palace for its formerly decadent interior, the old Register Office is currently part of a guardian scheme which encourages temporary residents protect empty buildings.

The group said their new site would offer a much-needed space for bands to practice their stage techniques.

In the last year the studio has recorded many acts including Leeds group VOXE who performed at the 02 Arena and won Best Original Song at music competition Live and Unsigned.

“It feels great to see acts that I have written and produced for move forward towards their dream,” said Mr Marsden. “The acts that I have worked with in the studio all have the drive, talent and writing ability to be whatever they want to be.”

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The group hope to generate extra income by opening a shop in the new studio selling musical equipment.

The Palace Studio Project will raise funds on the www.indiegogo.com until the end of March, log on to the website and search for the Palace Studio to donate.

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