Peter Walsh and Sam Emanuel Scores of artists have used it to record hit tunes and now the owners of a city music studio are hoping a major revamp will allow them to put even more up and coming bands on the right track for success.

Peter Walsh and Sam Emanuel

Scores of artists have used it to record hit tunes and now the owners of a city music studio are hoping a major revamp will allow them to put even more up and coming bands on the right track for success.

Plug Studios, on the City Trading Estate at the bottom of Grapes Hill, counts names including Giz Butt, former guitarist of The Prodigy, Gian Pyres, former Cradle of Filth guitarist, Steve Ignorant, vocalist in 80's punk band The Crass and popular Norwich group The Kabeedies as regular customers.

And now up and coming artists will be able to record their work in the new 24-track recording suite which has just been completed.

The suite has a large relaxation area, WIFI access, a jukebox, refreshments and comfortable seating, and enhances the seven existing rehearsal studios, allowing customers to produce their own basic recordings or enlist the help of the professional engineers and producers at the studio.

Errol Watson, who has run the studio with his partner Kim Ives for the past 10 years, said: “We started the business because although it was quite a happening place at that time, there weren't many places to rehearse. Norwich has still got a thriving music scene and the studio will help less established musicians who are starting up.”

Mr Watson, who is a musician himself and has been involved in the music industry for 30 years, helping to bring a number of legendary bands to the city like Iron Maiden, said the state-of-the-art studio will allow bands to utilise the latest technology.

He said: “The recording suite has the ability for visiting producers and engineers to link their own equipment and computer software to our own, in addition to offering an in-house solution.

“The industry is changing, with many musicians opting to use home computers to produce their work, often visiting a studio to record only parts of their compositions.

“We felt that it is important to recognise and embrace the fact that as more technology becomes available, we have to proactively adapt our services accordingly.”

Plug Studios is open seven days a week and provides the practical element of some of the courses at City College Norwich.

For more information about Plug Studios visit www.plugstudios.co.uk

Are you starting up a business in the city? Call Evening News reporter Sam Emanuel on 01603 772438 or email sam.emanuel@archant.co.uk