This week we’re talking to some of the third-year students who were working at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios in London last week. They’re reflecting, amongst other things on their time there, their preconceptions about the experience, and how it has helped inspire them to continue both their studies and their musical aspirations.
We asked Music Production student Cameron Joseph what he thought about having the chance to go to Abbey Road?
“Oh, it was a, I think privilege maybe is the word I’m looking for. It was just incredible to go in that space.
To see sort of the way that they work mainly, especially for me as sort of someone who wants to go into the engineering side to watch, like Paul Pritchard’s work and see the way he runs a session. It was just, yeah. Amazing.”
Fellow Music Production student George Grimshaw also said:
“I wrote a bucket list one year and it was always something I always wanted to do and get the opportunity to go. It was something I was really looking forward to throughout my first and second years. And then when finally getting around to doing it, it was the most exciting experience that I feel like I’ve ever had. And I’m so happy to have had an opportunity like this.”
When asked whether it was imposing walking up iconic front steps, Music Production and Creative Business student Alex Riddlesdell thought:
“I’d call it more surreal than imposing. I would say once you got halfway up, it hit you and you realized where you were, that you’re walking on the same steps as many other people, famous people.”
George Grimshaw noted the emotions he felt going in:
“We walked in and I just remember the security guy was like the most chill guy and you’re like, oh my God, I’m here. It was nerve-wracking. But once I got in there, it was like “wow”.”
When asked what his favourite part of the day was Alex Riddlesdell said:
“Really when you got to speak to the people there and actually be in the recording studio, just having that opportunity. And that time in there where you can just listen, sit back and listen and just take all the information and all the knowledge in.”
Cameron Joseph’s favourite part of the day:
“As intimidating as it was probably being the first to sit on pro tools and run the session and sort of trying not to screw it up because it was an important part, even if it’s just pressing a button. It’s like right then, sort of everything’s relying on you in a way and you don’t want to screw it up.”
George Grimshaw also said:
“My favourite part of the day I think was the most exciting bit, was going in for the first time and getting into the control room and sitting down and you’re just like, I’m sat in the control room and I’m supposed to be here. That was really exciting.
And then actually, because the project was something that I was interested in I think the entire process of, seeing how that works was really exciting too. But I think my favourite part was when they took us to Studio One. We got to have a quick peek into the live room.”
The Abbey Road visit is a key part of the Music Production course at York St John. We asked Cameron what he felt about having the chance to go.
“Oh, it was a, I think privilege maybe is the word I’m looking for. It was just incredible to go in that space
Alex commented on how Abbey Road has evolved to more than just a recording studio:
“And then, and even beyond that, like other entities such as films, and other parties as well, all which are contained in the music industry, have used Abbey Road for whatever means necessary. And it’s just a kind of a hub of creativity overall.”
Now the students have had the opportunity, what are their thoughts now they’ve worked a day in the life of an engineer at Abbey Road?
George said:
“It was a lot different than I expected it to be. I thought it’d be like people running around and it was very, I thought it was going to be like the very strict and like no mess around or it, it was, but it seemed to be like a really quiet experience. It wasn’t as intensive as I thought it was. You’re doing something big, and you do have to do your job well. And having the experience working on Pro Tools, like it was nerve-wracking and it was quite important work you were doing. But I didn’t feel like there was as much pressure as I was expecting it to be.”
Cameron continues:
“To see sort of the way that they work mainly, especially for me as sort of someone who wants to go into the engineering side to watch Paul Pritchard’s work and see the way he runs a session. It was just, yeah. Amazing.”
Finally, and possibly most importantly we asked if it has inspired them to continue with their studies and their music careers.
Alex says:
“It certainly has in being able to surround myself with the people who take part daily and who make up what the music industry is today.
I will still be active in the music industry but I’m going to be in a different role on the legal side. However, having that time in there and getting a thorough understanding of the recording aspects is still massively important.
So it definitely still keeps me inspired and passionate to remain in that active sector.”
Cameron continues:
“Yes, definitely. Yeah. I think if I could get to the level that Paul (Pritchard) is at and the people that do work there, that would be a career goal.”
Finally, George comments:
“Yeah. I’ve never been more motivated to do work since being there. I know film is something I’ve always really wanted to do and I really want to go back there. I really want to go back there as a client and actually be working on a project of my own.
That’s a dream experience. So, it has really inspired me to keep working and make the effort, to get there.”
And so, as the third years continue into their final semester, the inspiration and memories they take from their time at Abbey Road go with them. The experience is one that none of them will ever forget, but for some of them, may well not be the last time they go to Abbey Road.
