A Bristol muscian, whose love of performing started when she used to sing with a hairbrush in front of her bedroom mirror, has opened her own rehearsal studio in the city.
Emma Lawrence, a former student at the British Institute of Modern Music (BIMM) in the city, has opened the Brunel Studios in a former college office space at Central Park in Hengrove.
Emma, who completed a BA in Professional Musicianship at BIMM last year, loved performing and singing as a young child.
She was also involved in musical theatre, and from the age of 14 was gigging around the pubs of Newbury where she grew up.
She continues to sing in three bands which gig around Bristol – Fully Funked, Sweet Tooth and Amador.
But it was her struggle to find affordable rehearsal and recording space in the city which promoted her to set up her own business.
In partnership with mum Vicki, who runs her own book-keeping and accountancy business, Emma is now putting the final touches on the Brunel Studios.
Emma has completely transformed the former offices at Central Park, above the Access to Music College, at a cost of £60,000.
Most Read
The studios, featuring street art decor by artist Ben Martin, boast four acoustic soundproofed rehearsal studios, a production suite and a large live room, with lighting, stage and mirrors which will also double up as a performance venue. Plans also include installing a DJ room.
“As a musician myself I found it difficult to find affordable and good rehearsal space,” said Emma. “I love music and don’t want to do anything else, so wanted to start a business that revolved around it.
“I felt that there was a gap in the market to provide space that bands and musicians of any age and any ability could book which offered easy access, a choice of studios and the opportunity for bands to practise in a live environment to perfect their performance skills.
“I also wanted to create a space for musicians and artists to meet up and network.
“The music scene in Bristol is very vibrant and I believe there is a need for more facilities to help musicians develop both their music and their marketing.
“I want Brunel Studios to become a hub for musicians to be able to develop and share skills and experiences through both professional guidance and networking opportunities.”
Emma is hoping to attract local bands and performers to Brunel Studios, named after Bristol’s Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
Don’t miss
She will work with fellow BIMM alumnus Jordan Round as in house producer, who will offer songwriting advice and tuition along with the facility to record on site, giving amateur musicians the opportunity to develop not only their performance skills but also create recordings to post on social media and streaming platforms giving exposure to their music.
Sam Gould – also a BIMM post graduate – will be offering photography packages to musicians and bands with full studio lighting and back drops to complete the band development process.
“We really want local bands to come and feel completely at home in this rehearsal and recording space,” said Emma.
“Perhaps we may even get some famous names in - you never know who may come through the door.”