Newquay’s The Studios launches appeal to back Cornwall musicians

Recording time, decent microphones, someone who knows the industry. For a young band in Cornwall, all three can be a long way off and expensive to reach. A music school in Newquay is now asking the public to help close that gap.

Nadine Finney runs The Studios in Newquay, a community music school, rehearsal space, recording studio and music shop that has been open since 2016. In August she launched a GoFundMe appeal to support grassroots music in Cornwall, aiming to raise £5,000 to upgrade the studio and lay the groundwork for a new programme for emerging artists.

So far it has raised £1,222 from 15 donations.

Upgrades already under way

In an update on The Studios’ Facebook page, the team thanked everyone who has given so far and said the money is already going straight into the recording studio upgrades, which are starting to come together. There is still a fair amount of equipment to buy before the studio is up and running, though.

“We believe our recording studio can play a much bigger role in supporting Cornwall’s grassroots music community,” the post said.

The aim, it added, is a professional, flexible and welcoming space where local musicians can make high-quality recordings, develop their skills and create content to help them take the next step.

Why the appeal?

Nadine says emerging musicians in Cornwall find professional recording, equipment, mentoring and industry contacts costly and hard to come by.

The Studios already teaches students of all ages and supports local musicians. It also runs the annual Giveback Concert, which raises money for school music departments.

What the money would pay for

The £5,000 covers the first phase, and the business is also putting in its own funds. The plan covers:

• upgraded recording equipment
• better acoustics, including a vocal booth
• video and lighting gear
• improvements to comfort and accessibility

The full equipment and upgrade list comes to £11,740. It includes a mixing desk, headphones, microphones, a laptop, recording software, stage boxes, drum mics, air conditioning and soundproofing.

A programme planned for 2027

The second phase would build on those upgrades to launch the Elevate Artist Accelerator Programme. Its first group of artists is planned for 2027.

Artists on the programme would get recording and production, photo and video content, branding, performance development, career guidance, mentoring and the chance to play showcases.

What donors receive

• £50: Studios badge and a 10% in-store voucher
• £100: two-hour rehearsal voucher and a Studios cap
• £150: three-hour rehearsal voucher and a free guitar restring
• £250: recording preparation masterclass and a three-hour rehearsal voucher
• £500: two-hour recording session, three-hour rehearsal voucher and a Studios cap
• £1,000: four-hour recording session, four-hour rehearsal voucher and a Studios hoodie

Anyone who gives more than £100 also gets a Studios Family Discount Card, worth 10% off in-store for a year. The Studios says sharing the appeal helps too.