There have been many bands and singers through the doors at sonic-one over the years, too many to list,. However, it is worth mentioning a few that have made the most from their visit to the studio and have walked away with a great album or demo.
The artists below are recent clients who are well worth keeping an eye-out for if they are performing in your area or you get the opportunity to hear their stuff.

Tim

If you have recently recorded at sonic-one please e-mail me a photo or CD cover with any relevant information to put on this page.

tim@sonic-one.co.uk

 

THE DRAGON SINFONIA
It's official - Sonic One is orchestral size! My first (hopefully of many) orchestral session occurred recently. A children's piece called 'The First Dragon' featuring the 'Peter and the Wolf' type instrumentation was recorded all in one day! I had a total blast doing it and it came together really quickly. The conductor, Adrian Partington and his crack team of musicians (most of which are in the National Orchestra of Wales) made sure the session went extremely smoothly. The two writers were there too, Francesca Kay (who narrated the piece) and Mervyn Burtch MBE who composed and scored the music. Some of the most polite and talented people I have met in a long time.

OFFICIAL GRAND OPENING
Although the studio has been open for some time, SONIC-ONE needed to be officially opened. Alun Pugh the Culture Minister kindly agreed to do it. Along with our A.M. Catherine Thomas he declared the new studio open. As the new studio was part funded by an assembly grant, it seemed right to invite the culture minister down to a successful Welsh business dealing in the arts. He was really impressed with the place and really interested in the recording process, and guess what - he plays the bass!

SONIC EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
What's that all about then? Well the studio has many session musicians on it's books, so when I gets a bit of down time I likes to get my mates in and have a great time. The three guys at the core of this outfit are Christian Philips (guitar, keys, vocals and principal songwriter) Ryan Aston (drums, percush and occasional backing vocals) and Me (guitar and whatever's left!). It has turned into a brilliant collaboration of a formidable team. Christian is nothing short of a genius all round really, frightening guitar player and could probably sing the phone book and sound tidy. What can I say about Ryan apart from he's about ten drummers all rolled into one - he can play anything! Check our My Space.
STOP PRESS...
We've just been asked to participate in a Jellyfish tribute album, more here!!

FREAK KITCHEN
Recently I had a rare opportunity I just couldn't turn down. Chris from my old mates 'Sanction' (see below) rang me and asked if I wanted to to live sound for them, and a Swedish band called Freak Kitchen. They were playing The Point in Cardiff. I knew the Kitchen were good but to see them live - they were awesome. Check them out on You tube. The other support band Tortilla Army were legendary too. I'm going to buy their album 'Broken' for sure. All in all it was a great night, you'll probably get some clips on You tube soon.


ANTERIOR
"Anterior" really have something special to offer. First of all - they rock! Secondly they are all really great musicians and made my job really easy. They were rehearsed up to the hilt and understood musical terms, particularly rhythmical ones. The drummer was a delight to record too, a heavy hitter, and consistent too. Lots of attention to guitar solos and harmonies a-plenty!!

Nice and tight!

THE NUMBERS RACKET
The Numbers Racket is a high energy swing and jump-jive six piece. Their live set is a great combination of energy, melody, and full-on good time showmanship. They are available for gigs, parties, weddings, etc., across the country and can be contacted via our web page: www.thenumbersracket.com

ZENYTH
Zenyth formed in 2004, after meeting at college in Cardiff and all having a common taste for classic rock. Two years later Zenyth were headlining Cardiff's Barfly as well as supporting bands including: The Answer, The Ga-Gas and Louis XIV. They played a knockout gig at the Cavern Club in Liverpool and have appeared on BBC Radio, Total Rock Radio and Channel 4 TV.

SNIPER
Formed originally in 2002, after songwriters Sean Cresser (bass) & Jay Rimmer (vocals/Guitar), spotted Mattew Morris-Jones singing karaoke in a local bar in Carmarthen, South Wales. And after eventually persuading close friend gary Owen to pick up the drums a few years down the line, formed a 4-piece Indie rock Band....... SNIPER

FALLofONE
They hail from the valleys and look to create the music they love and enjoy playing, they have so many influences which range from Iron Maiden and classic metal bands right through to modern bands like 36Crazyfists. They have been together forever and are all like brothers
They hope you enjoy their new stuff!

THIS RIVER
THIS RIVER are a four piece melodic rock band from the Swansea valleys in. They are a very hard working, dedicated band that will stop at nothing to put on the greatest show that they possibly can! The band have been together for about 4 years and have played all over the UK and even Portugal

MALPAS
Imaging being born deaf. Imaging never hearing anything ever before in you life, just the long, teasing drone of a deaf silence. They sound nothing like that. More like a blend of Muse, 'Phonics, Oasis etc. It's hard to say, they've been likened to so many acts e.g. Smashing Pumpkins, Manics, a mix between "Franz Ferdinand and the Clash". Haven't got a clue what they're listening to! (Spoke in drunken and slurred tone "Tha was awesome man!! It was like a cross between Michelle McManus and Lloyd Grossman!" Yeah, ok mate!

KARDOMAH
Originally from Neath and Swansea and united by a love of Radiohead, The Smiths, Pink Floyd, Smashing Pumpkins , U2 and The Cure, Kardomah are fast gaining a reputation on the British music scene. Flying high on the successes on Radio Wales and with support from Radio One’s Steve Lamacq it seems now is the time for them to break through. Building on supports with “X is Loaded” they are set to play a string of bigger and better dates, including more in London later this year.
kardomahmusic.co.uk or myspace

JESTER
What can I say about this artist / band thang? Songs more catchy than ibola, cheekier than J-Lo's Arse and if it don't get in the charts in the next 5 years, the world will miss something very special. Have a listen at My Space perlease! Tell all your mates, make this a hit, shall I go on? 'Nuff Said.

ILLEGAL AMIGOZ
The Illegal Amigoz formed in 2003 when a guitarist from 100 YARDS AHEAD and a guitarist from STICKMAN decided to get back into the music scene after both bands had discontinued. Chris (stickman) and Tom (100 Y.A.) started to write together and found that their material had a lot to offer.
Go webside at..
illegalamigoz.co.uk

SANCTION
Sanction ......is a 4-piece jigsaw puzzle consisting of players from different age groups and musical backgrounds, but with a singular objective! Its music can't be pigeonholed into Rock or Heavy Rock or Prog Rock, but has elements of all 3, and more! Sanction was the brainchild of vocalist Kris, who in October 2000 had the idea of professionally recording some songs that he'd written. To make this possible he enlisted the help of long-time friend Phil (bass), Gavin (guitar) and Gareth (drums).
My Space

ESCAPE COMMITTEE
If good 'ol ROCK is your thing it don't get much better than the Committee! Did all basic tracks live and overdubbed the vocals. Always a good move - energy level up up up!

go webside at..

theescapecommitteeband.com

KARMA CHILD
I've known these girls now for ooh years and years! They just keep getting better and better. They are two sisters who, individually, sound very different but together, in harmony sound a perfect match. 3 great new songs from the girls and samples can be heard on their my space


My Space

 

 

 

 

FFLUR DAFYDD
is from Carmarthen and her Welsh speaking funk based tunes are cheeky to say the least! When we were recording her two track single I found myself singing the melody to myself at all times - we even caught Phil the studio handyman (who's from the black country!) singing them too! go webside at..

fflurdafydd.com

MISS DAISY BLUE
Oh yes she's incredible! You will not believe your ears! That voice from a mere teenager! Well that's Daisy. With a band of the best session guys around playing jazz standards with a twist, her voice soars above making a truly amazing sound. Check out her My Space

 

 

Sonic One Regulars 21 AGAINST have now completed their album 'Nothing To Write Home About', and are now starting a new bunch of tracks which are sounding - meeetie feeene!

THROUGH SOLACE
Through Solace is a five-piece from South Wales that has quickly caught the attention of metal fans across the region. Their approach to metal is unique amongst the current crop of talented heavy bands from the region. Through Solace is part of a new breed of young metal bands from south Wales alongside the likes of The Beckoning, Endurance of Hate and many others. They recorded some great tracks and they must be heard!

GRIDLOCK
Originally from Dudley in the West Midlands, Brothers, Neil and Anthony Smith became natives of Carmarthen in the early eighties. Growing up listening to 70s rock/metal, their taste in music had a sound foundation.. The 3 members of Gridlock have been together for 8 years playing all around the UK and have summed up quite a following with their hard edged rock mixed with their own unique sound. The band have recently been joined by another local Carmarthen grunger, Jon Williams who's guitar playing has brought another dimension to their live performance. You can also listen to us on www.limelightradio.com by requesting our songs to be played on the radio.

BOMB THE SUN
Much like Circle of Stones, these guys like to record LIVE. There are five songs in the can, all hypnotic cosmic jams, many over ten minutes! But don't let this put you off, the songs remain interesting, morphing into many riffs and grooves that keep you hooked. Check the web for more info and a release date.

 

 

CIRCLE OF STONES
have been in to record some tracks. All backing tracks were done live, overdubbing energetic vocals the next day. They are gigging regularly and should be seen!

THE MENTALISTS
Are a quirky, all girl band from London. Their songs are hookier than Captain Hook's ...Hook and I found myself singing them after every session. It was produced by William Kingswood (who flew in from New York no less) and is due for release sometime soon.

 

FRICTIONLESS MAN
have been a larger band at one time - now down to a two piece, they don't seem to suffer for it. I know what you're thinking, but they are a long way from the White Stripes. No, they have a sound all of their own.

Five new songs from this valleys rock outfit. Nice to see the lads again after about ninety years! I was recording these guys when I was doing tape! Anyway they're back with some slamming tracks and singalong choruses, all songs are to a very high standard. lots of jokes flying around - the object of this session was to get the word 'chav' into every song! Click on the logo to go webside!

Are the first band to record at the new SONIC-ONE. They are starting a new album and by the sounds of the early drum and bass tracks, it's going to be quite exiting. Watch their web to get details of completion.

www.void-music.net

A while back I mixed a track on the 'Benedictus' album for Bryn and Rhys. Then on the 29th July, 2005
Bryn Terfel & Rhys Meirion Make the Charts!
Bryn and Rhys have recorded an album of duets entitled Benedictus for the Wales based label, Sain. Launched only a few weeks ago, the album has reached number three in the Classic FM chart behind two Katherine Jenkins recordings, one of which also features Rhys.
Copies of the recording are freely available in record stores in Wales.
Hurrah! The girls are back. I always look forward to rockin' the week away with these guys! They're back to do some updating of two tracks. One is the track 'London,' found on 'Not That Innocent' album and the other, a Girlschool classic - 'Emergency'. Both having a total re-working to sound slap bang up to date, let's rock........GIRLSCHOOL.CO,UK

 

AMSTERDAM have a single out -'Does This Train Stop At Merseyside' is a love song to Liverpool. It was one of John Peel's favourites, he said it always made him cry when he heard it (homesick I think!) But the main thing is it was done at Kidwelly Sonic - One

HOW ABOUT TROUT

Playing their instruments well seems to be really important for these guys. Recording their debut at Sonic One, we were all a bit surprised to get so much done in 3 days. I think these guys are really interesting and very clever, so rare to see a band experiment in this locale. Mixing all types of music genres, the Trout are not afraid to try anything (even bossa nova!) Unusual is good! So check out their tracks via their web and clap your teeth along to The Trout

Nasher's embarked on a new album. Entitled 'Le Grande Fromage' Basic tracks (drums, bass and basic keys) went down at Sonic-One with overdubbage being carried out at Nasher's home studio. It's a killer album with some mighty top tunes on it. Check out his other album "Ripe" @ www.mp3.com/Nasher or check out his web sitewww.nasher.co.uk

 

Regulars And Specials!

 

nasher
His current album 'Le Grande Fromage' has just been released on Babylon Pink Records to critical acclaim. It's a crossover Beatles, XTC, Jellyfish trip, well worth investigation. www.nasher.co.uk
amsterdam
'Does This Train Stop At Merseyside' is the new single from the 'best unsigned band in Britain' according to the music press. Check out the tracks high energy vibe.
www.amsterdam-pele.co.uk
girlschool
What's left to be said about this legendary heavy metal all girl band. The new album on release is called 'Believe' and it's definately the best album they've done. www.girlschool.co.uk
george michael
Although George didn't actually visit sonic-one, the re-mix I did of his duet with Toby Bourke and included on his 'Best Of' video. 'Waltz Away Dreaming' was well appreciated. And hey, so what, yeah I know its name-dropping!
mal pope
Just finished touring Mal's new musical 'Amazing Grace' with the Jacks. Lots of hard work for six weeks ending in a week's run at Theatre Clwyd, Mold. The band were awesome as usual and the whole production was a real success. www.malpope.com

stavia
This is Stavia's third album, 'Deep Waters' Second release for singing doctor Stavia Blunt and, look out Dido, a huge leap forward as an artiste. Just as Stavia has gone full colour on the cover, so the music is bigger, brighter and richer. stavia.co.uk

gwenda owen
Gwenda and Geinor Owen have done a few albums at Sonic One, and I consider them 'regulars!'. Apart from being some of the best people I have worked with, both Gwenda and partner Emlyn Dole are really great songwriters and are amongst the most successful welsh artists. gwendaowen.co.uk

tracey brennecke
Tracey Brennecke provides a refreshing, determined entry into an otherwise formulaic environment. Her debut album ‘Found’ set for release on 3rd May under Halo UK Records. Tracey’s singer and songwriter talents have secured her on Radio 2’s playlist in the past and Collin Martin (Radio 2) complimented her style. Halo-uk