Spotlight On: Middle Farm Studios, Devon

One of the main requests from our London-based artists during ReBalance ’24 was for a break from the city.  Being able to escape London and record in a comfortable space – somewhere more conducive to creativity – was highlighted by many as an exercise that would create change.

Middle Farm Studios in Newton Abbot, provides exactly that.  A residential recording studio complex in South Devon, run by writer and producer Patrick J. Pearson and producer and musician Peter Miles.  Founded in 2010, Middle Farm quickly established itself as one of the most desirable recording locations in the country.  Nestled in the South Hams, the stunning Jurassic Coastline to the east and the vast expanse of Dartmoor to the west, Middle Farm offers a unique environment in which to create.  Back in early October, we sent Sprout along with production duo Katy Hustwick and Emilie Krogh to stay for a few days in Glaucus House, Studio 2.  Read more about their time recording via the links above, and read on to learn more about the studio itself from Patrick J. Pearson, who we caught up with over email:

Patrick, thanks again for being involved in ReBalance ’24. Can you tell us about your time at Middle Farm Studios so far? When did you leave London, and what drew you to Newton Abbot?

I’m a proud Devonian, so the return to the area from working away was always on my mind, and an easy decision to make.  This will be my fifth year as a studio owner and producer. Honestly, it feels crazy. It’s flown by, which is due to having such a special environment.

How does Middle Farm differ from your previous studio experiences?

Middle Farm is a studio grown from the ground up, so environment has been the biggest focus. Natural light is sometimes a rare commodity in studios.

When it comes to your own work, what do feel are the key ingredients to being productive? What do you look for in a space?

Space should offer spontaneity, capitalising on ideas, and capturing as best you can first time. Efficient, creative control!

Middle Farm is one of the few studios we spoke with outside of London that has a womxn engineer on staff – was this a conscious decision, and how do you feel having them involved alters the experience for artists (if at all)?

We’ve always made sure we have a well-represented team, clients don’t necessarily expect it, but I do think a balanced workspace is human. And we want our space to be human. Soren, our head engineer, is incredibly talented, and above all, having creative talent around you is key.

What do you feel producers/engineers/studios can do to address the ongoing gender disparity in production?

We definitely discuss this, it’s a really worrying statistic. I think the industry needs to encourage from the ground up, allow gender groups to be hands-on and understand the way things work. Don’t be smoke and mirrors, be open and educational. That will hopefully nurture positive interest in the roles.

When thinking about Studio 2 at Middle Farm where Sprout, Katy and Emilie recorded, is there any specific gear you go to first – anything you love using or took time sourcing?

Gear-wise, a decent piano is always important. A good mic and preamp as well. But anything else is a bonus. Gear should take time to build up, and create your studio’s unique sound. But be prepared to have a good engineer on board to fix the broken bits!

Are there any producers you still look up to in your own work?

A huge fan of Nicolas Jaar!

Any thoughts on ReBalance ’24 and your involvement in the programme?

It’s been so great to be part of ReBalance ’24, and to offer my studio up for the programme. Hopefully, I can be involved again.

Lastly, any projects you’re working on at Middle Farm that we should check out?

Check out Blossom Caldarone, we’re working on her next record which will be out this year. Very talented artist. And I’ll be back in the studio with Grace Lightman, a true force! Go check them out.