A look at the new, improved and all-inclusive Factory Studios

It’s not unusual for Idles songs to be played in Bristol.

But on a recent visit to Factory Studios in Barton Hill, the song was coming from the band themselves who were busy rehearsing in the room next door.

Factory Studios is a multi-discipline creative space that comprises of rehearsal rooms, recording rooms and writing rooms.

Founded in 2007 by two brothers, Leon and Sol Curry, the studio has grown rapidly since then and is now based in Barton Hill Trading Estate on the site of a former cotton mill factory.

With so many local bands coming and going in the studio, Leon and the team certainly know who to watch out for on the scene, even occasionally sitting in on band practises to get a sneak peek.

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Each room at Factory Studios is fully equipped with backlining so those hiring out the studio don’t need to bring theirs along each time.

This is also a way of the space becoming more sustainable, pushing artists to either car share or cycle to the studio without the worry of carrying their supplies.

Local bands and artists stream through the studios daily with the opening hours having been extended to 8am to midnight every day with the exception of Saturdays in which the studio closes earlier.

Each room comes fully equipped with everything a musician will need – photo: Issy Packer

It is obvious that Factory Studios thrives on inclusivity and community; opening themselves up to those passionate about breaking into the music industry, an industry that is well known for being discriminatory and restrictive.

Since the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, Factory Studios took the opportunity to give the place a fresh look. Each room has been refurbished with the space now feeling light, open and a place you’d be happy to spend 14 hours practising if necessary.

The lockdowns also gave Leon and Sol, as well as senior manager Zoe Bell and studio manager Nathan Reece (acclaimed singer songwriter Katy J Pearson is also one of the studio assistants here) time to create new projects and create an even bigger creative space.

Their latest project is the DJ room, allowing established DJs to come and practice their craft. In the front room, next to the reception, there is an even larger space which includes a room that can be used for pre-production, music video filming or photography. Equipped with an infinity cove, green screen, ambient lighting and musical backlining, the space really does have it all.

Equipped with an infinity cove, green screen, ambient lighting and backlining. Credit: Issy Packer

Not only does the studio offer a place to practice, they also offer a place to grow for musicians who hire out the space.

Fully aware of the unique music scene in the city and the amount of grassroot bands, the space also has a band development scheme in place to help those trying to break into the industry.

The scheme gives 1-2-1 mentorship with the artist/band and gives them a space to not only grow as musicians but also to connect with others in the field. Local bands who have been part of the scheme include Hypothetics and Quade.

The community feel grows deeper with the studio offering a space to charities like Mind Your Music and u3a to get together in the heart of the city for workshops and practises.

Factory Studios aims to be as inclusive as possible, offering a creative space for a range of musicians and artists as well as many different creatives, from photographers to videographers, to pursue their passion.

Main photo: Issy Packer

Read more: Factory Studios seeks young bands and DJs

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