SOUND GALLERY STUDIOS: THE SOUND OF MUSICAL CREATIVITY IN EXETER

Grice Artist Spotlight

Sound Gallery Studios is Exeter’s longest-standing professional recording studio. They work with a diverse range of musicians, musical genres and areas within the music industry ranging from high-profile artists, actors and celebrities, such as sax legend Raphael Ravenscroft (Baker Street, Pink Floyd), Joss Stone, Slowdive, Jim Reid (The Jesus and Mary Chain), Curved Air, Steve Howe (YES/Asia), David Knopfler (Dire Straits), Gordon Ramsay (Masterchef), to TV and film companies *Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Star Trek: Picard, and ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’), radio stations, record labels, audiobook publishers, podcasts and more.

Beyond that, they also support grassroots music and enrich the local music scene in Exeter by providing professional recording and music production services, training programmes and youth projects to their local community of musicians and artists.

Sound Gallery Studios are run by the social enterprise Sound Gallery CIC. Their profits are invested in designing programmes for disadvantaged young people to help them access the creative, technical and interpersonal skills they need in order to pursue a career in the music industry and to thrive in life.

They are proud to be members of Social Enterprise UK and a People and Planet First Verified Fair Trade Enterprise recognised by the World Fair Trade Organisation & the Social Enterprise World Forum.

Photo Credit: Sound Gallery Studios
Photo Credit: Sound Gallery Studios
Photo Credit: Sound Gallery Studios
Photo Credit: Sound Gallery Studios

Founded by the visionary musician and social entrepreneur Grice Peters, Sound Gallery began its journey in 2000. Today, it stands as a testament to musical innovation and community dedication. The studio is located just off Gandy Street, steps away from Exeter’s quirky street, situated below Exeter Phoenix, which makes it a magnet for both budding and seasoned musicians.

As a professional, artist-led studio, with a social agenda at its heart, it’s run by social enterprise Sound Gallery CIC and as such profits are invested into music enrichment programmes for young musicians who are at risk of social exclusion.

At the same time, the team have a strong commitment and passion about producing innovative, high quality artistic work and supporting local musicians and music projects by providing access to expertise, resources, and professional services.

SGS have partnerships and links within the music industry in the UK and internationally, including arts organisations and educational establishments (Exeter Phoenix, PhonicFM, RAMM, Exeter College (Music Dept), Exeter Students’ Guild at The University of Exeter, Exeter Cathedral and countless schools and colleges in the area. It also runs music industry events and live music showcases to provide access to expertise, state of the art music technology and unique artistic experiences.

Musical diversity

Managed by Jim Grice Peters, Sound Gallery is revered for its diverse clientele, which includes industry legends and emerging talents. The studio boasts an impressive roster of past collaborations ranging from Joss Stone to members of The Jesus and Mary Chain. Yet, it’s the studio’s commitment to social enterprise that truly sets it apart. Profits are reinvested into music enrichment programmes, supporting young musicians at risk of social exclusion.

Technical excellence and community links

The studio’s facilities are nothing short of state-of-the-art, with acoustic designs by legends like Roger Quested and Max Hodges. Sound Gallery’s close ties with local educational institutions and involvement in music showcases promotes its pivotal role in the community. It offers a suite of services from professional recording and production to hosting music industry events that celebrate and elevate local talent.

Engaging with Exeter’s scene

Under the stewardship of its experienced team, Sound Gallery Studios marks the start of the journey for musical careers. Be it hosting live music events or providing expert workshops, the studio is a cornerstone for musical growth in Exeter.

PhoenixSounds is set to make its much anticipated return this autumn at Exeter Phoenix, showcasing some of the finest talents from across the South West. Alongside their engaging event lineup, Sound Gallery Studios maintains a strong educational partnership with Exeter College’s music department.

SGS provide immersive training sessions in their studio, offering students valuable hands-on experience in managing real recording sessions. These collaborations often lead to students booking further sessions, developing their industry knowledge through music production courses.

Additionally, SGS strengthened ties with the University of Exeter’s Students’ Guild. This year, they participated in ExeFest from May 25-26, a festival celebrating creative expressions within the university community.

The team will conducted recording workshops and hands-on training sessions, which were complemented by music industry seminars presented by the independent record label Integrity Records.

Sound Gallery Studio’s proximity to PhonicFM allows them to facilitate live studio sessions that emulate the Maida Vale experience, supporting bands in promoting their music and performances.

Additionally, it runs the SiMPTI programme. This is a unique work experience initiative designed for young individuals (15-18 years) aspiring to careers in the music industry. To date, they’ve provided approximately 240 work experience placements, benefiting students from Exeter and beyond, including London and Norwich.

In their ongoing commitment to the local music scene, the team participate in various music events and initiatives, such as providing studio vouchers for Battle of the Bands competitions at venues like The Cavern and John Gandy’s, and at local festivals such as Bradninch Festival.

In conclusion? Sound Gallery sets the bar for engaging in the local music community!

Photo Credit: Sound Gallery Studios
Photo Credit: Sound Gallery Studios
Photo Credit: Sound Gallery Studios
Photo Credit: Sound Gallery Studios

Access info: Access to the studio is through the Exeter Phoenix front door entrance or the automatic doors at the back of the building (disabled access). The studio is located in the lower ground floor through the stairs, or it can be accessed through the lift for wheelchair users.

Toilets: are situated upstairs at Exeter Phoenix on the ground floor, including disabled toilets and gender-neutral toilets on the first floor.

Are there any nearby accommodations that you recommend to visitors attending your establishment/or any nearby?The Mercure Hotel is just across the road from us.

Are there public transport links nearby?

Easily accessible on foot and through public transport thanks to being located the city-centre. The closest train station to the studio is Exeter Central train station which is about a 5-minute walk. Exeter St David’s is 20 min walk to the studio. There are also buses on Queen Street and high street, which is 10 mins walk to the studio.

On foot from Queen Street: Turn left onto Gandy street after the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and drive up the slope towards Exeter Phoenix. You can’t miss it!

Eateries and Refreshments: Does the venue provide food/refreshments?

The studio is situated at Exeter Phoenix, a vibrant arts centre, with a music venue, solar-powered cinema, art galleries and a radio station and cafe-bar! so there is plenty of choice for food and drink at the Exeter Phoenix Café.

Can you recommend eateries or restaurants near your venue?

Turtle Bay (friendly staff and fun atmosphere)
Sacred Grounds (a bit further was but worth it)
Cafe Espresso (Castle Street)

Places of Interest:

Exeter Cathedral, RAMM, Rougemont Gardens

What music do you play in your establishment/if you can’t, what WOULD you play:

Whoever is recording on the day.

What song gets you going for the day ahead?

Got My Mind Set on You’ · George Harrison

Describe the business in three words:

Ambitious, Innovative, Inclusive.

As Sound Gallery Studios gears up to celebrate its 25th anniversary, they invite everyone to explore their fantastic space and potentially create music that resonates across the globe. Their doors are open to all; seasoned musicians charting their next album or the new artists laying down their first tracks.

For anyone interested in the pulse of Exeter’s music scene, or simply in search of top-tier musical expertise, Sound Gallery Studios is your go-to destination.

Discover more about their programmes and upcoming events by following them on Instagram.

Sound Gallery Studios

– Chelsea Branch

Chelsea Branch, a roots, rocksteady, reggae and everything in between enthusiast. First gig was to see the Ordinary Boys at the Lemon Grove (Exeter) at 16 after taking a liking to their Ska-inspired track 'Rudy's in Love' (and the frontman, Preston). After University, she spent seven years in brilliant Bristol, revelling in its dynamic music scene—a move very much inspired by a first-time visit to St Paul's Carnival. She now lives in Exeter alongside her partner Bev, embracing Devon country life and swapping sound systems for sea swimming and scriptwriting.

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