Chemikal Underground, the Scottish label that’s been key to the success of acts such as Mogwai, Arab Strap, Malcolm Middleton, The Delgados, Mother and The Addicts and De Rosa will this month launch the rebuild of its famous studio, Chem19.
Originally located in Hamilton (where rehearsal studios will remain), the new and improved recording space is now based in Blantyre and looks set to attract established and new recording artists from across Scotland, the UK and beyond. Housing two, hi-spec digital and analogue studios and world class recording equipment, Chem19 dispels the distinctly ‘indie’ myth of the dark ‘n’ dingy recording experience.
“The idea behind Chem19’s re-build was to take the atmosphere and ethos of the existing studio but build it from scratch,” says Emma Pollock, former Delgados’ vocalist and co-founder of Chemikal Underground. “We’ve aimed to create the perfect recording space with large rooms and natural daylight. It’s also set in peaceful surroundings and within easy reach of the city.”
Chem19’s re-launch also underlines and develops the integral role that Chemikal Underground – a partnership that includes all four former Delgados’ members - has played in the Scottish music industry. Since its humble beginnings in The Delgados’ kitchen in 1994, to its now near-iconic label status and world-class studio premises, the label has nurtured and developed some of the biggest names on the UK music scene.
While the new studio has already welcomed artists such as Vashti Bunyan, The Trash Can Sinatras, King Creosote, De Rosa and Camera Obscura through its doors, Chem19 will offer a new generation of Scottish musicians the chance to take advantage of Chemikal’s core talent.
Engineers Andy Miller and Paul Savage (former Delgados’ drummer and Pollock’s husband) boast impressive track records: Savage has worked with, among others, Mogwai, Arab Strap, Malcolm Middleton, The Trashcan Sinatras and Teenage Fanclub and Andy Miller has worked with The Fratellis and on Sons and Daughters and My Latest Novel’s debut releases.
“We’re delighted to be able to offer an improved recording option to our existing roster,” says Pollock. “With two, top-quality studios we can now accommodate any request.
“We really hope to broaden our appeal to bands across the world whilst remaining affordable to young, local musicians who want to record demos.”
