1. What is T-Bone Studios – how did it start, what’s your background?
T-Bone Tunes Recording Studio is a Bristol-based recording space focused on helping artists feel comfortable, confident, and creatively supported while making high-quality recordings. My background comes from over 20 years in the music industry, including working at EMI Music Publishing with artists such as Kylie Minogue, Calvin Harris producers such as Grew Kurstin and Mark Ronson, songwriters such as Cathy Dennis and even Sia popped in for a few days. That experience gave me a strong technical and production foundation, but also an understanding of what artists need emotionally and creatively to perform at their best. I started T-Bone Tunes to bring those two things together – professional studio quality with a relaxed, welcoming environment where artists at any level can do their best work.
2. Can you tell me more about how the studio can support vocal artists in their recording?
Supporting vocal artists is really at the heart of what I do. From a technical point of view, the studio is set up with high-quality microphones, preamps, and an acoustically treated space to capture a clean, detailed vocal sound. But just as important is how the session is run. I work closely with vocalists on performance – things like phrasing, tone, dynamics, and emotional delivery while always respecting their individual style. Some artists want detailed production input, others just need a supportive space to deliver what they already have, and I adapt to that. Creating a calm, pressure-free environment is key. When a singer feels comfortable, you hear it immediately in the recording.
3. And what about amateur singers – how is the studio set up to support amateur singers in their first recording experiences?
A big part of my work is with people recording for the first time, so the studio is very much set up with that in mind. The main thing is removing pressure. First-time singers often come in feeling nervous or unsure of themselves, so I take time to explain the process, keep things relaxed, and work at their pace. There’s no expectation to “get it right” straight away – we build things step by step. I also guide them through the recording process in a very practical way, from mic technique to how to approach multiple takes, so it feels manageable rather than overwhelming. By the end of a session, most people feel a noticeable boost in confidence – not just because they’ve recorded something, but because they’ve realised they can do it.
4. How does T-Bone Studios support singers’ vocal health and musicians’ health and wellbeing more generally?
Vocal health and overall wellbeing are really important parts of a good recording session. Practically, I make sure sessions are paced properly, with breaks where needed, and I’m always mindful of vocal fatigue. If a singer is pushing too hard or needs to reset, we adjust — there’s no benefit in forcing takes when the voice needs rest. I also encourage good habits around hydration, warm-ups, and realistic expectations within a session. It’s about getting the best performance sustainably, not just in the moment. More broadly, I try to create an environment where people feel relaxed and supported. Recording can be quite a vulnerable experience, so having a calm, positive atmosphere makes a big difference to both wellbeing and the end result.
5. Is there anything else you’d like the Bristol Voice Care network to know?
I think there’s a really valuable overlap between vocal health professionals and recording studios, especially for singers who are still building confidence. Having the right technical setup is important, but so is understanding how to support someone’s voice and their mindset in a session. That’s something I care about a lot at T-Bone Tunes. I’m always happy to work alongside vocal coaches and voice care practitioners, and to provide a space where their clients can apply what they’ve been working on in a real recording environment. Ultimately, it’s about helping people feel confident, look after their voice and enjoy the process of making music.
Maybe a find out more about T-Bone studios here
