This weekend we had an amazing opportunity to collaborate with some top-end industry professionals in one of the most prestigious recording studios in the world, Metropolis studios. Here’s a unique insight into the process and how you may find yourself some opportunities like this too!
HOW IT CAME ABOUT
I was contacted by a producer I had previously had the privilege of working with, when we recorded at Abbey Road Studios last year. The project was a song, co-written by myself and Producer Leroy Chambers, a renowned session musician who now runs several companies, including a recording studio and an online academy.
The session was held to showcase the use of different vocal chains, which were then sold through the academy. I was referred by another producer I had worked with in Bracknell, who offered me the opportunity.
A key takeaway here is that networking is one of the most effective methods to open doors for your career!
THE PROJECT
After building rapport this year, I was invited by Leroy to record two original songs in a live recording session, where he once again spoke about the microphones and was able to create content in the live setting.
Additionally, he was working on a project with a signed artist who needed a brass section. He asked if we knew anyone, and I told him of the talent we had in Berkshire. I immediately set to work finding suitable players.
A few came forward, including a band I’d seen perform before me at the One Summer’s Day festival in August. Liam (Trumpet), Joe (Tenor Sax), and Ollie (Trombone) are young musicians, only just 18, who had just left Farnborough Sixth Form College (where I myself had studied the same course, circa 2007-08).
HOW THEY GOT THE PART
In this case, we were able to put forward three bands, each with different levels of experience and content, all of which were forwarded to Leroy. The boys had the least content, but I vouched for them to Leroy, having seen them perform in person.
Luckily for them, the other two bands did not respond immediately, which proved to be a key turning point. I spoke to the boys personally, and we managed to put together a media package to send to the production team to showcase their ability.
The initial content was unclear and didn’t properly demonstrate their skill. After another call and a quick turnaround, they managed to put together another video, clearly showing legato, staccato, and other techniques. From that home video, Leroy was happy and made his decision to work with them.
THE PEOPLE IN THE ROOM
Leroy and his team were at Metropolis from 9 a.m. that day, but he had other artists to work with beforehand. We were asked to wait until the evening to arrive, given the status of the others (two signed artists and Chaka Khan’s brass section!).
We arrived in plenty of time and met in the studio lobby. Leroy then took us downstairs and introduced us to the others. He had a team of engineers with him from Shaman Studios, who I had met the previous year at Abbey Road. Alongside them was a friend of Leroy’s, together with his associate.
We later discovered that Leroy’s friend was Morris “Mo” Pleasure, a session musician and former member of Earth, Wind & Fire, and his associate, Ilana, was his previous manager and A&R. Lastly, there was Joe, the Metropolis engineer, who later regaled us with stories of Kanye West, The Rolling Stones, and other big names he had worked with this year.
RECORDING
My session was quick and seamless—I’ve been in live recording sessions often enough myself and had written and practiced my tracks to memory. The process was fairly routine, although there was a touch of Leroy magic in how effortlessly he puts everyone at ease in the room. That is the mark of a great engineer—someone who brings out the best in his artists.
The boys were then set up and coordinated by Joe to achieve the best possible sound. They had been sent the part a few days prior and were well prepared, though understandably a little nervous. As they began to settle in, they were given a masterclass by none other than Mo Pleasure, who has performed alongside Ray Charles, Michael Jackson, and many others.
I couldn’t help but feel they learned more in that half an hour than they ever had with a school band tutor or orchestra. Mo helped them choose the harmonies for the part and close any gaps, teaching them how to select a lead and follow that individual. It was truly a special moment—seeing these young musicians (who studied the same course as I did at Farnborough Sixth Form) being mentored by Mo himself.
THE AFTERMATH
I caught up with Leroy upstairs, and he was ecstatic with everyone’s performance. He pointed out how well the guys worked together and they’d listened to exactly what was said. The collaboration between the younger generation and the more experienced had brought out the best in everyone, creating exactly what was needed to make a great track.
Leroy has an infectious passion for both music and the artists he works with, with one clear goal: to make great music. Once the project was completed, everyone gathered in the studio and swapped wild stories of the experiences they’d had. Leroy and Mo had countless tales from their journeys through the industry—from chaos in studios to hold-ups in Argentina.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
This has been our greatest achievement to date and exactly what I created this website for. The aim has always been to grow, support, and celebrate the musical community of Berkshire, and ultimately put us on the map alongside other music hubs such as Liverpool, Manchester, and London.
By building a network, we have the opportunity to introduce more artists to paid work, greater exposure, and meaningful connections with influential people in the industry. I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved and excited to see what comes next!
In light of these recent successes, I’m delighted to announce the return of the Berkshire Artistree Award on Tuesday, 18th November 2025! We introduced the award in 2022 to celebrate the outstanding achievements of members of our community.
Individuals are nominated based on the following criteria:
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Artistic Development
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Charity and Volunteering
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Advocacy and Representation
If you would like to make a nomination, please email us with your passionate rationale at BerkshireArtistree@gmail.com.