Kendal music producer will open new 1000sqf studio

Andris Kiss will move Heavy Rain Studio from its current location at Castle Mills into a new, as yet undisclosed, location in town. The new studio is currently being built and will be much larger and have more facilities than the previous space. 

He has also just got back from a trip to the famous Abbey Road Studios in London for a training session hosted by 16x Grammy winner Jaycen Joshua. Jaycen has produced singles and albums from artists such as Beyoncé, Katy Perry, Usher, Mariah Carey and Rihanna. 

The new studio is currently being built and will be taking on bands soon (Image: Submitted)

Andris moved from Szeged, Hungary, and settled in Kendal. He was drawn by the 'honest' music from Cumbria and the Lake District. He says that the idea behind the studio 'was to bring more life to the music scene in Cumbria and put this area on the map.'

He started out from his home and rented a room in Old Hutton in 2016. Four years ago, he moved into his next sound studio at Castle Mills.

READ MORE: Kendal folk-pop musician releases new single with Peaky Blinders twist

Andris has worked with acts such as Lake District singer-songwriter Matt Turnbull, who has played at Brewery Arts, and Penrith folk band Errant Thieves, who recently got their music played on BBC Radio Cumbria. He said he has also produced pop, hip-hop, and even death metal. 

The floor plan for the new studio, which will have two recording rooms, a control room, and a large hall with multiple sofas (Image: Submitted)

Andris said: "I thought I am going to the next step because I have been supported so much by the locals. I moved here to the UK nine years ago knowing nobody. I fell in love with the place, the music is so unique there are so many amazing talented musicians but there's nobody to put them on the map."

He said he went to the masterclass at Abbey Road Studios to improve and 'bring something back.' He said that the new studio is 'going to be an experience' for aspiring musicians. 

Andris with 16x Grammy award-winning record producer Jaycen Joshua (Image: Submitted)

Andris supports the courses led by Kendal College, and says that starting musicians should look for open mic nights as a way to network and practice performing in front of a crowd. 

He said: "I think these days is easier you don't need a label anymore. I think you start to meet local musicians through networking. You record in your home and then the next step you come to me. There are great opportunities for gigs round here."