In our exhaustive series on Britain's Christian music business, Tony Cummings looks at the part recording studios have played in Britain's music scene.



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Matthew Kaufman at ICC has his own views about budget-line recording. "If you're financing a custom-cassette yourself and can only realistically see 800 or 1,000 sales your recording budget should be around the 1,000 and 2,000 mark.

With the Dolby SR at ICC meaning their studio 1 rates are in the process of being revised pushing them over 300 a day (though you do get to use a 5-berth flat), Studio 1 is way beyond the reach of most young Christian hopefuls.

How much did Matthew Kaufman think a Christian company would need to spend in studio costs to seriously compete with the kind of big budgets now being enjoyed by US Christian artists "To seriously compete I think you would need to spend something in the region of 10,000 to 20,000," says Matthew slowly. That's still about a third of what many secular albums cost."

Kevin Edwards, engineer, producer and co-director of Britain's newest Christian-based 24-track studio, Electric Avenue in Birmingham, has gone public to demonstrate that when the singing, and production values are Grade A, even seemingly absurd budgets can produce highly listenable albums. The debut album by Midland's soul-gospel singer Tracey Riggan 'Friends' is released in late November by Word and was engineered and produced by Kevin Edwards. The CD sleeve contains a startling statement from Edwards.

"The total recording costs for this album were 1,500. I'm disclosing the fact that the studio bill, musicians' hire and sleeve design have incurred costs of about one fortieth (or less) of the costs of the average British pop album not to put you off (when you hear Tracey that will be impossible) but to encourage Britain's gospel musicians.

"Britain's churches are bursting with talent. But often gospel artists, black and white, have been frustrated by lack of recording opportunities. That must change and I believe it will. Today Britain's vitally important Christian musicians (vital because they sing the greatest message that mankind has ever heard) can make wonderful albums. When they hear 'Friends' they'll know that, yes, they can compete with the mainstream showbiz world, If they spend their money wisely, use a sampler or two and above all pray."

Astonishingly, much of Tracey's album was recorded on 8 and 16-track facilities. But Kevin's Electric Avenue studio is no hole-in-the-wall outfit. A studio area custom designed by UB 40's David Snead houses a Tac Matchless desk, a Sound-craft 24-track recorder and an impressive range of equipment in the effects rack. Like ICC, he sees his secular work as a means of financing his calling to support Christian music ministry. In the last year he's worked with Pride 'n' Politix (East West Records) and only last month Jazzy P the rapper with a certain Kylie Minogue. But it's Christian music where Kevin's heart is.

"I believe in a ministry of helping. I've been called to help those out in the frontline, delivering the message of the gospel." ICC, Chapel Lane, Soundtree and now Electric Avenue, all are helping the Christian musician deliver the message. I think we consumers should be grateful to them. CR

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.