A MUSIC studio has embraced the new normal and is providing online and socially distanced opportunities.

Pipewell Studios CIC opened its doors earlier this year, and things could not have started better: BBC Sports correspondent Mike Ingham chose the studio to record the audiobook of his memoirs, and local band Kinsmen recorded a live session.

’Days later, lockdown was enforced upon us all,’ says Dean Moore, who founded the studio.

’We’d spent 5-6 months building a community studio for everyone to use, then nothing, the doors had to close. But every cloud does have a silver lining, it was time to rethink and quickly.’

With no live sessions on the horizon, Dean focused on online traning by Zoom, and after a conversation with the head at Liskeard School, a few young people learned the skills they needed to present their own radio shows, which featured on Liskeard Radio.

’Now Pipewellstudios has four socially distanced workstations, with all PPE on site, enabling anyone to learn and create,’ said Dean.

’Covid 19 and the lockdown have really tested many, including myself, and at times I was thinking of throwing the towel in. 

’However, Liskeard now has its very own sound training hub, and will continue to do so with the kind support of those around the community. Pipewell Studios may not be able to cater for live bands for now, but we can facilitate 60 people per week 52 weeks of the year who are interested in music, sound effects, broadcasting, podcasting, mastering, and more.’

The latest addition to the array of equipment at Pipewell are two Rode podcasting mikes, which have been donated by Liskeard Cycles.

’These mics will be great for people using the studio to create, so a huge thankyou to Russell,’ said Dean.

’Anyone who wishes to use the equipment to produce music, podcasts, or to learn some new skills should email [email protected] expressing what they’d like to achieve.’