Black Cactus Studio

Black Cactus Studio Black Cactus Studio is a multi-purpose recording and rehearsal facility boasting several well-equipp
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🎉 Huge thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate our 4th Birthday Bash! 🎉 What an amazing lineup of acts—thank you al...
31/08/2024

🎉 Huge thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate our 4th Birthday Bash! 🎉

What an amazing lineup of acts—thank you all for bringing the energy! A special shoutout to for headlining and inviting AJ on stage with a guitar. (its been a while) 🎶

Big thanks to Baz, Daryl, and Liam for all the tech support and setup/DJing/Looping.

Huge appreciation to MYA and the Rob Prince girls for the delicious cakes and cookies. 🍰🍪

And a final thank you to Cattlinia for the fantastic party artwork that brought it all together! 🎨

Can’t wait to do it all again next year!

BC out! ✌️

All PHOTOS BY (the king)





🎉 We’re super excited for our birthday party this Friday! 🎉 Join us for:🎈 Free stickers designed by  🎂 Free cakes baked ...
28/08/2024

🎉 We’re super excited for our birthday party this Friday! 🎉

Join us for:
🎈 Free stickers designed by
🎂 Free cakes baked by
🎶 The best bands





🎧 A free DJ spinning all night long


*Just a heads up: the beer isn’t free! 🍻




We’re thrilled to see our very own blood, producer, Ben Brown, heading off on tour with one of our all-time favourite ba...
23/08/2024

We’re thrilled to see our very own blood, producer, Ben Brown, heading off on tour with one of our all-time favourite bands, The Meffs! 🎶✨ You definitely don’t want to miss this🔥



🌟 As another year comes to a close, I just want to take a moment to reflect on what an incredible experience it has been...
05/08/2024

🌟 As another year comes to a close, I just want to take a moment to reflect on what an incredible experience it has been to be part of the production team behind the Brightlingsea Free Music Festival! 🎶

Our dedicated team worked to ensure everything ran smoothly, even with tight turnaround times. Together, we created an unforgettable experience for over 4,000 music lovers! 🙌

We can’t wait to do it all again next year!

📷 Colm O’laoi

We are  thrilled to announce that  new album, *Mosaic*, is officially out in the world! 🌍 Written and performed by Simon...
04/08/2024

We are thrilled to announce that new album, *Mosaic*, is officially out in the world! 🌍 Written and performed by Simon and produced by the talented Liam Ho**er,

You can grab your copy at the locations listed below, or download the digital version on Bandcamp. Plus, Simon has USBs available that include the album, artwork, and lyrics. Don’t miss out on the limited edition of 50 CDs that come with a merch pack! 🎶✨

And that’s not all! Simon has two upcoming shows where you can get your hands on CDs, USBs, and special edition packs.

Be sure to check out this incredible new work from Simon! 🙌

🥊 Sponsorship Update 🥊Exciting news! We’re proud to be sponsoring Kye Freeman at the Fight for Tyson event, hosted by   ...
23/07/2024

🥊 Sponsorship Update 🥊

Exciting news! We’re proud to be sponsoring Kye Freeman at the Fight for Tyson event, hosted by

Please see Shaun comment below:

“Hi all, as you are aware, my son has been in Addenbrooke’s Hospital after being in a coma, having brain injuries, and having his leg amputated. We are trying to give a bit back to the hospital for saving my son’s life.

My good friends have arranged a night of boxing to raise money.

Anything you can do will be very much appreciated.”

Shaun and his family helped me out a lot at the start of the studio and when Tyson was born. They booked multiple lessons a week for the whole family (way more than they needed), gave me great advice, and helped me get up and running after COVID.

We’d be incredibly grateful if you could spare a moment to check out the JustGiving page

Big shoutout to Essex Elite Abc for organising this amazing event!

Just giving link in bio and comments.

What a jam-packed weekend the gang had! We were all over the place, running incredible events and making sure the sound ...
21/07/2024

What a jam-packed weekend the gang had! We were all over the place, running incredible events and making sure the sound and lights were on point. 🔥🎉

First up, we provided sound and lights at the coolest DIY show, featuring Rad Pit album launch at the Classic and Custom Unit. Shoutout to Dan for running the sound like a true king of heavy music! 🎤🎸

Next, our talented team, Nick and the Production Intelligence crew, worked their magic for Abbey Road in Stanway Village Hall. The sound and lights were all supplied and ran by the crew. 🎶✨

Meanwhile, Liam (LH Audio) was in charge of the yearly 8 Ash Green Festival, handling full stage production and management. It was mega! 🎪🎤

But that’s not all. We also had a sound team rocking the first Clacton Food and Drink Festival. We played awesome tunes and hosted incredible artists over the two days. In association with Other Monkey Brewing bar, which also had a set up at Secret Island Festival. 🎵🍻

On Friday, we hosted the Lamplight Club, Charcoal, and The Mink at a cool local show in TWM.

And last but not least, we had an awesome sold-out country club night at TWM top floor. The energy was through the roof! 🎉💃

We absolutely love live events. They are the heartbeat of our music scene. Let’s keep the music alive! ❤️🎶

🌵 Special Post Announcement! 🌵🎉 Get ready for an unforgettable night at the Black Cactus Birthday Bash! 🎉We are thrilled...
15/07/2024

🌵 Special Post Announcement! 🌵

🎉 Get ready for an unforgettable night at the Black Cactus Birthday Bash! 🎉

We are thrilled to have our secret headliner, who is set to blow your mind! 🤩 who will it be…..

Join us for electrifying performances from the talented artists:

🌸 Ecto Peach
🐘 Elephant Jane
🎺 The Skad
🎤 Rob Prince

DJ Liam looping Ho**er!!!!

This is going to be an absolute banger you won’t want to miss! See you there! 👀🌟

🎉🥳 We’re thrilled to share that we’ve reached an incredible milestone: 4 years! 🎉🥳 It’s mental how time flies when you’r...
07/07/2024

🎉🥳 We’re thrilled to share that we’ve reached an incredible milestone: 4 years! 🎉🥳

It’s mental how time flies when you’re having fun. To celebrate this momentous occasion, we’re throwing our annual birthday party! 🎂✨

Mark your calendars for August 30th because it’s going to be a night to remember. The lineup for the party is going to be a stormer! 🎵🔥

Stay tuned for more updates and details. Save the date and get ready to party with us! 🎊🎉

I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Graham. Graham had been using the studio for the last couple of years,...
30/06/2024

I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Graham. Graham had been using the studio for the last couple of years, including the release of a great EP called “Broken” with the Significant Others.

We had the pleasure of hosting sold-out gigs together, as well as some not-so-sold-out ones. It was always a joy to hear the stories of you winning guitars on your raffles and the shows you performed at the arts centre. You had so many great stories to share.

We were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to create music together recently, and it was a true privilege. I still look forward to finishing this body of work, the would have been the second instalment of your 3 part EP series.

Graham, you were not only a fantastic musician but also a big personality and a dear friend. Your presence will be deeply missed.

AJ and The Team

🎤🔊 Beyond making records, we excel in live sound production too! 💪  has been out with Production Intellgence, has been r...
09/06/2024

🎤🔊 Beyond making records, we excel in live sound production too! 💪

has been out with Production Intellgence, has been rocking the sound tools all weekend, delivering exceptional live experiences in the area. 🎶

Kicking off with a bang, we set the stage at Brightlingsea in the Colne Delta. 👏
Next up, we provided sound and lighting set up for a mesmerizing flamenco show at Music Mix in Wivenhoe. 🎸

And finally, today they was at an outside event at Brightlingsea Marina. 🌊

🔌 We have incredible connections that allow us to offer top-notch live sound and lighting services for any size of event, from small shows to grand festivals. 🎡

Our network includes equipment rental links, as well as a full team of sound engineers, lighting experts, producers, stage managers, and crews, all ready to make your event a success. 🌟

📸 Here are some pictures capturing the highlights of Dayrl’s epic weekend.

📣🎉 We are absolutely thrilled to announce the release of not one, but two new singles by two exceptionally talented ladi...
09/06/2024

📣🎉 We are absolutely thrilled to announce the release of not one, but two new singles by two exceptionally talented ladies! 🎵

First up, we have the incredibly talented Amy Allad, who has just dropped her latest single, “Villain.” 🎤 This pop sensation is a result of our collaborative efforts, where we worked to layer her amazing vocals and create a sound that is even more captivating than anything we have done before. To hear more of , make sure to follow and check out her page. 🎶

Next, we are proud to introduce the immensely talented Australian artist, Keira Watson, who is releasing her very first track titled “Thank You.” 🌟 As a singer-songwriter, Keira had an impressive collection of cool tracks ready to be recorded, and she was super eager to bring her music to life and share it with the world. Now, she has done just that. 🎶 Make sure you check out .watson’s new music, and follow her from day one, as I am sure she will be releasing more soon. ☺️

We absolutely love working with new artists and helping them bring their musical visions to life, whether it’s their first track or their third album. One of our 4 producers can help with songwriting, production, coaching, mixing and mastering, and session playing. 🎹🎧

If you’re curious to learn more about our recording process or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to drop us a message. We’re here to help. 💫🎙️

📸 Check out these amazing shots captured by Ellie from The Lamplight Club! 🌟They was at Black Cactus Studio yesterday ev...
19/05/2024

📸 Check out these amazing shots captured by Ellie from The Lamplight Club! 🌟

They was at Black Cactus Studio yesterday evening, making demos for a possible new album in our large space big enough for even to move around comfortable.

❤️🌵

One of Our very own, Ben Brown, the frontman of Dingus Khan, is hitting the road! 🎤 Join the band as they embark on an e...
15/05/2024

One of Our very own, Ben Brown, the frontman of Dingus Khan, is hitting the road! 🎤

Join the band as they embark on an epic tour filled with electrifying performances and unforgettable moments.

Grab your tickets this Friday and get ready for a night to remember! 🎟️

🎶 we had an amazing collaboration with the talented Will Foley on 4 brand new tracks! 🎸🎤 Aj and Liam co-produced these s...
02/05/2024

🎶 we had an amazing collaboration with the talented Will Foley on 4 brand new tracks! 🎸🎤

Aj and Liam co-produced these songs, starting from the basics of guitar and vocals and turning them into fully fleshed out masterpieces.

Can’t wait to get these mixed and mastered, and share them with the world! Stay tuned for more updates. 🌍🎶

📣 Dayrl is back!!! 🎉We are thrilled to see Dayrl is back at the Studio after a short time off,  and he is back offering ...
20/04/2024

📣 Dayrl is back!!! 🎉

We are thrilled to see Dayrl is back at the Studio after a short time off, and he is back offering his incredible lessons and production services. 🎵✨

One of Dayrl’s amazing success stories is the talented Amelia. 🌟 Together, they have built her confidence and unleashed her incredible voice. With Daryl coaching, Amelia has truly excelled and made remarkable progress. 🎤👏

From a girl who would barely speak, Amelia now regularly records and showcases her amazing talent. 🎶🌟 Their sessions are filled with laughter and fun, making the journey even more enjoyable. 🤩

If you’re unsure where to start with vocal lessons and want a fun and relaxed environment, contact us or reach out to Daryl directly to book a free taster session. 🎶✨
🌵

🦋 we’ve started working on  new single! 🎶We’ve been hard at work, fine-tuning the track and stripping away any unnecessa...
11/04/2024

🦋 we’ve started working on new single! 🎶

We’ve been hard at work, fine-tuning the track and stripping away any unnecessary elements to get right to the heart of the song.

In our latest session, we laid down some incredible drum tracks that will take the song to the next level.

Make sure to keep an eye on Butterfly’s Handshake because they’re destined for greatness! 🌵

Here is , one of our talented instructors and producers, working with one of his many young students in a vocal coaching...
06/04/2024

Here is , one of our talented instructors and producers, working with one of his many young students in a vocal coaching session🎤🌟

“After a brilliant vocal coaching session, Madison is now taking her musical journey to the next level by creating her song. “

🎹🎤 Under Daryl’s guidance, she explored various techniques and honed her skills to deliver a captivating performance.

“During the session, we also had the pleasure of working on layering up pianos, adding depth and richness to her composition.”

If you would like to work with Dayrl on vocal coaching or songwriting session, drop us a line or message directly!

Some drum tracking with  yesterday working on some new material…. producing on this, 🌵
02/04/2024

Some drum tracking with yesterday working on some new material….

producing on this,

🌵

EVERY COMMENT WITH A RECEIPT OF THE ALBUM Been brought from the time of this post till the end of the day will get £18 c...
22/02/2024

EVERY COMMENT WITH A RECEIPT OF THE ALBUM Been brought from the time of this post till the end of the day will get £18 credit for the studio, that 3X the amount the album costs, go buy and tag your mates,

Let’s rally together to keep our local band’s in the top 10! 🐾 they are currently in the midweek top 10, and are just a hair’s breadth away from securing the spot!

Today marks the final stretch. Remember, only downloads matter now. They have two exclusive download versions available: the extended edition and the track-by-track version, with each download counting as a complete sale. 🎵💪

Please go to all their pages and link trees to support the release and BUY IT ALL!!

Let’s keep our band in the top 10 where they belong! 🐶🎤 🎉🎶

🎉 The wait is finally over! Independent Venue Week 2024 kicks off today, and we couldn’t be more excited! 🎉Tonight and t...
29/01/2024

🎉 The wait is finally over! Independent Venue Week 2024 kicks off today, and we couldn’t be more excited! 🎉

Tonight and tomorrow, Black Cactus Studio is proud to sponsor the Battle of the Bands as part of them antics, with good pals taking time out of their busy schedule to host, 🎸

Not only will young artists have the opportunity to perform TWM stage, but we will also be giving away over £1000 worth of prizes to support and encourage their musical journey.

Throughout the rest of the week, are dedicated to supporting independent artists and showcasing the power of independent venues like .

By attending these shows, you are not only discovering new bands and enjoying great music but also playing a crucial role in supporting the independent music scene.

With over 100 grassroots music venues closing this year, it’s up to all of us to come together and ensure the future of live music.

So, grab your tickets, join us at one of the epic shows this week, buy a t shirt, follow and take pictures of the bands and tag them, BUY THE MUSIC,

Let’s make effort where effort is needed!!

PS: Watch ITV news tonight to see me live from the venue, talking about all this stuff at 6:15, I have even brushed my hair and cleaned my teeth.
🌵🌵

Swipe 👉👉👉📣 We are thrilled to announce that we are sponsoring and organizing an exciting event in collaboration with TWM...
23/01/2024

Swipe 👉👉👉

📣 We are thrilled to announce that we are sponsoring and organizing an exciting event in collaboration with TWM Live!

With the help of our academic friends and , we recognise the impact of the pandemic on the grassroots music scene.

We noticed a decline in the emergence of new bands, fewer fresh faces at venues, and a lack of opportunities for up-and-coming artists.

To bridge this gap, we have created an event that aims to provide a platform for young artists to showcase their talent, gain confidence in their performances, and learn from others in the industry.

We are delighted to reveal the selected artists who will be participating in our upcoming Battle of the Bands event, taking place during Independent Venue Week 2024.

This nationwide event offers incredible exposure for talented young musicians! 🤘

Get ready for an electrifying evening of music and talent! Here are the bands performing on January 29th (Heat 1):

🎸 The Strays (previous winners playing)
🎸 Just Noise
🎸 The Four Humours
🎸 Polarcat
🎸 Butterfly Handshake
🎸 Planet 9
🎸 Shift70
🎸 Yellow Rose

Stay tuned for Heat 2 on January 30th, featuring more amazing bands:

🎸 The Strays (previous winners playing)
🎸 Broken Promises
🎸 Could Be Worse
🎸 Just 4
🎸 The Sunraze
🎸 Black Envy
🎸 Ooh Las Las

Come support and see some bloddy good music.

We absolutely love helping bands discover their unique sound and transform their amazing ideas into incredible records.C...
08/01/2024

We absolutely love helping bands discover their unique sound and transform their amazing ideas into incredible records.

CHECK OUT THIS COOL REVIEW from on .alaskaband new single we worked on,

SINGLE REVIEW

HOPE ALASKA
‘TERRA FIRMA’

A plateful of passionate rock with a side of Status Quo is the order of the day for new Colchester rockers Hope Alaska on this, their debut single.

The band, a collection of musicians fresh from other groups and projects, has been in existence for almost a year now and have taken their time to get things just how they want for their leap into recording. And a better choice for an opening song seems unlikely; it’s the perfect start. The song swings along with hard-nosed intention, belts out a hearty singalong chorus ripe for live performance and preaches an optimistic message of hope and universal love. Lead singer Leon explains: “The song is about going through a bad time and how the only way out is to put one foot in front of the other. The song has the underlying intent that things can always get better.” This theme of hope and conviction in a better tomorrow is clear throughout: “There’s desolation in her smile, tears that last for miles and miles, but there’s a new life for you round the corner, waiting...”. This notion of gripping to the future is reflected in the very conception of the band itself. Leon: “Just holding a band together, even for one gig, is hard work! Everyone should be commended who manages it. Even gigging just once is a real feat!” Leon is joined by Colchester songwriter Louisa Charrington on backing vocals, the young John Henri Norton on lead guitar, Pennsylvanian Tom Golden on bass and Neil Hildred drums.

This starting pistol is a sure sign that no nonsense, meaningful rock is back in town and Hope Alaska are right there leading the charge. Go take a listen and welcome some cold Alaskan air into your life.

Maggie Joy is finally releasing some of her epic music! We’ve had the pleasure of knowing Maggie for about 3 years now, ...
05/01/2024

Maggie Joy is finally releasing some of her epic music!

We’ve had the pleasure of knowing Maggie for about 3 years now, working on different tracks. But this one, “Three Wishes,” is the first to be released, and oh my, what a banger it is! 🎉

Maggie’s songwriting skills are truly at their finest in this track. Don’t miss out on the magic she has created.

Make sure to check out “Three Wishes” just like all the people on BBC Introducing did last night. 📻

🌵
ps some great local artist on last nights show to 🎸🎸

Colchester bands are 👑

🎄 Merry Christmas from all of us at Black Cactus Studio! 🌵🎉We hope you’re enjoying this festive season filled with joy, ...
25/12/2023

🎄 Merry Christmas from all of us at Black Cactus Studio! 🌵🎉

We hope you’re enjoying this festive season filled with joy, love, and music. While we didn’t have a group photo to share with you, we wanted to give you a glimpse of the holiday spirit.

Check out this picture of AJ, getting ready to dive into his Christmas feast! 🍽️🎅🏻

Have a great day.

📣 Been spending some time with the talented young individuals from the Changing Lives Hub in Colchester town! 🎶🎧 They ha...
22/12/2023

📣 Been spending some time with the talented young individuals from the Changing Lives Hub in Colchester town! 🎶

🎧 They have been working hard on their own recording setup at the center, and we’ve been exploring production techniques, recording styles, mastering tracks, and laying down some amazing vocals on top of banging beats! 🎤🔥

🎉 It has been an absolute blast and a truly rewarding experience! 🙌

🏢 These guys are currently building their own studio, and if anyone has any spare studio items lying around that they don’t use, please consider donating them to this creative hub. Just drop me a message, and I’ll gladly collect them. I’ll be contributing lots of goodies like headphones, cables, stands, and more! 🎧🎶

💥 Additionally, if you have any posters or plants that can add some vibrant vibes to the studio space, they would be greatly appreciated! Let’s create a truly inspiring environment for these budding artists. 🌿🎨

🌵 Exciting news! 🌵We have a special offer for all our amazing customers at The Cactus! 🎉🎁Don’t forget to grab a stamp ca...
21/12/2023

🌵 Exciting news! 🌵

We have a special offer for all our amazing customers at The Cactus! 🎉🎁

Don’t forget to grab a stamp card during your next visit when practicing. Every time you come to the studio, ask someone to stamp your card. Once you collect 10 little black cactus stamps, you’ll receive a fantastic £25 gift card! 💸💝

You can use this gift card to treat yourself or surprise someone special with anything available at the studio. 🎁 So, keep practicing and collecting those stamps to enjoy the rewards!

See you at The Studio! 🌵✨

🎉 Another triumph moment in Colchester music scene history! 🎶Had an incredible time working with  Pet Needs and watching...
17/12/2023

🎉 Another triumph moment in Colchester music scene history! 🎶

Had an incredible time working with Pet Needs and watching them take over Sub Zero at the uni for the Fractured party 3. 🔥

Support from and

Kudos to Liam for nailing the live sound duties, AJ on the mons, and Daryl for providing top-notch tech support. 🎤🎚️💻

Definitely one for the scrapbook! 📸



Address

Unit 6, Hazelwood Estate, Parson Hill, C07 7FA, Great Bromley
Colchester
CO77FA

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