Welcome to Black Cactus Studio, the premier recording studio and rehearsal rooms in Colchester, Essex. Since its establishment in early 2020, our studio has quickly become a thriving community hub for local bands, artists, and creative individuals.
At Black Cactus Studio, we offer a diverse range of services tailored to meet the needs of musicians, session singers, podcasters, voice-over artists, music and drama teachers, and more. Our state-of-the-art facility provides the perfect environment for artists of all genres to practice, record, and hone their craft.
Founded by renowned guitarist and sound engineer Alan Jones, Black Cactus Studio is a three-storey multi-purpose space designed to stimulate creativity and foster artistic projects. Our studio is equipped with top-of-the-line recording equipment and acoustically treated rooms to ensure the highest quality sound for your recordings.
With our rehearsal rooms, bands can prepare for upcoming gigs and perfect their performances in a comfortable and supportive environment. Our studio is also the go-to place for session singers, podcasters, and voice-over artists seeking professional recording services.
Additionally, we provide a space for music and drama teachers to tutor their students, offering a conducive environment for learning and growth.
At Black Cactus Studio, we are committed to providing exceptional services and fostering a welcoming and inclusive community. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to helping you achieve your artistic vision and delivering outstanding results.
Whether you’re a seasoned musician, aspiring artist, or creative professional, Black Cactus Studio is here to support your musical journey. Contact us today to book a session or inquire about our services. Let us be your partner in bringing your creative projects to life.
“The idea is Black Cactus Studio becomes a place for artistic freedom which can operate without limitations.”
Alan Jones – Founder
First, let’s introduce Alan Jones, the owner and founder of Black Cactus Studio. With a decade of experience in the music industry, Alan’s expertise is unmatched. He holds a BA in Popular Music from the University of Northampton and has honed his skills in advanced music recording techniques under the guidance of renowned producer Tony Platt (AC/DC, Bob Marley).
Alan’s impressive resume includes working as a professional touring crew member and sound engineer for notable artists like KISS, the Spice Girls, Liam Gallagher, and even Michelle Obama. He has contributed to performances at prestigious venues and festivals such as the O2 Arena, Wembley Arena, and Glastonbury.
In addition to his extensive experience, Alan is also a talented guitarist in the Colchester band SURGE. With SURGE, he has toured extensively across the country, supporting established bands and headlining shows at renowned music venues.
Alan’s involvement in SURGE goes beyond performing. He has actively participated in the band’s self-produced music videos, organized successful live events, including sold-out shows in London, and contributed to the composition of the band’s singles. These singles have received airplay on notable radio stations like Radio X and BBC Introducing, leading to the band’s invitation to major music festivals, including Reading Festival, Camden Rocks Festival, and the Isle of Wight Festival.
Alan’s dedication to self-management and his passion for providing post-release guidance to bands make him a valuable asset to the music community.
AJ specializes in band production. With a unique ability to bring new ideas to life in the studio environment, AJ ensures that your music sounds its best. With extensive experience in the mastering field, he pays meticulous attention to detail to enhance the quality of your tracks. AJ also manages TWM Live, a platform dedicated to promoting live music in the Colchester scene.
But that’s not all! Our team has expanded to include more talented producers to work with.
Introducing the 2024 Awesome Team at Black Cactus Studio! Let’s meet our amazing team members:
1️⃣ Daryl: With over 10 years of experience, Daryl is a production pro and our in-house vocal coach. He specializes in creating ambient soundscape tracks and has recently been working with artists focusing on vocal production. Daryl also excels in carving out unique sounds for rappers and hip hop artists.
2️⃣ Ben Brown: We’re excited to welcome Ben as our newest addition to the studio! Ben is well-known for his exceptional songwriting skills showcased in his bands such as Dingus Khan, Superglu, and Pissabed Prophet. With his recording setup, Ben can bring your songwriting to life through production.
3️⃣ Liam Hocker: Known as the most versatile sound engineer in Essex, Liam has achieved great success in live sound engineering. He frequently collaborates with various artists and excels in track production. With his incredible drumming and guitar skills, Liam can transform singer-songwriter tracks into full-fledged productions.
We’re thrilled to have such a talented team at Black Cactus Studio, with each member having their dedicated space ready to bring your musical vision to life!
Find Us
Unit 6, Hazelwood Estate, Parsons Hill, C07 7FA, Great Bromley Colchester, Essex