About Black Cactus

"The idea is Black Cactus Studio becomes a place for artistic freedom which can operate without limitations."

Alan holds a BA in Popular Music from the University of Northampton and honed his craft in advanced recording under the legendary Tony Platt — the producer behind AC/DC's Back in Black and Bob Marley. His career as a professional touring crew member and live sound engineer has seen him work alongside some of the world's biggest artists, including KISS, the Spice Girls, Liam Gallagher, and Michelle Obama, with stage credits at the O2 Arena, Wembley Arena, and Glastonbury Festival.

Alan is the touring and studio producer for Colchester punk-rock band The Meffs — one of the most exciting acts to emerge from the Essex scene, and a band making serious waves on the national circuit. The Meffs have shared stages with Alice Cooper, the Sex Pistols, The Levellers, and Stiff Little Fingers, played landmark slots at Glastonbury, Download, and Slam Dunk Festival, and have even joined the band on the main stage at Bearded Theory. There are many more highlights besides — this is a band firmly on the rise, and Alan has been with them every step of the way.

He is also guitarist in SURGE, whose singles have received airplay on Radio X and BBC Introducing, earning the band slots at Reading Festival, Camden Rocks, and the Isle of Wight Festival.

Away from the studio, Alan has spent over a decade working alongside TWM Live — the team behind Three Wise Monkeys, one of Colchester's most well-loved live music venues. Together they have been the beating heart of the Colchester music scene, supporting everyone from grassroots local bands through to major touring acts passing through the city. Alan and the TWM team also run a Battle of the Bands initiative dedicated to young people — giving them a real platform to play, develop their craft, and find their feet in the industry. The studio works with Noise Solutions, a touring organisation focused on helping young people who are struggling with access to music, ensuring that the opportunity to make and perform music is never out of reach.