Strawberry Studios

In January 2001, I started a part-time PhD at the University of Manchester looking at the development of the British recording studio industry from the 1960s to the 1990s. One of my prime examples will, of course, be the Strawberry recording set-up and, eventually, I hope to produce a separate history of the studios itself. I intend to create an archive of photographs, documents, and perhaps even sound recordings, in order to preserve something of the Strawberry name. A few years ago, I put together a brief history of the early years of Strawberry North and this can be found at http://personalpages.manchester.ac.uk/staff/peter.wadsworth/pwstrawb.htm

Instead of simply producing a chronological overview of the industry (although one chapter will be devoted to this in order to set the context), I aim to investigate the main components of recording studios and to study how they interacted and changed over time. For me, the main components are:

(a) the building (location, architecture, design, layout)
(b) the technology
(c) the artists using the studio to record
(d) the employees (producers, engineers, receptionists etc)

Beyond this, I also hope to investigate how the recording studio was perceived by the general public and whether a 'recording studio industry' (i.e. a collective voice with common concerns) ever existed.

By May 2003, I have completed the chronological overview and looked at such issues as the development of independent studios, multi-tracking, artist-owned studios, punk's return to basics, and digital recording. The next stage is to investigate the human contribution to recording studios (i.e. the artists and employees) and this will mean interviewing as many people as possible. A large part of this research will be based on the evidence of those who used or worked in recording studios as it is a topic that very few people actually talk about, or even get the chance to discuss.

How can you help?

Have you any photographs or other memorabilia relating to Strawberry Studios that I can either copy or add directly to the proposed archive?
Have you recorded or worked at Strawberry?
Have you got a record (other than 10cc of course) that says it was recorded or mastered at Strawberry? Send me the details (including catalogue number) and I can produce as comprehensive a list as possible.
Have you any articles or books that mention Strawberry in passing?
Have you recorded or worked at any other British recording studio and are happy to be interviewed (either by email or face-to-face)?

If yes, please email me at enquiries@strawberrynorth.co.uk