Edgy classical venue ‘The Forge’ launches its associated label Forge Records on Thursday September 17, 2009.
The Forge in Camden is a new and exciting venue for classical music, and this September, owners Charlotte and Adam Caird launch their associated label – Forge Records.
The Forge adjoins the bustling Sicilian Restaurant, Caponata, run by Charlotte’s Brother-in-Law. The venue realises a dream several years in the making, combining the owners’ two passions: food and music. However, the road to creating a successful venue was not easy and severe delays in the construction of the new building led to the conception of Forge Records.
Using the time created by building delays, Adam and Charlotte produced the two recordings that have become the first releases on Forge Records. The potential of the concert hall at The Forge for a variety of recordings means a substantial catalogue can be swiftly built, and rather than seeking an external record label it was sensible to create a label linked to the venue.
The two recordings created by Adam and Charlotte are released alongside the launch of Forge Records – the first, Out Of Line, features Adam’s own compositions; and the second is a Piazzolla recording by the Ephyra Trio.
Both recordings are hard to slot into a single genre and the couple want to encourage similar artists producing highly exciting and original works to record and perform in their venue, which often showcases artists who blur the boundaries between contemporary classical, jazz and folk.
Forge Records is introducing their comprehensive ‘powerhouse package’, allowing young musicians to produce a high-quality recording at an affordable price. The package includes the use of the venue with wonderful natural acoustics and a fabulous Steinway piano; the provision of highly qualified recording engineers; graphic designers and PR consultants.
6-Time Grammy award winning producer Chris Alder is confirmed as the executive producer-in-residence for Forge Records’ ‘powerhouse’ recording package, bringing more than a decade’s experience as a record producer.
Graphic designer Louisa Wood joins as a resident artist for the package. Designing edgy, modern album artwork that is easily recognizable as an associate of Forge Records but is varied and eye-catching.
Kathleen Alder, director of WildKat PR, offers her expertise as a Public Relations Consultant for the package, drawing the attention of the press to individual album releases and launch events. Her fresh approach refreshes the image of classical PR and she runs successful and unique on and offline campaigns.
Forge Records’ ‘powerhouse package’ produces top-quality, professional recording at an affordable price. Adam and Charlotte hope that the label will become respected and loved for producing fresh and unique new music.
Forge Records ‘Powerhouse Package’ includes, for an overall cost of £9,000*:
A 2-day recording session at The Forge Venue, Camden. Including access to the venue’s Steinway model ‘B’ grand piano, piano tuning and in-house equipment:
Soundcraft M12 mixing desk with 12 channels
Main PA and effects loudspeaker installation
Sound equipment racks
Other sound accessories available:
2x Shure SM58LC cabled microphones
2x Shure SM57LC cabled microphones
2x DI Boxes
6x floor standing microphone stands with boom arm
Producing, mixing and mastering by Chris Alder, former executive producer at Deutsche Grammophon and 6-time Grammy Award winner. Alder has produced recordings for prestigious artists such as Lang Lang, Gustavo Dudamel, Anna Netrebko and Claudio Abardo.
Professional equipment and engineers provided by Classic Sound (veterans of classical music) Including:
Stereo & 5.1 Mixing/Editing/Mastering:
Pyramix 352.8 kHz, SACD/DSD
ProTools and Sonic DAWs
Monitoring:
Egglelston Savoy – L/R
B&W 801 matrix II – C/LR/RR
SunFire Subwoofers
Krell KSA 250 power amps
Stax SR Lamda headphones
Console:
Sony DMX R100 with full MADI / AES interface
Processing:
TC Electronics
Converters:
Microphone Preamps
Tom Lazarus, engineer at Classic Sound has recorded and mixed for a broad spectrum or artists including Ray Charles, Björk, Yo-Yo Ma and the Vienna Philharmonic.
Artwork and packaging designed by Louisa Wood.
Production of 1000 CDs and UK distribution through Forge Records
Launch event/concert at The Forge venue.
Marketing and PR by WildKat PR. Including an album mail-out to key critics, a short press release and invitation of critics to launch event. WildKat’s past clients have included Dudamel, Dilettante, Ivor Bolton and the Mozarteum Orchestra.
Artists can customise their recording experience to include any number of the above options, or purchase the complete package for £9,000.
*Some aspects of the ‘Powerhouse package’ are subject to VAT charges.
For further information, please visit:
Forge Arts Venue Official Website