by Glen Screeton
BEHIND the Team Sport Go Karting and in the heart of the numerous engine and body repair workshops of the Bank Quay Industrial Estate you will find Big Pink Music.
Big Pink Music is the latest venture of Andy Fairnington – bass player in the popular Warrington band ‘The Ambersons’ and his business partner/lead engineer Joseph (Joe) Williams. The new business is up and running and it’s already had a number of up-and-coming bands and solo artists taking advantage of their generous introductory recording offers.
On a wet Wednesday morning, I took a trip to the Slutchers Lane estate and after a short search ( the direction signs are on the way!) I was greeted by Andy who was keen to show me around and discuss the hopes and dreams for the venture. Local music fans will be interested to know that the 2 storey building/workshop rehearsal rooms are already home to some very well-known bands – ‘Standin Man‘ , ‘The Ambersons’, and ‘Pray for Mojo’ to name a few and were recently home for ‘The K’s’ who have now relocated following their huge success. I have no doubt that this ideally situated location, free from the worry of disturbing the neighbours, will prove popular once the works are complete and the planned phases are up and running.
After nipping up the external stairs to the first floor of the building Andy showed me Phase 1 which is the single recording studio that also doubles as a rehearsal room if recording isn’t taking place. The room is bedecked in the company colours of pink, black and white but don’t let the pink boards fool you, they aren’t just for decoration. They are scientifically placed acoustic boards deployed in the correct positions to absorb the overtones and noise so often experienced in the closed environment of a recording studio. Joe’s degree in music production, audio engineering and songwriting has proved invaluable and the boards work very well. I heard a ‘dry’ ( unmastered) recording of the 2019 track ‘Alice’ by Chester Band ‘ Muddy Elephant ‘ which was very good indeed. The studio is equipped with standing drums, plenty of power, mics, leads and the mixing desks and software required to conduct a professional recording session. Presently there are some instruments and drums belonging to other bands in the room, however, Phase 2 of the plan is to build a cage adjacent to the main studio for musicians to store equipment – a welcome addition which will avoid the heavy lugging of gear up and down the external access stairs!
Phase 3 of the ambitious plan is to utilise another section of their first-floor space for a ‘green screen’ and videography using Big Pink’s 2 x HD4k cameras and lighting, effectively providing bands and artists with a ‘one-stop-shop’ which would save a lot of time and money.
Andy and Joe are not limiting themselves to music either, they have plans for a Podcast section and already have parties interested. In the future, Andy has the admirable idea of giving something back by way of Community Workshops with music sessions or instruction which are both very relevant in today’s society where a lot of thought is given to mindfulness and therapy treatments.
If readers are interested in a session of any type then Big Pink Music can be contacted on 07562 932597 or by following and messaging them on Facebook @bigpinkmusic. The studio is located on Bank Quay Trading Estate, Slutchers Lane , Warrington.
