10 minutes with Paul Bowe: South City Studios attracting big names in Stockport’s Town of Culture Year
Seven miles south of Manchester city centre, Stockport boasts a rich musical heritage that spans decades. In the 1960s, the town played host to legendary bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, setting the stage for its burgeoning rock scene.
Strawberry Studios, established in 1968, became a hotbed for innovative music production, attracting the likes of 10cc, Joy Division, and New Order. These bands, along with others, including The Inspiral Carpets and The Stone Roses, helped to cement Stockport’s position as a key player in the Manchester music scene.
Fast forward 50 years and the town’s musical legacy continues to flourish today, with a vibrant live music scene and a host of talented local artists, including Blossoms, a chart-topping indie rock band that has put Stockport firmly on the international music map.
Attracting bands from across the globe is Stockport’s newest recording studios – South City Studios.
With state-of-the-art rehearsal and recording studios in Pear Mill, and their pre-production facility, The Ark, at Welkin Mill, South City Studios are ensuring Stockport is regaining its position as an exemplary contributor to the music scene. Not since the days of the Hacienda has there been a more exciting time for the region’s musicians and music lovers.
We spoke to South City Studio’s Paul Bowe as he continues to attract national and international musicians, singers, and bands to Stockport.
“As we draw the curtains on an eventful business year, it’s a good time to reflect on our journey of growth and transformation.
“This year marked a pivotal moment as we embraced a new identity, rebranding ourselves as South City Studios a move that embodied our long-standing commitment to merge with South City Recordings, based at our Pear Mill HQ. This partnership enabled us to synergise our strengths, offering a comprehensive suite of services that catered to the multifaceted needs of artists and creators. Together, we forged new pathways, unlocking boundless opportunities within the creative realm. We’ve enjoyed the support of many partners, including our collaboration with Johnny Marr who is encouraging and celebrating what we’re developing.
“April heralded a momentous milestone with our grand launch with partners ‘Cosmic Glue’ and the unveiling of ‘The Ark’ our state-of-the-art pre-production studio at Welkin Mill. This addition not only fortified our infrastructure but also exemplified our dedication to providing cutting edge facilities that empower artists to realise their artistic visions. The launch marked a testament to our unwavering commitment to elevating the standards of studios production & development, putting Stockport’s creative excellence on the global stage.
“Our expansion resonated profoundly within the industry, drawing in high-profile artists seeking our unparalleled expertise. Welcoming renowned global names like Loyle Carner, Johnny Marr, Elbow, Midge Ure, Devin Townsend, and Clutch to our studios was a testament to our commitment to fostering a high-end professional environment. The convergence of such exceptional talents underscored the resonance of South City Studios as a beacon for artistic innovation in the northwest.
“Above all, amidst our accomplishments, we take immense pride in the culture we’ve nurtured. It’s been an honour for South City Studios to represent SMBC as Stockport Sounds with the borough’s recent award as Town of Culture. Our ethos of collaboration, creativity, and community at both Pear Mill, Welkin Mill has been the bedrock of our success. It’s this vibrant culture that has not only attracted top-tier artists but has also fostered an environment where creativity thrives, and artistic boundaries are constantly pushed. As we step into the horizon of a new year, we remain steadfast in our commitment to amplifying creativity, driving innovation, and continuing to build a legacy that resonates within the artistic landscape of the region and beyond.”
GoGo Penguin performing at The Ark in January!
One of the first bands taking to The Ark in January 2024 will be Manchester’s acoustic-electronica trio, GoGo Penguin. Cutting-edge contemporary jazz pianist Chris Illingworth, bassist Nick Blacka and drummer Jon Scott are three amazing musicians with a unique talent to combine the emotional sentiment of electronica with the musical sophistication of jazz.
To secure your tickets for GoGo Penguins’ gig on 20th January at South City Studios, visit Skiddle’s website: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Stockport/Welkin-Mill-Welkin-Road-Bredbury-Stockport-SK6-2BH/GoGo-Penguin/37137837/
Words: Helen White / Film & Photograohy: Richard Higginson for One Stockport
