Dorchester's very own purpose-built recording studio has been officially opened.

Former BBC Radio 2 presenter, Bob Harris OBE, had the pleasure of cutting the ribbon on Echotown Studio, the dream of singer songwriter Nick Capaldi and his wife, Grace, of Grinning Dog Records.

The couple welcomed friends, family and those who had worked hard on the studio to see the finished product at The Willows on Bridport Road.

Grace said: "Everything went well and we had a good time, which was great.

"Everyone was very impressed with it. We had Bob come down and he was really impressed as he had just seen photos. Everyone was very excited about it."

Already bookings are coming in thick and fast for Echotown Studio.

"We've been pretty flat out already," added Grace, "which is crazy as it's only been two weeks since we launched."

The commercial recording studio can be used by musicians as well as people recording audio books, podcasts and more. It also features a tape machine for people to transfer their old tapes to digital, with this already being booked out.

In the studio, much of the equipment has an incredible history. There is an Otari 24 track tape machine that was last used by Tom Jones with producer Ethan Johns, a Fender Bassman rig that belonged to Mani from the Stone Roses, a Hohner Clavinet D6 played by Stevie Wonder and a very rare Baldwin Electric Harpischord that used to have a home at London's Olympic studios.

As well as hiring the space out, Nick and Grace will be hosting live shows.

Nick said: "Intimate evenings in the special environment of the recording studio where people perform, and we've got some good names this year."

First up is Richard Digance on Friday, April 22, Albert Lee on Monday, September 26 and Andy Fairweather Low & The Lowriders on Thursday, November 3. You can find out more and book here.

Grace's input as a wheelchair user has ensured the recording studio is accessible for all and as well as the studio, users can take a break in the lounge area, which comes with a snooker table, games machine and kitchen,

It also comes with a Producer's Annexe, suitable for one or two people, and complete with a small kitchen, bathroom, double bed and sofa bed.

To find out more and to book, visit echotownstudio.com

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