How do I book a studio session?
Want to chat about a project or book some studio time? Head over to our contact page and drop us an email - we’d love to hear from you!
How much does the studio cost to hire?
Our current pricing is listed on the Prices page.
I have an idea for a track, but I don't have an understanding of music theory.
Don’t worry - help is at hand. You can hum, tap, or describe your idea and we’ll translate it into a full production. It also helps to bring a few reference tracks you like so we can aim for a similar vibe.
I have some ideas, but I’m not sure if they’re enough.
That’s totally fine - even a small spark can become a great record. Your engineer (who’s musically trained) can add drums, bass, melodies, arrangement, and overall polish to develop your idea.
I have simple ideas — can I book 2 hours and make 2 full tracks?
We don’t accept bookings with that expectation. While anything’s possible, rushing multiple tracks in such a short time almost always leads to unprofessional results. We recommend focusing on one solid track for the best outcome.
How long does it take to produce a track?
It varies. Some clients have created a release-ready track in around 6 hours; others take a few days. A common approach is a full day to build the core idea, followed by extra time for fine-tuning and mix perfection.
What do I need to bring with me?
Reference tracks you love are useful. If you want to take project files home, bring a USB drive or portable hard drive (unless you add our cloud backup option).
Are evening and weekend sessions available?
Yes - please contact us for evening/weekend availability and rates.
Can I chat through my ideas before I book?
Absolutely. Call or email us and we’ll talk through your goals, references, and next steps so your session is set up for success.
What credits are required?
It’s standard that we receive engineering and, where applicable, writing credit when we contribute creatively (e.g., riffs, chords, melodies, vocal toplines). Please credit: Engineered / Produced by Barry Diston @ Fidget Studios. We’ll also register a PPL credit as: Studio Programmer: Barry Diston.
If you want a fully discreet white-label service (no studio/engineer credit), this can be arranged for an additional fee.
If you want a fully discreet white-label service (no studio/engineer credit), this can be arranged for an additional fee.
Can I remove the engineer’s credit from my release?
Yes - request our white-label service (additional fee). We’ll keep your project strictly confidential and omit studio/engineer credits. Please advise at time of booking.
What happens to the project files after the session?
If you add our cloud storage option, we’ll back up your project and masters online and provide a download link for 12 months after your booking (service cost: £5). Otherwise, please bring your own drive and keep your files safe.
Is mastering included in the day rate?
Yes - provided we allow time within your session. We can mix as we go, but please leave at least 30 minutes at the end for mastering. Alternatively, you can book a separate mastering session.
I want to add vocals — will this take longer?
Yes. Recording, comping, and processing vocals adds time to a session.
Why are 'ear recovery' breaks part of sessions?
After an hour or so of focused listening, your hearing naturally starts to adapt, which can trick your brain into hearing things differently. Taking short ear recovery breaks lets everything reset, so every tweak and mix decision stays spot-on.
It might feel like stopping breaks the flow, but trust us - it’s how we keep your track sounding fresh, clear, and consistent across every system.
These breaks are part of professional best practice, and the total time is always within what’s covered on the Prices page, so you’ll never lose paid studio time.
And in the summer, ear recovery might even include a quick game of frisbee by the canal - the perfect reset before diving back in. ☀️🎶
How much extra time should I allow for recording vocals?
It depends on the vocalist’s preparation and experience. A typical guide is 2–3 hours for recording, plus 1–2 hours for processing (tuning, compression, FX, doubles/ad-libs).
My session has ended and I need an extra hour - is this possible?
It depends on the day’s schedule, but we’ll help where we can. Overtime can be arranged at our hourly rate if the studio is available.
Will Barry take personal calls during my paid session?
No. Your booked time is completely yours. We know this is one of the biggest frustrations clients have had with other studios, so Barry’s phone stays on silent throughout the session. Only genuine family emergencies would ever be passed through to the studio.
Can I use my phone in the studio?
Yes. It won’t interfere with the equipment.
Can I have a copy of another client’s acapella or project files?
No. Client projects belong to them. Sharing files we don’t own would be unprofessional and against our policy.
Do you know any good session vocalists?
Yes - we can recommend and book trusted session vocalists. Please ask when scheduling your session.
Can you make an artist sign a contract on arrival?
We’re happy to print contracts you send, but agreements between labels/management and artists remain between those parties. We can’t take responsibility for third-party contracts.
Would you sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA)?
Yes - subject to mutually agreed wording. We understand some clients require discretion (e.g., ghost writing).
What are writer’s credits?
Writer’s (publishing) credits acknowledge who contributed to composing the music/lyrics. If we help write musical elements (melodies, chords, toplines), please include us in the writing credits (e.g., with PRS). This does not affect you releasing the track under your artist name.
I have lyrics/melody and some music ideas - if the engineer adds input, how do rights work?
If your composition (lyrics, chords, main melody) is complete, the publishing typically remains 100% yours; we’d take engineering/production credit and register PPL as Studio Programmer: Barry Diston.
If we contribute compositionally (new melodies, chords, topline, etc.), we’ll agree a fair writer’s split and register accordingly.
If we contribute compositionally (new melodies, chords, topline, etc.), we’ll agree a fair writer’s split and register accordingly.
What’s green, hairy and goes up and down?
A gooseberry in a lift. 🍏