The Music Pod, new rehearsal / recording studio in Langley Park Durham

The Music Pod was set up in August by local musician Neil, who has planned this self funded venture for over six months. The main aim was to provide affordable rehearsal rooms and recording for local bands with an emphasis on providing excellent customer service which he feels is severely lacking in this day and age.

Neil, 37, is originally from Stockton-on-Tees and was in a number of bands there in his younger days until he decided to have a 'proper' career and went into the Pub / Night club industry, travelling around the country and eventually managing pubs down south then Hotels in the Lake District. Whilst earning a living with his 'real' job Neil was in many bands and many styles including Metal, Rock, Acoustic Pop and even a Ska band for a short time (ask him about that one !!). He performed many gigs and seemed to always take on the 'Manager' role in the band, comparing himself to Jon Bon Jovi, Neil recorded the bands as well as arranged gigs, artwork, cassette/cd production (ask your dads about cassettes !), the lot.

So when he decided to start the business up Neil decided that he wanted to help the bands out as much as possible, doing as much as he can for them. He has teamed up with some local companies in order to provide such help and states that he will only work with companies with the same outlook as himself - to provide great facilities at prices everyone can afford with one goal only, to help local bands.

Neil also wanted to make sure that his Studio was not like a lot of those he has visited in his 24 years of making music, there’s no stuffy engineers laughing at new bands or equipment that you cant touch without getting 'the look'. He has created a relaxed atmosphere where people of all ages, abilities and sanity can come and enjoy themselves. After all is that not what it is all about ?

The Music Pod has a statement above the door to the premises at Langley Park (next door to Diggerland), Durham, which states

'where making music is all that matters'

...and that just sums up this fantastic new business.

Future plans include having all the equipment so that even those who cannot afford a guitar etc can join their friends in making music by using one of the guitars. Also a Digital Record Label is hoping to be set up in time for The Music Pod Christmas song release, where each band using the premises can record a few lines to the tune and take on Simon Cowell's lot.  There’s even a Festival planned.

For now though you can rent a space in the fully soundproofed purpose built room for just £20 for 3 hours and includes a RCF P.A. system with Shure Mics, a Yamaha mixing desk and a complete Drum kit, all at no extra cost. Refreshments are available and it is open 7 days a week, 12 hours a day, 364 days a year.

For more information contact Neil on 0191 3732923 or Email themusicpod@yahoo.co.uk or just pop down for a cuppa.

Also track down The Music Pod on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Myspace etc etc (He’s on them all) plus sign up for the newsletter from the website www.themusicpod.co.uk