BonaFideStudio, a studio with a heart

by Lissy Tidd, Co-Founder at Lisstid

Whilst there are many recording and post-production studios in and around London, one that has recently come to our attention is BonaFideStudio, located in Muswell Hill, North London. Looking at their website, with their atmospheric imagery, their range of professional audio services and very impressive client list, it would be easy to think that this business was faceless, some might think scary, professional audio facility for the well-heeled. A creative space for the music biz elite, a place where only the recognisable would ever grace their presence. But oh no! What we found was quite the opposite. Not only are BonaFide based in the heart of the local community, but they have a big warm heart for that community. Now, this was something that warmed us even more to them. So we got busy, like we do. We called them, we found out a little bit more about them and now we’re sharing what we found with you…

When I speak to Will, who works at BonaFideStudio, we get straight to talking about the inspiration behind the business. The two owners, Deanna and Brian, built this amazing business back in 1999, through word of mouth, with the idea of offering an affordable studio rehearsal and recording location. In fact, Brian, who can still be found in the studio 7 days a week sometimes, is also a talented musician whose abilities are available to hire for bands when needed. But it’s when Will shares a couple of stories about just how this company helps its artists, that I am truly impressed.

While BonaFideStudio has worked with top names like Tinie Tempah, The Klaxons and Bill Bruford, among many others, it’s the excellent support and talent the staff themselves offer which really elevates this business. Will tells me of the client who only had a line of a melody, yet wanted to record a track with it. Brian worked with them, building up the song with them until they had something amazing to record. Any artist with a nugget of an idea can build something wonderful with the help and support of the staff of ten who work at BonaFideStudio.

Will also shared how he came into the studio early one morning to help a 10-year-old to get a recording of his saxophone music to use as part of his school concert – and BonaFideStudio really is a community-minded business with a heart for working with charity, too. One charitable event they are involved in is ‘A Very Merry Muswell’, for which they are providing the PA system – it’s a great event that supports local makers and businesses in that area.

So whilst BonaFide is clearly a professional recording & rehearsal business, they are also a community-minded business. They have a cosy, welcoming environment for individuals and bands of all ages, providing quality facilities at affordable rates. The studio’s owners and their supportive and talented staff are available on-site to nurture or assist musicians, whether they are coming in with a small musical idea or ready to record a whole album.

Rehearsal facilities start at just £5 per hour, and recording starts at just £20 per hour. Their music production skills include recording, custom arrangements & compositions and mixing & mastering. And we like them a lot. As soon as we’re ready to burden society with our very own musical offerings, this is where we’ll be going to lay down some tracks. (Do people still say ‘lay down some tracks’ anymore?? Please advise!! )

BonaFideStudio Contact Details:
The Viaduct; Units 13 and 14
St James’s Lane; Muswell Hill; London N10 3QX
Phone: 020 8883 9641 and 020 8444 5054
info@bonafidestudio.co.uk

https://www.lisstid.co.uk/articles/bonafide-studio-a-studio-with-a-heart-79