Situated in the heart of Leicester, HQ Recording provides a relaxed and creative studio environment suitable for both up and coming and established artists.

With several in-house sound engineers and specialist producers, HQ are working with a wide range of excellent new artists. Having just launched a new studio and multimedia centre we caught up with owner, Yasin, to find out more.

HQ Recording is building a great reputation for developing musical talent in Leicester, how did you first start up?

We started out providing music courses to unemployed people in deprived communities in 2010 and then in 2011 we decided to start a commercial recording studio to help us to become a self sustainable business. 

Describe what HQ do for those who aren’t familiar

HQ provides industry standard music and media services and is also home to the HQ Familia record label / collective and HQ CAN (Creative Arts Network) Community Interest Company which delivers the same services for free to unemployed adults in Leicester wanting to explore music or creative industries. These projects are funded by The National Lottery Community Fund who have been an amazing funder to work with.

Who are some of the artist successes that you work with?

We have worked with many successful artists over the years both through commercial bookings and our artist development projects. Our most successful release to date is ‘Peace, Lust & Sauce’ by Jafro x Maniscooler x Lowpass Luke, which has amassed around 1000,000 streams so far. We are also getting some good success with Maniscooler, Harri Georgio, Phidizz and Alice Kübe at the moment. 2020 is looking to be a big year for all our artists!

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You’ve recently launch a new downstairs studio and brand new multimedia centre, how will this add to what HQ Recordings can offer to artists?

Our new downstairs space is amazing, it gives us the opportunity to offer a one stop shop offer to our artists and clients, we can now do everything in house from production and recording down to photoshoots, music videos and album artwork etc.

How would you describe Leicester’s music scene?

Leicester’s music scene is thriving at the moment, there are more high quality events than there has been for many years and it seems like there’s a real sense of belief in local artists and bands that they can make it big without having to move to London.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face working in the music industry in Leicester?

I think the main challenges are the lack of professional industry infrastructure and the lack of investment going into the scene, especially in urban genres.

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HQ boss, Yasin El Ashrafi

Which artists would you tip for success in 2020?

For 2020 I’m tipping JB Schofield, Jafro, Kamakaze & Trillary Banks to follow the 2019 success of Mahalia & Easy Life, who have both been putting Leicester on the map. HQ artists Harri Georgio, Phidizz, Alice Kübe, Charlie Georgio, Ffion Rebecca, Maniscooler, Tayo B & Scrivs to all have a great year too. There are some great bands coming through as well – Harri Georgio and The Well Behaved Young Men, The Lids, Gazelle and Barracuda all have the potential to go all the way and are all amazing live.

How can aspiring musicians work with you more closely?

The best thing for aspiring musicians to do to work with us is to get in touch with us so we can help come up with a plan for them to progress further in their chosen genres. Our new studio and multimedia space is open now and in use, and as with all our services they are available by appointment only but can be viewed before making a booking if desired.

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For any artists keen to find out more about HQ please contact Yasin and the team.

HQ is based at 38 Charles Street and you can find out more on the HQ Recording Studio website.

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