Record Your First Single in Exeter
Your First Single Deserves More Than Just a Recording Session
You've written the song. You've rehearsed it. You've played it live. Now it's time to make a recording you're proud to share.
Recording your first original single is a big step for any band. It's the moment when something you've created in a rehearsal room starts becoming something the rest of the world can hear.
At The Source Studio in Exeter, we help new and emerging bands turn their original music into professional recordings, without the pressure, intimidating atmosphere or huge budgets sometimes associated with recording studios.
Whether you're a young band recording for the first time, an established group finally getting your originals recorded, or an independent artist preparing your next release, we're here to help.
And we can do much more than just press record.
Send us a demo, rehearsal recording or live video. We'd love to hear what you're working on.
A Recording Studio That Understands New Bands
Every band has to start somewhere.
You might have spent months perfecting your songs in rehearsal rooms, played a handful of gigs, or built up a following without ever releasing a professional recording.
Perhaps you've tried recording yourselves but can't quite capture the energy and excitement of your live performances.
Or maybe you've never been inside a recording studio before and aren't entirely sure what to expect.
That's absolutely fine.
At The Source Studio, we work with musicians at different stages of their journey. You don't need previous recording experience, expensive equipment or a record deal.
You just need music you believe in and the enthusiasm to make something of it.
We'll help you work out the rest.
What Happens When You Record Your First Single?
1. Let's Hear Your Music
Before we start talking about recording dates and budgets, we'd like to hear your music.
Send us a rehearsal recording, phone video, home demo or a link to a live performance.
It doesn't need to sound professional. We're interested in the song, the performance and what you're trying to achieve.
We'll talk about the sound you're looking for, what you want to do with the finished recording and how we can help you get there.
2. Planning Your Recording Session
Every band and every song is different.
Some bands want to capture the raw energy of playing together live. Others want to build their recording in layers, adding guitars, vocals, harmonies and production as they go.
We'll help you decide which approach suits your music and budget.
We can also advise on preparing for your session so that you spend less time fixing problems and more time making music.
3. Recording Your Song
This is where everything starts coming together.
Our Exeter recording studio is equipped for recording full bands, individual instruments, vocals and overdubs.
We want you to feel comfortable, relaxed and confident enough to give your best performance.
There's room to experiment, try different sounds and discover what works for the song.
Recording should be exciting, not intimidating.
4. Mixing and Mastering
Once the recording is finished, it's time to turn the individual performances into a complete song.
Mixing brings the instruments and vocals together, balancing levels, shaping sounds and creating the depth, power and clarity you're looking for.
Mastering prepares the finished track for release, helping it translate across different listening systems and meet the technical requirements of music distribution platforms.
The aim isn't to make every band sound the same.
It's to make your band sound like the best version of itself.
5. Getting Your Music Released
Finishing the recording is only part of the story.
What happens next?
We can help you prepare your single for release on platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music and other streaming services.
Depending on what you need, we can also support you with:
Music distribution and publishing guidance
Single artwork and promotional photography
Music videos and live performance videos
Electronic press kits (EPKs)
Release planning and promotion
Approaching playlists, radio and music reviewers
Developing your audience and planning your next steps
You don't have to take on all these services. We can help with as much or as little as you need.
Our aim is to help you get your music recorded, finished and heard.
Real Bands. Real Music. Real Results.
We're proud to work with emerging bands from Exeter, Devon and beyond.
Here are a few examples of artists who've taken their original music into the studio.
Every band has a different story. We'd love to help you start yours.
Nevik – From Live Performances to a Debut Single
Teignmouth punk and new wave band Nevik came to The Source Studio to record their debut original single, Greed Wears a Crown.
We worked with the band to capture their energy and distinctive sound, while also helping with their electronic press kit, publishing registration and release planning.
Pariah – Recording Their Debut Single
After winning the Devon Secondary Schools Battle of the Bands, Pariah came to The Source Studio to record their debut single.
With complex time signatures, ambitious arrangements and 23 layers of vocal harmonies, the session demonstrated just how much a young band can achieve when given the space and encouragement to experiment.
They recorded the song in a day.
Hole Tripper – Taking Their First Studio Recording Further
For Hole Tripper, recording their debut single King Rat was an opportunity to develop their sound and gain valuable studio experience.
We worked on getting their guitar tones right, capturing both their Quad Cortex and a Marshall JCM900 amplifier.
The track was subsequently sent for mixing by David Hillis, whose credits include work with Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam.
