Recording Studio Opens At Co-op Live Manchester

Adidas, Co-op Live, and Abbey Road Studios today announced the launch of a recording studio within Manchester’s Co-op Live arena.

The studio will be branded Originals Recording Studio, and was “built on a collaborative drive to give back to the community and support a fully inclusive music ecosystem,” according to today’s, May 15, press announcement.

Engineered by the leading technicians and sound engineers of the world-famous Abbey Road studios, the new recording space boasts “cutting-edge equipment, time-honoured techniques, and the latest know-how to deliver industry-defining sound.”

Those booking in a session will have access to Abbey Road’s engineers, some of the industry’s most experienced recording and mixing experts.

“The launch of the adidas Originals Recording Studio in Manchester, one of the world’s great music cities, celebrates our deep-rooted legacy in music—one that began back in the 1960s and has shaped culture across genres and generations ever since. In partnership with Co-op Live and Abbey Road Studios, this new space continues that legacy by equipping the next wave of talent with the tools and support to thrive in today’s music industry,” Chris Walsh – VP Brand, adidas.

Manchester’s Liam Fray, acclaimed musician, and founder and frontman of indie rock band Courteeners, was the first artist to utilise the adidas Originals Recording Studio through a live lounge performance on opening night, May 14.

Fray commented: “Opening up a space like this to get people through the door – I’m all for it. There are obstacles to get into the industry, finance is one of those barriers, but geography is also one. To have something of this level up here that is a focal point in Manchester opens up the industry and takes it to a wider audience. There will be geniuses out there that we don’t yet know about.”

The adidas Originals Recording Studio, engineered by Abbey Road, will be open to the community starting in August. This initiative is brought to life in collaboration with Co-op Live, Abbey Road’s Amplify and Equalise programs, and Factory International’s Factory Sounds program.

Abbey Road’s Amplify and Equalise programs, by Abbey Road’s own admission, are designed “to inform and inspire the next generation of artists, producers, and creatives, with a particular emphasis on promoting diversity and inclusion in the music industry. Amplify and Equalise take on multiple formats from practical studio workshops to mentorships and panel discussions. For the first time ever, Abbey Road will bring these programmes to Manchester through this new collaboration.”

Factory International’s Factory Sounds program, by its own admission, “aims to elevate the music industry in Greater Manchester by providing financial support, mentorship, workshops, and performance opportunities to underrepresented groups within the music community.”

Guy Dunstan, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Co-op Live commented, “The groundbreaking adidas Originals Recording Studio offers a truly innovative opportunity toour local community, continuing our unfaltering drive to elevate the live entertainment experience for fans and artists – whether at the event or beyond. Partnering with adidas, Abbey Road and Factory International marks another huge step for our increasing vision for Co-op Live, creating a unique space for our communities to hone their craft and to help create the headliners of the future.”

Sally Davies, managing director, Abbey Road, added, “The launch of the adidas Originals Recording Studio is a world-first collaboration creating a new, Abbey Road-engineered recording space beyond the walls of our home in London. We are enormously proud to partner with adidas, Co-op Live and Factory International to create a new platform for talent in Manchester and the North-West, expanding our mission to enable and empower the global community of music makers and creators, and shape the future of music making.”

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