Ahead of the UK’s Record Store Day, which is set for 18 April, Record Store Day 2020 ambassadors The Big Moon recorded their Record Store Day release live in front of an audience at Metropolis Studios – one of the first times, globally, that an artist has recorded three tracks in a single take with a live audience present in the recording studio.

Wireless audio solutions company (for conferencing and live event) Silent Conference was there as Metropolis Studios recreated the experience of recording live to vinyl, a process that was once used regularly by musicians. The audience comprised music industry personnel and The Big Moon fans, who used wireless headphones from Silent Conference to listen to each track as it was performed and recorded. Through the headphones, attendees also heard conversation between the band members (Juliette Jackson, Soph Nathan, Celia Archer and Fern Ford) and studio engineers throughout the recording process, as well as comments from The Big Moon that the audience looked ‘adorable’ in the headphones and resembled a ‘weird futuristic gig’.

‘Our wireless headphones and technology have been used for all sorts of events around the world, but this was a new experience we are proud to have supported with our partners at Metropolis Studios and Record Store Day,’ says Silent Conference Marketing Manager, Tom Stirling. ‘Recording live to vinyl requires performances from confident and accomplished artists – and, as everyone listening on the headphones can attest, The Big Moon were more than up to the daunting task.’

‘We consider ourselves privileged to be able to combine today’s technology with the techniques of the past to create incredible recordings, adds Metropolis Studios Brand Director, Gavin Newman. ‘Bringing the audience right into the studio with the band as they recorded live to vinyl made it even more special, and I’m sure we’re going to hear that captured in the finished product.’