Rehearse Record Create Perform
Sonar Studios is The Watershed’s dedicated rehearsal and recording facility in Slaithwaite — a space for musicians and artists to make music, develop ideas and take their work to the next stage.
Sonar Studios provides an affordable and welcoming environment for musicians at all stages, from people picking up their instruments for the first time to established artists preparing for performances, recording new material or developing their sound.
A space to
make music
Whether you’re rehearsing with a band, working on new songs, recording a demo or experimenting with music production, Sonar Studios gives you the space and facilities to focus on your music.
The studio can be used for:
- Rehearsals
- Recording
- Songwriting and music development
- Music production
- Workshops and music projects
- Developing skills and gaining experience in recording
- Filming live music videos
Studio Booking
Rehearsal Rate (Just room/PA)– £12 p/h (This includes a PA system, microphones x3, stands x3 and cables)
Rehearsal Rate (Add Drums) – £15 p/h (5 piece drum kit plus 4 cymbal stands, stool, snare and pedal)
Rehearsal Rate (Add Backline) – £17 p/h (5 piece drum kit plus 4 cymbal stands, stool, snare and pedal / Guitar amp / Bass amp)
*Cymbal Pack – £5 per session
Studio Rate (Includes engineer) – £35 p/h
Booking Form
Supporting emerging musicians
We are particularly interested in helping emerging musicians and young creatives gain practical experience and access to professional creative spaces. Volume Up is an artist development programme supporting the next generation of musical talent in the area.
Through workshops, recording opportunities and mentorship, Sonar Studios provides a place to build confidence, develop technical skills and gain a better understanding of the realities of working in music and the wider creative industries.
Our aim is to make high-quality creative opportunities accessible locally, while helping musicians build the skills, experience and connections they need to continue developing and progressing.
The Watershed has a growing programme of live music, including Tempo, our live music event showcasing emerging local artists.
Tempo creates a natural pathway between making music, rehearsing, recording and performing. Artists can develop ideas in the studio, rehearse their material, record their work and take it onto the stage at The Watershed and beyond.
Get in touch to find out about upcoming opportunities and how you can get involved.
COLLAB PROJECT
Sonar Studios COLLAB project commissions established artists from diverse genres and musical backgrounds to create new musical partnerships that generate innovative original work. Creating 5 groups of paired artists who will use Sonar Studios as a dedicated space for rehearsal, writing and recording. The resulting work will be premiered live at Sonar Sessions as well as filmed in the studio space.
Supported by funding from Arts Council England.
Music Lessons
Looking to learn a new instrument, develop your skills or get back into playing?
The Watershed offers friendly, accessible music lessons for beginners, improvers and returning musicians.
With sessions tailored to your experience, interests and musical goals. Whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time, want to build your confidence, or simply want to refresh skills you’ve not used for a while, our lessons provide a supportive space to learn and have fun.
Hit the links below to find out more;