X Stream Recording Studio

It is always interesting to hear about new businesses coming to our area and it is good to welcome a more unusual business venture based in the village of Lithaire. Xstream recording studio offers recording facilities for individuals and groups from beginners to professionals. There is also a two bedroomed gite for those wishing to come and spend time here using the studio and having a holiday at the same time.

We took some time out to ask Jo at Xstream a few questions:

Is music and recording something you have been "into" for a while
Yes I have always enjoyed recording and producing music ever since I was selected to play the drums for the school band from that I learnt the guitar as it was easier to carry and set up. I have played music all over the world and recently session musician for a local popular band in the UK. My first recorded album managed to reach the I tunes charts and I also recorded an album for charity the Gambia.

The obvious question but one everyone likes to know, what made you up sticks and come to Normandy? Did you look at other regions of France and how long have you been here?
We decided decided to up sticks and come to Normandy after being made redundant in the UK we looked at places in Brittany and Normandy however found the ideal venue for recording music when I looked at an old barn which was full of hay , the stone walls over a meter thick made me consider the ideal acoustics for recording music. A private and quiet area suitable for writing music ample parking space and facility to unload vehicles of music equipment without getting damaged from the rain.. We have lived here for a year however the property was a holiday home before residency.

Do you do any gigs locally?
No I don't play in a band as I have been renovating the studio and gite I would very much like to have contacts with local musicians and perhaps produce and help them towards achieving a good live sound or passing on their music to professional talent scouts based in the UK. I have attended concerts in St Lo and often listen for potential talent with a view to possibly recording and producing their music. My French neighbour has been learning to play the guitar in my studio and recently purchased a new acoustic guitar from our local music store.

I see you have lots of acoustic guitars, are you a musician who is into performing as well as sound engineering?
I like to offer bands the chance to play varied instruments acoustic guitars are very handy for rehearsing live sessions or writing music , often I like to hear the vocals with an acoustic guitar before laying down the tracks in the studio. a sort of unplugged sound.

What kinds of music really interest you?
I have always liked the 80's music and very much into the Pink Floyd type sounds.

What does your studio offer to the novice and the professional?
My studio offers a service to novices who have never been in a studio or to someone who has had some experience in a recording studio the difference being they have a facility to relax and not feel rushed into recording music. I also offer advice and guidance for clients who wish to record memoirs, experiences in the war or get down onto media CD or Cassette poems they have written.

I see you also do DJ and discos can you tell me a bit more do you travel to different areas, etc ?
I have experience in DJ work and worked in studio's with professional DJ's who produce records for the very popular night clubs around the world. My studio has a facility to transfer records onto CD also.

If I wanted to come and do some recording could I stay in your gite on a combined holiday?
Yes although the 2 bedroom Gite above the studio is not finished then you could stay in our house as it has a spare double and single room with separate toilet and shower. Wifi , satellite television, games console is available. You could even listen to some of your recordings in a private sound area before the final mix is transferred to Cd Ipod , Mp3 or Cassette.