PAUSE Attends Alicia Keys at Abbey Road Studios.
Even the finest storytellers couldn’t conjure up the wealth of stories and history beneath the walls of Abbey Road Studios. A place of pilgrimage for artists of all kinds, burrowed between brick walls, stained-glass windows and dark wooden floors, the iconic studio (home to The Beatles) provides an ideal location to celebrate the art of recording and music.
In a facility that keeps up with the competition while providing superior sound quality, it was no surprise that 15-time GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter, and musician, Alicia Keys, hosted an intimate event within its walls for industry tastemakers in partnership with Apple Music on Tuesday 11th April.
Taking part in an exclusive event to listen to songs recorded in Spatial Audio, PAUSE was privileged to attend the event inspired by love, celebration, and most of all – shared passion. In a spacious studio equipped with audio interfaces, microphones, and studio monitors, guests experienced re-recorded, remixed, and re-envisioned versions of Alicia’s most iconic tracks in Dolby Atmos. From ‘No One’ to ‘Girl On Fire’, Alicia Keys elaborated on the inspirations and processes that led to her impressive career path.
The event served as a timeless symbol of music’s power and endless possibilities, offering a truly immersive listening experience full of connection and appreciation for her powerful lyrics and mesmerising vocal range.
Speaking on her work, she stated: “I would definitely say the most special thing about this experience is that Ann Mincieli and the engineers I worked with on this were able to take the raw files from the very, very beginning and reimagine every single mix. So there’s no template going on here, there’s no like ‘take the two track and just spread ‘em however’. It’s real reimagining of all the songs: all the music, all the tones, all the vocals, all the instruments – all of it. So, it really, really is special. Plus, to be able to be here and listen in this magnificently historical room of Abbey Road!
‘It’s inspiring being in this room. I feel like this is adding to the fabric of the timelessness music has created in these walls. I’m grateful for y’all to be here.”
The history of Alicia and Abbey Road Studios speaks volumes about how music has shaped our lives and the importance of conserving the art of music-making and creativity. The re-recorded material will be available exclusively on Apple Music from April 28th.
PHOTO CREDIT: Ramon Rivas / @ramonrecords)
