About Carlton Studios
“An institution in the Glasgow music scene”
– The Musicians Union –
Carlton Studios is a leading recording and rehearsal studio in Glasgow, Scotland.
Located in a handsome Georgian building on the south bank of the river Clyde, Carlton Studios specialises in recording, editing and mixing. You’ll find a recording studio, rehearsal rooms, tuition, a cafe and a community garden.
Established in 1990, Carlton Studios has over 30 years of experience. Its quirky insides reflect the eclectic interests and skills of its clients and staff.
It is much loved by generations of musicians who regard it as “the beating heart of the Glasgow music scene”.
This love was dearly felt during the financial difficulties of lockdown when supporters of the studio from near and far raised over £20k during our Crowdfunder appeal. The moral and financial support was… it’s hard to find the words…amazing, heart-warming, overwhelming! It was wonderful to hear how much the studio meant to so many people.
Beautiful people, beautiful place. Carlton Studios is woven into the very fabric that makes the music scene what it is and you guys mean so much to so many people. The support you’ve given musicians and the wider community is incredible. – Jacqueline Flynn
THANK YOU to the many people who supported our campaign!
At Carlton Studios, you’ll find…
- Recording Studio, using the best of analogue and digital recording equipment
- Equipment Hire
- Rehearsal Rooms for hire (4 rooms)
- Tuition Room for hire
- Music Tuition in guitar and drums
- Handmade guitars by luthier, Peter Byrne of Hand Made Guitars
- Carlton Café
- Carlton Community Garden
- Band Artwork and Merchandise
- Space available for hire for pop up events including band showcase nights and private parties
Who We Are
Carlton Recording Studios and Rehearsal Rooms began in 1990 as a collective with the help of a small start-up grant and support from The Scottish Cooperative Development Company. Founding members were Michael Taplin (aka Barny), Jake McKechan and Mick Price.
Over three decades, Carlton Studios has supported musicians from all genres, including hobbyists and professionals from across Scotland and internationally, often used by artists performing at The Barrowlands, The Hydro and Celtic Connections.
Numerous famous acts have used its services including Biffy Clyro, Franz Ferdinand, The Fratellis, Mary Kiani and Kenny Hyslop, drummer with Simple Minds had his tuition Drum Room here for many years.
Audrey Tait began her drumming career with lessons from Kenny aged 10 and is now the drummer with Franz Ferdinand.
Mince Fratelli has been using Carlton Studios since 2002 and has recently recorded an album here with his band The Ducks. Watch the video below to hear what Mince loves about Carlton Studios.
“I fell in love with the place – the rooms sound really lively, like a gig. With The Fratellis, in 2004, this is where we got our act together and learned all the tunes. They’ve made a studio for musicians and they care about the bands… it’s the personal touch that makes the place so amazing.” – Mince Fratelli
Marianne McGregor
Carlton’s ethos is to provide a welcoming, affordable space for musicians to meet, eat, learn, record, network, and enjoy.
Marianne McGregor, winner of both the Rising Star Scottish Jazz Award 2019 and of the Scottish Jazz Lead Vocalist in 2022, is a regular patron of the studios and was a resident tutor in vocals and piano for many years.
“A lot of the success I have achieved is down to the support and encouraging attitude of the studio and its people.” – Marianne McGregor
Beyond Music
As well as being part of Glasgow’s vibrant music scene the studio keenly celebrates all art including film, literary and visual arts.
Duncan Campbell video artist and Turner prize winner has used the services of the recording studio and many students from Glasgow School of art have used the space to present sound installations.
The studio has hosted poetry slams, storytelling clubs, The Scottish Beatbox Championships, comedy nights, book launches, independent film shows, exhibitions in photography, textiles, and paintings.
Carlton has its own artist in residence, presently Dougie McKechnie, responsible for the wacky zebra piano in the corridor, and his unique paintings on the studio walls. Dougie’s artwork can also be found on the album cover ‘Cooltide’ of Scottish folk legend, John Martyn as well as on Carlton’s wall of fame.
What Else We Do
Carlton supports school children and young people by providing meaningful work placements, helping to build confidence and employment skills as well as encouraging an interest in music, working alongside organisations such as The Princes Trust, Social Work and Quarriers.
The Studios supports individuals and organisations involved with recovery from addiction and poor mental health and has collaborated with organisations such as Nemo Arts, GAMH and Amnesty International.
Carlton hosts charity fundraiser events, in particular for MOJO (Miscarriage of Justice Organisation), alongside, The Alabama 3 who have played many after show parties at Carlton to raise funds for this cause.
By providing a pop up venue for events such as The Southside Fringe, Carlton has hosted ‘Women in The Fringe’ including musicians Marianne McGregor, Jenn Butterworth and Laura Beth Salter and visual artist, Michelle Cohen a winner of the Oor Wullie Bucket Trail.
Artist Michelle Cohen