Recording Sessions at the Legendary Doghouse Studios with Hightown Pirates

The summer of 2018 saw days spent hanging in the Oxford countryside, in the beautiful riverbank gardens and grounds of the legendary Doghouse Studios.

My friendship with Simon Mason now sees me sat by the River Thames, playing with my camera settings and looking at the shots I’ve got so far of him and his band, Hightown Pirates, as they record their new album. With artists like Peter Doherty, Catfish & the Bottlemen, and Slaves having recently recorded here at the Doghouse Studios, Hightown Pirates were certainly in good company. (And so was I, cue the beautiful @hennahussain17 🤩).

The rustic and understated decor of the studios is charming to say the least, and as the band members hand out plates of home-cooked lunch for us to enjoy together in the sunshine it is easy to feel right at home. With the nature of recording sessions allowing for plenty of idle time, sitting, waiting, wishing (to quote the fabulous and oh-so-lovely Jack Johnson), it was the perfect setting for soaking up the sun and getting plenty of candid shots.

Producing the album is Martin Glover - a.k.a Youth - and I feel grateful to be in his company. Having produced records for the likes of The Charlatans, Marilyn Manson, Siouxsie and the Banshees, U2, and The Verve, Youth is certainly an impressive individual. Sitting in the recording studio he smokes, sketches me, and we discuss all-things Philosophy and Photography related. Its a beautiful addition to a day already full of artistry and beauty.

As for the Hightown Pirates, they are sure to put on an impressive display. They are perhaps the largest - in group members - band I know. With Simon on lead vocals and guitar, he is surrounded by an entourage of talent and differing musical sounds - from backing vocalists, to flute and saxophone players. The result is a powerful and eclectic sound.

A beautiful aspect of the band’s identity is that they are all involved in recovery - helping ex-addicts create a new, sober life for themselves. This is such an important cause, and they do honourable work.

All in all, these couple of days spent in the Doghouse Studios with Hightown Pirates and Youth have been a beautiful experience. What better way to spend the height of the English Summer days than being immersed and enwrapped in the creation of music and art?