UK band Squid to cut Record Store Day track live from Metropolis Studios

Experimental UK band Squid are set to perform a ‘live to vinyl’ recording from London’s Metropolis Studios this week as part of Record Store Day 2021’s launch celebrations. 

At 5pm on Wednesday 7 April, the band will record two new tracks live and direct onto vinyl. The performance will also be broadcast live on The Steve Lamacq Show on BBC Radio 6 Music.

Metropolis has recreated the process of playing and recording songs in one take using its unique cutting lathes. 

Going back to basics and cutting out the use of any complex digital technology means that the band is under pressure to get it right on the first take.

Following the performance, the live tracks will be fast-tracked onto the presses by Sound Performance and will be available to buy on 12” vinyl exclusively from independent record shops on Saturday 17 July.

Arthur from Squid said: “We’ve been busying ourselves away on some scores, arranging orchestral versions of two of our favourite tracks from Bright Green Field. The process is the same as ever, starting off with no clue of what we’re doing, stumbling along together, each inputting our ideas into the music until it starts to take shape. We’re so excited and also quite terrified to release this little gem for Record Store Day 2021.”

Preparing for this nerve-wracking performance has been made that little bit more difficult thanks to the extra challenges of Covid-related social distancing. 

“As you would expect, Metropolis has had to go above and beyond Covid protocols over the last 12 months in order to operate effectively and support our incredible roster of clients,” Gavin Newman, from Metropolis Studios. “Being able to provide that safe platform from which artists can create, perform and broadcast has been overwhelming. We sincerely hope that this live to vinyl experience with our friends at RSD, Warp Records, Sound Performance and BBC 6 Music will help kickstart the wider live community with a newfound confidence for the year ahead”.

This year’s Record Store Day will consist of two separate ‘Drop Dates’ on Saturday 12 June and Saturday 17 July.