"There’s such a contagious feeling here for creative flare and no judgement for what you want to do with your music."
Abi Rudd - BA (Hons) Music (Production)
Abi Rudd is a third-year on our BA (Hons) Music (Production) course. Through a Leeds Conservatoire masterclass with alumni Joseph Hartwell Jones, Abi has gained experience and undertaken work experience with the studio of Adele, Florence and the Machine and Rihanna producer; Paul Epworth.
What has been the most important thing you've learned at Leeds Conservatoire?
The importance of collaboration - everyone who comes to Leeds Conservatoire is surrounded by opportunities to write, play or perform with other musicians, songwriters, composers and producers. I wish I had started doing it sooner! It’s the vibe you get when you’ve got something good going with the musicians you’re recording or writing with, you just don’t want the session to end. I’ve produced and mixed in styles I never would have unless I said “yes” or put myself forward to get involved. Also, hands down, some of the work I’m most proud of has been because of collaboration.
What are you planning on doing after graduation?
This summer, I had the opportunity to do work experience at Paul Epworth’s studio, The Church, in North London. They let me know about their internship programme that they offer, so that’s something I’m really working hard towards for at the moment.
Is there anything you've encountered over the last few years that has really made you push yourself as a musician or anything new that you had not tried before?
Working the Crosswire and Jazz Rewind sessions in my second year, showed me a whole different level of what is achievable in the studios and how these sessions should be run. Those recording opportunities really helped develop my understanding of signal flow, microphone placement and how important organisation is when handling over a hundred signals going into the desk. A tiny bit stressful, but I learnt so much, so I can’t complain!
What is the best piece of advice you've been given at Leeds Conservatoire?
In the words of Si McGrath when talking about how to handle third year: “Hit the ground running.”
Definitely true. Definitely wise. And definitely should have maybe hit the ground running a little faster ...
What has been the best project / opportunity you've had during your degree?
It was when Joseph Hartwell Jones, a Leeds Conservatoire alumnus, came in to do a masterclass, sharing his journey from graduating to working with Paul Epworth. I went to have a chat with him about getting some work experience afterwards, and a few emails and weeks later I was working at The Church Studios. It was mad to see how a studio of that tier operates, and to be apart of the team (if just for a short while) was incredibly eye opening.
What has been the biggest challenge and how has this helped you develop?
This one has to be my third year - which I'm currently studying. There is so much freedom to do whatever styles you want for your final projects. The biggest challenge though (not to sound too corny) has been believing in my creative decisions as a producer, and then actually going forward with them. All of that put together has helped develop confidence in my abilities, and has really changed how I mentally approach recording sessions, mixing and writing.
What is your favourite Leeds Conservatoire memory?
Even better, I’ve got two!
Firstly, when Andrew Schepps came in to give the ultimate mixing masterclass. I most definitely had a jaw-dropping moment going on for a minute then.
Secondly, as I’m not a performer, I get a lot of joy from seeing friends perform. It’s crazy remembering some of their first gigs in Leeds or at Leeds Conservatoire, and looking at what their hard work has them achieving now.
What advice would you give to others thinking of applying to your course at Leeds Conservatoire?
There’s hundreds of musicians wanting to be recorded and there’s microphones, mixing desks and outboard gear waiting to be used. If that sounds like the environment you want to develop your production skills in, then go for it!
There’s such a contagious feeling here for creative flare and no judgement for what you want to do with your music.
How would you describe your experience at Leeds Conservatoire in three words?
I. Want. More.
Find out more about BA (Hons) Music (Production) at Leeds Conservatoire
Find out more about Abi Rudd: Soundcloud
