Rhayader and District Male Voice Choir had a change of scenery and genre last weekend when they paid a visit to a legendary recording studio.
On February 26, the choir dropped into Rockfield Studios, located in the Wye Valley in Monmouthshire, to provide backing vocals for a local band.
A residential recording studio set in history; Rockfield Studios has played host to many famous bands and artists, and has recorded tracks such as Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. Other famous bands who have recorded there include The Stone Roses, Motörhead and Oasis.
During their visit, the choir provided backing vocals for the formidable Mid Wales band Shop Front Heroes. The band consists of members Stevie Yeomans (lead vocals, bass and piano), Jake Owen, (lead guitar and bass) Matt Whitehouse (drums) and Tom Jaques (guitar). String support was provided by Jim Willis and Louis Robinson.
The choir were involved in the track, Caer Bryn, off their new soon-to-be-released first full album.
Caer Bryn was the name of a smallholding in Mid Wales that is no longer in existence. The song celebrates the feelings of hiraeth inspired by memories of the area’s past. The choir said that the music certainly matched the tranquil beauty of Mid Wales.
Graham Brownley, of Rhayader and District Male Voice Choir, said: “The whole experience was a wonderful exciting adventure into the world of rock music and professional recording.
“The band provided the choir with the usual warm Welsh hospitality and encouraged our transition into their world.”
The choir added they felt privileged and were honoured to be ask to be part of such an exciting venture for Shop Front Heroes and wished them all the very best in their future.