Lightship 95 Recording Studio

Just the best environment to make a warm-sounding record, in the company of lovely people who truly know their (excellent) gear.
We spent three days improvising as a live band in the best acoustically-treated space I’ve played in (best drum sound I’ve had!), and it was all such a joy, we want to head straight back in!
Thanks to legends Giles and Joy at Lightship95 for a wonderful few days - we’re still high from it all!

Without a doubt, my experiences with Dave at the light ship studio have been the best recordings and recording experiences of my musical career. It is an extremely flexible and welcoming space, the equipment and range of equipment is fantastic, the acoustic treatment is very well thought out too. He's the best and most knowledgeable studio engineer and producer I have worked with. A real darn pleasure, would have given it 10 stars if it was possible.

My second recording session on the ship and another fantastic experience. First of all, everything worked! How many studios have I been in where half the channels don't work, or we spend a ton of time looking for new cables because the old ones don't work?
Giles was outstanding as he was last time. Such a welcoming environment, respect for the project which is so important when you're creating new stuff.
Any problems were removed quickly and with a 'can do' attitude with loads of options presented to me. Giles even took time to re solder some equipment when I had forgotten to bring the bit I needed! Amazing service!!

I received all of the files the very next day ready for mixing.

This is certainly my favourite studio in London. Thanks so much guys. If you'll have us back, we'd love to see you again soon x

Everyone at 1201-alarm
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I've worked with Giles a bunch of times over the years, and this year recorded an album with Dave. Both amazing engineers, both really chill to work with, and have wonderful creative input.
Can't really recommend Lightship 95 enough...
Also, it's a recording studio, in a former mobile lighthouse ship.
How cool is that!?!?

Cannot recommend it enough. Had the most wicked and productive time recording and mixing at Lightship. Giles and Mike paid such close attention to our vision and are also lovely and so easy to work with. Gassed with the results.

Recently had my EP mastered by Giles at Lightship. I've already done some fantastic recordings here at the studio and the mastering has always been the icing on the cake. Giles is always responsive, professional and delivers quality mastering. He's worked to a multitude of fast timelines, delivered masters for lots of different versions of my songs and is a pleasure to work with. Thank you Giles and I'll be back!

Recorded my own album here along with many others. Dave and Giles are super knowledgable and great for the whole process of recording, mixing and mastering. Can't reccomend Lightship 95 enough

My allround experince and recording results have been consistently outstanding at the Lightship. The team have been on point with their communication and setup while making me and my band feel well looked after. Giles took great care in achiving the sound of my reference tracks in mixing and his subtle yet skillful mastering has made my music sound incredible. Thank you.
Recommened!

I simply cannot recommend Dave and Lightship 95 enough. The Rattlebacks have had the time of our lives learning from and working with Dave on our upcoming album which has far exceeded our expectations of what we thought was possible.

Dave is without doubt the most talented musical mind I have personally worked with and he is incredibly kind and patient with mere mortals like myself when explaining why things work and they don't work. He also took a great deal of time to really get under the skin of who we are as artists and has continued to add value to our sound throughout.

Although this is obviously a business it has never felt like that, from day one it was only about making the best of the budget we had. The open book pricing and seeing how efficient and dedicated he is to his craft means we have total trust in Dave. My only regret is that it's coming to an end.

Quite simply the best recording/mixing experience I’ve ever had. Giles is a master engineer/mixer, he recorded drums for my self- produced album, I was so impressed that I asked him to edit and mix the whole album.
His skill, experience, speed and creativity feels like some kind of wizardry. And he likes cats… 10/10

A fantastic creative bubble within London but on the water. It’s easy to dive into your own artistic world free from distracts onboard. The guys are great too, Ed is easy to work with, honest, diplomatic and funny - Alex Moonshine Heavies

I recorded my debut album and a couple of singles here with Giles Barrett and the whole experience was brilliant. Giles was incredibly efficient, creative, supportive and totally egoless. The space is lovely. I highly recommend the place. It is also really good fun to be on the water; at first I was worried it would be a problem, but it wasn't in any way.

the lightship is a beautiful space with natural light (!) and great equipment. having worked in quite a few studios, especially round london, nothing really compares to the ship - i love being in this space and working with giles - highly recommend

Outstanding. Great studio, friendly and professional vibe, the equipment is top notch and the guys really know what they're doing. Recorded a single for my band 'The Steady Letters' in one day thanks to their speed and efficiency. Cant wait to go back. Plus- it's on a boat!

I love the Lightship! Great mid size studio. Would highly recommended for band recordings up to about 5 members but space for more if needed.

Really lovely team. I’ve worked with Giles Barrett a few times. Really kind, easy going great to work with musically and of course an excellent engineer.

Awesome selection of vintage mics. I’ve had some amazing drum sounds in there. Wicked warm vibey sound in the control room really keeps the energy up during a long day of tracking.

Good food options right outside too which is always a bonus

Love working at Lightship 95! Highly recommend it. I have recorded with a number of projects there, including my own group with Dave Holmes engineering. Dave was super easy to work with, and made the whole process very smooth; we were really happy with the high end recording he achieved of strings. We will be returning to the ship when we record again.

I had a truly amazing session at this studio!

Lightship 95 is an unexpected delight; once you're across the drawbridge – and over the fact that you're in a recording studio ON A BOAT! – this place is where dreams come true; the cosy lice room is spacious enough for it to feel roomy with four musicians in it, but intimate enough to provide a perfect environment for tracking. And the room sounds great!

The control room is a good size so you can sit back and hear your work in the room, great monitors mean listening a all volumes isn't tiring, plenty of kit if you need it.

and then there's Dave. In-house engineer & Producer Dave "the ligind" (he's a Kiwi who's been working in London for some time) is now recording some amazing jazz groups in this studio, and his touch behind the mixing desk is deft to say the least.

Dave can make you sound really great, and is great and throwing in effects live, really getting a performance out of the mix.

This studio comes highly recommended; its a really great recording environment, with a great control room where you can get your mixes sounding big and exciting. Plus they have another room upstairs for programming!

Book this place now if you want to make great music.

Working with Dave at Lightship Studios was a dream. He is so kind and considerate, and an absolute master at what he does. We couldn't have wished for a better person to produce and mix our debut EP. The studio itself was gorgeous with a wonderful atmosphere and great gear, which really helped us get into the mood to record. We cannot recommend Dave and Lightship Studios enough!

Loving what you do shows. Both Dave and Giles are masters of their craft, operating a unique creative space with an unparalleled level of resourcefulness, kindness, and flexibility As someone that keeps booking Dave for continuously adventurous and left-field sessions, I cannot thank him enough for his openness, knowledge and, let's not forget, impressive collection of microphones and studio gear.

I recently recorded an EP with Giles at Lightship 95.

The live room has such a good natural acoustic, coupled with the amazing selection of microphones available Giles got an incredible sound from my contrabassoon.

The monitoring set up for reviewing takes in the control room is superb and hopping ashore for a break you are surrounded by a very inspiring environment and views across London.

Giles is super detail orientated, very relaxed and a joy to work with.
I couldn't imagine a better studio recording experience.
Highly Recommended!