Michael Clarke | 1581 Productions

I am a Birmingham-based producer/songwriter/musician.

I've been writing, recording and performing music for over twenty years.

I toured the UK extensively with my previous band Clarkesville, supporting the likes of Sheryl Crow, Kings Of Leon, Ron Sexsmith, The Polyphonic Spree and John Mayer. We also toured Japan, achieving a number 1 airplay hit with our single Secret File. We enjoyed excellent press reviews and radio support in both countries following the release of our debut album The Half Chapter. We were a priority act for both Capital Radio and BBC Radio 2 in 2004. Our record company Wildstar collapsed later that year, releasing us from contractual obligations.

Since then, I have written and sessioned for a number of artists, including Jack McManus and Jaci Velasquez.

More recently I have written, co-produced and released two EPs with my band Rogue States, and supported Razorlight, The Sunshine Underground, Kassidy and The Charlatans.

I have had the opportunity to work with a number of high profile producers and engineers over the years, including Martin Terefe (James Morrison, Ron Sexsmith, K T Tunstall) and Mark 'Spike' Stent (U2, Bjork, Arcade Fire).

My Services

I have a studio unit on the outskirts of the Jewellery Quarter, although I am also able to offer recording on location should bands/artists have suitable premises.

I play several instruments to a professional standard, enabling me to contribute to projects musically, as well as technically, if required. I am well connected locally and nationally, should clients wish to employ the services of other session musicians.

My Rates

1 day: £150

3 days: £420 (£140 per day)

5 days: £650 (£130 per day)

10 days: £1200 (£120 per day)

Prices are guidelines only. Additional costs may arise, especially if recording on location. Please get in touch to discuss your individual requirements. Prices are based on 10 hour working days. Prices include mix and handover of all wav/midi files upon completion. Prices include VAT.

My Equipment

CORE: iMac desktop, Macbook Pro laptop, Logic 9, Lacey backup hard drive, Motu 8 Pre Firewire Interface (x2), Alesis M1 Active Mk2 monitors, Yamaha HS 50M monitors, Universal Audio LA610 MkII tube channel strip, TL Audio Ivory 5051 mono valve processor, Beyer Dynamic DT100 headphones (multiple). MICROPHONES: Neumann TLM102 condenser, Neumann TLM49 condenser, AKG C414B condenser, AKG C451B condenser (matched pair), Rode NT2 condenser, Shure SM58 dynamic (multiple), Shure SM57 dynamic (multiple), Sennheiser MD421 dynamic (multiple), Shure SM7 dynamic, Electrovoice RE20 dynamic. GUITAR AMPLIFIERS: Fender Blues Jr, Marshall TSL60. PEDALS: Boss TU-2 tuner, Boss DD-20 digital delay, Boss Blues Driver distortion, Electro Harmonix Holy Grail reverb, Fuzz Face distortion, Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver. INSTRUMENTS: Gibson J-50 steel string acoustic guitar, Raimundo nylon string acoustic guitar, Fender Telecaster electric guitar, Fender Coronado electric guitar, G&L ASAT electric guitar, Deering Goodtime banjo, mandolin, ukelele, Hohner Student 32 melodica, Stylophone, Lee Oskar & Marine Band harmonicas, Yamaha P200 stage piano, Korg MicroKorg synthesizer/vocoder, Korg Microsampler, Roland TR-505 drum machine, Shakers, Tambourines.