Dave Laycock - Audio Engineer

“There is no greater feeling than seeing somebody enjoying what they are doing. Fortunately, I get to see this everyday when a musician picks up their instrument, or when the crowd gets lost in the music and euphoria.”

Education

BSc Hons Sound Engineering and Design - School of Sound Recording Manchester and The University of Bolton

Main instruments

Guitar, bass, keyboard

Dave Laycock was born in the West Country in England and learned to engineer through a youth spent playing in bands and being around his parents’ shows.

After running sound for numerous small scale shows using his Dad’s PA, Dave eventually took on the in house sound technician position at “The Jailhouse”, one of Hereford’s prime music venues. Dave left Hereford and studied at the School of Sound Recording in Manchester (now known as Spirit Studios) and The University of Bolton.

Here Dave was involved in studio projects with G.C.Holmes and some ventures into live sound working for MGS Productions at venues such as Moho Live, Satan’s Hollow and also a brief placement at FAC251 (Formerly Factory Record’s base of operations, now a club owned by Pete Hook of Joy Division, New Order, Peter Hook and The Light).

Dave left Manchester in 2013 and relocated to Bristol, spending his summers working festival stages and eventually setting up Helios Studios in Bristol with musician Sam Garrard of Ushti Baba. From Helios, Dave worked on a number of records. Dave also worked in Bristol’s live venues such as Start The Bus and The Crofters Rights.

In 2016 Dave relocated to London, where he has been head engineer for venues including The Fox and Firkin, The Magic Garden and Hootananny Brixton, and seasonal outdoor events “Woodburner” at Dalston Eastern Curve Garden, and “Summer By The River” at The Scoop, More London. Each of these venues afford Dave the opportunity to capture great live recordings.

Clients

Hootananny, Brixton

I have been Head of Sound at Hootananny Brixton since 2017, and have been constantly improving the sound at the venue..

My most recent achievement has been working with PF Events to install a Martin Audio Front Of House PA system consisting of THV tops, Blackline SX218 subs and Blackline X10 and X6 delay speakers, as well as Martin Audio LE100, LE200 and Blackline X115 stage monitors. The FOH system is powered by FFA amplifiers..

Woodburner, Dalston

I have been providing microphones, mixing console, live sound, live recording, and post production services to Woodburner since 2017. Usually at Dalston Eastern Curve Garden, but also other event spaces around London.

The Magic Garden, Battersea

I recently took over as Head of Sound in 2018 having been booked by the Magic Garden to do sound for events since 2012. The Magic Garden is host to a wide variety of musical styles and festival type bands with a great pub atmosphere.

Summer By The River, London Bridge city

I have been working alongside Front Room Songs and John Brown audio hire to provide engineers and technical support for Summer By The River festival at More London’s “The Scoop” since 2018, and have confirmed to again provide my services in 2022.

The Bimble Inn, Glastonbury/Beautiful Days/Bimble Bandada

Working with the Gingineers, we provide audio production for the Bimble Inn stage.

Album Credits

Emily Davies - “Free to roam” - Dec 11 2020

Emily’s guitar, keyboards and vocals recorded in a cottage in Devon. Oliver Tatler’s vocals, guitar and harmonica recorded at Pirate Studios, Greenwich. Extra lead guitars and percussion performed and recorded by Dave Laycock.

Recorded, Edited, Mixed (All Tracks) apart from violin performed by Kathryn Tremlett and recorded by Matt Calder at his studio in Exeter, and accordion performed and recorded by Freya Harbottle.

Listen/Buy

Mr tea and the minions - “tea your mind” Sept 28 2016

Festival favourites. Zany Gypsy Ska. This is the second album with Mr Tea. Recorded at Clifthouse Studio, Helios Studio and Music Ape Studio in Bristol.

Recorded, Edited (All tracks), Mixed (Tracks 8, 9, 10)

Listen/Buy