Hawkstone Choir takes to the studio for first album recordings

The Hawkstone Farmers Choir has hit the recording studio this week to start work on what will be its debut album.

The choir, made up of about 40 farmers and agricultural professionals from across the country, is spending a week at the Real World Studios near Bath in Wiltshire, laying down 10 original songs written by musical director Simon Gwilliam.

See also: Hawkstone Farmers Choir wows Royal Welsh Show

The album will feature “This Is Home”, the song performed in the final of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent in May, alongside a collection of brand-new tracks inspired by life on the land.

Mr Gwilliam said: “These songs have grown from the stories I’ve heard over the past year while working with the choir.

“They’re about the challenges farmers face, the resilience they show every day, and the pride and joy that comes from producing food and caring for the countryside. I hope people will hear something authentic in every song.”

© Billy Gwilliam

Showing commitment to the cause, two choir members Rosie Jones and Chrystia Barber have both taken part in the album recordings, despite giving birth just one week and five weeks ago respectively.

Ms Barber, from Buckinghamshire, said: “Tansy seems to love the music. She’s been tucked up in her pram at the back of the studio, listening, sleeping peacefully and occasionally being rocked by one of the team between takes. It’s been such a wonderful experience.”

Table tennis

Between recording sessions, choir members have been enjoying the studio’s beautiful grounds and some fierce games of table tennis.

And with harvest well under way across much of the country, many have been keeping in regular contact with families back home who are working long hours in the fields.

Some choir members are staying with local farmer Andy Fussell at nearby Rode, which included an early-morning tour of his farm and animal feed business.

Choir director Lizzie Deane said: “After just a day and a half, I think the sessions are going brilliantly.

“The choir has adapted so well to life in the studio and they’re producing an incredible sound. It’s been wonderful to watch everyone’s confidence grow, and I’m genuinely excited for people to hear this album.”

Their album, which will be released this autumn, aims to continue giving farmers a voice through music and sharing the realities of rural life with a wider audience.

The aim is that, once choir members’ costs are covered, any financial surplus will be targeted at five rural charities.