Recording Tiny Boat – A Special Session at Heathcote Studio

I don’t often talk about the artists I work with. I tend to keep a low profile, quietly doing my job in the background. I don’t favour one artist over another, and I’m not chasing the next gig. I only take on a project if it means something to me—and over the years, I’ve had the privilege of recording some truly beautiful albums. Usually solo artists, sometimes duos, and very, very occasionally, a full band.

Lauren South’s album Tiny Boat was a bit of an exception.

From the moment we started, it was clear this was going to be something special. We recorded a range of instruments—acoustic guitars, Lauren’s fiddle, a tenor guitar, shruti box, and vocals. And then came the challenge: adding a full kit of drums and a double bass in what is, let’s face it, a very small studio.

There was no way John Parker’s double bass was going to fit in the studio space. So we improvised. John set up in my dining room, while Ben Haines played drums in my living room. Meanwhile, Keith Donnelly’s guitar and Ellie Gowers vocals were easy enough to accommodate, and Louise (sensibly) disappeared for the day!

Despite the chaos, the result is an absolutely fantastic album. Tiny Boat is rich, intimate, and beautifully crafted—and I’m proud to have been a part of it.

You can listen and purchase it here:
👉 Tiny Boat on Bandcamp