Catherine Anne Davies, better known as The Anchoress, has been making waves in the music industry with her unique blend of electronic and acoustic elements. In this episode of the SOS podcast, she joins Caro C to discuss her preferred recording methods, her obsession with vintage synthesizers, and her recent success with the Music Producers Guild Awards. The conversation begins with The Anchoress discussing her early days as a classically-trained flautist and how she transitioned to engineering and co-writing credits on Top 20 albums. She credits her roots in classical music for her ability to approach recording with a unique perspective.
“I think my classical background has helped me to approach recording with a bit of a different mindset. I’m not just thinking about getting a great sound, I’m thinking about creating a whole atmosphere and mood.”
The Anchoress also talks about her recent decision to invest in her own studio and how it has allowed her to take control of her creative process. She mentions that she has been working on her own music, as well as producing and mixing for other artists.
- Recording piano and vocals
- Recording piano technique
- Re-releasing Communion
- Last Night From Glasgow
- Favourite Synths
- New Album Project
In addition to her work as a producer and musician, The Anchoress has also been teaching and has recently been appointed as Professor of Music Production and Songwriting at ICMP & SAE.
The Anchoress has a strong background in engineering and has worked with a variety of prominent industry names, including Ed Harcourt, Liam Howe, and Paul Statham.
- Ed Harcourt (Paloma Faith & James Bay)
- Liam Howe (Jessie Ware, Marina)
- Paul Statham (Kylie, Dido)
The Anchoress has also been involved in several charity projects, including Delia Derbyshire Day, an electronic music charity that she co-founded.
- Delia Derbyshire Day
In this episode, The Anchoress and Caro C discuss the importance of teaching and sharing knowledge in the music industry. The Anchoress emphasizes the value of mentorship and the need for more women in the industry. “It’s so important for us to share our knowledge and experience with the next generation of musicians and producers. I think that’s one of the most important things we can do to create a more inclusive and diverse industry.”
The conversation also touches on The Anchoress’s recent success with the Music Producers Guild Awards, where she was nominated for three consecutive years. Three consecutive MPG Award nominations
The Anchoress is known for her work with vintage synthesizers and has spent much of the last six years exploring this passion. She has released several albums that feature her unique sound, including The Art Of Losing and Versions. “I love the way that vintage synthesizers can create a sense of nostalgia and atmosphere. It’s like a time machine for music.”
The Anchoress also talks about her favorite synthesizers and the process of re-releasing her music.
- Recording own vocals
- Teaching
In conclusion, this episode of the SOS podcast provides a unique insight into the world of The Anchoress and her approach to music production and recording. The conversation with Caro C highlights the importance of teaching, sharing knowledge, and exploring new sounds and techniques in the music industry.