Saffron collaborates with Real World Studios to launch ‘Saffron Sessions’

After ten years of progressive action, Saffron has collaborated with Real World Studios to create a microcosm of the future music tech industry we believe is possible. 

In a deliberate reimagining of studio culture, Saffron took up residence deep in rural Wiltshire, bringing a diverse crew of musicians, engineers and producers to take over Real World. The resulting Saffron Sessions live video series spotlights eight boundary-pushing artists rooted in Bristol and the South West.

The videos show the experimental club levels of Yushh, the activist dub-punk of Grove, soulful pop of Holysseus Fly, ambient-electronic Manami, wild neo-classicism from Sarahsson, raw indie-tronica of Babealicious, intricately layered frisson of t l k, and the swirling vocal electronica of My Midnight Heart. 

Saffron Sessions is both a celebration and a provocation: 

Saffron longs for an industry where underrepresented creatives can thrive, using music technology as a vehicle for full self-expression. But, behind the scenes of the industry lies a shocking truth: 95% of professional music producers and engineers are men. 

Saffron’s provocation is simple – what about all the music we’re not hearing? What stories are not being told? What could music be like if more people were free to explore and innovate?

This reveals Saffron’s deeper intention behind the project: to show what happens when artists, producers and engineers are given space to explore freely.

As part of the project, Saffron teamed up with dBs Institute to bring in women and non-binary students from its third year and MA degree programmes as apprentice sound engineers, creating tangible pathways into an industry that has historically excluded many. Supported by Real World’s in-house audio team, and led by Grammy-winning Katie May, the creative environment that emerged was one of collaboration and care; an atmosphere rich in laughter, tears, and openness.

A reclamation of space

From the grassroots of its artist development programmes in Bristol, to world-class studio environments like Real World, Saffron is proving that real change in the industry is not only possible, but essential to move culture forward. Saffron Sessions is a reclamation of space – and a document of what happens when that space truly opens up.

Alongside the video releases, Saffron will press a limited-edition vinyl compilation featuring selected session tracks, available exclusively via Bandcamp. A printed zine of behind-the-scenes photography and reflections from artists and engineers is also in development, further documenting the spirit and process behind the project.

“Studios like Real World represent the pinnacle of recording in the UK. For our community to take up space there, on their own terms, feels powerful. We’re not just showcasing talent, we’re working to reshape the whole creative ecosystem in which music is made.” – Laura Lewis-Paul, Saffron founder

Saffron Sessions comprises 8 x live performance videos which will be released at two week intervals starting on the 31st March.

We’ll be premiering the videos at a community screening event at Strange Brew Bristol on Monday 30th March, tickets for which can be purchased here.

We’ll also be releasing a short documentary about the making of the project. Subscribe to Saffron’s YouTube channel to follow the unfolding… 

With thanks to dBs Institute, Focusrite, Hoare Associates, PRS Foundation, Audio-Technica and Solid State Logic for supporting this project.