The Human League and the Comsat Angels are among Sheffield bands who should be taking studio space in the city's council-sponsored Red Tape studios, creating a unique resource centre for musicians in the north of England.

Red Tape is the result of Sheffield City Council's decision three years ago to fund a municipal recording studio, the first of its kind in the country. Tim Strickland, co-ordinator of the Red Tape project, told Making Music that the studio development is designed in two phases. "We opened in December '86 with two professionally designed portastudio-equipped rehearsal studios, giving community access at a subsidised rate of £1.50 an hour. Phase two will be completed next April when we should have a 16-track studio available for use."

Also in the building is space for self-contained studios built specifically to the plans of better-off bands. As we went to press, the Comsat Angels were completing their 24-track studio, and the Human League were hoping to sign a lease for their unit. "With this amount of knowledge and expertise on hand in the building, we hope to raise the level of provision for musicians in Sheffield," said Tim.

More information from Red Tape Studios, (Contact Details).