MUSIC PRODUCTION IN SUTTON, SOUTH LONDON
WE DON’T JUST RECORD THE SONG. WE HELP CREATE IT.
A great production can turn an idea into a record.
At Starcity Studios, our producers work with artists, songwriters and labels to develop music from the initial idea through to a finished production.
Whether you have a beat that isn’t quite right, a rough demo that needs developing, a melody that needs a musical direction or a nearly finished record that needs additional production, we can help.
Our approach combines musical judgement, technical expertise, artist direction and real industry experience.
Bring your idea. We’ll help turn it into a record.
SOMETIMES THE SONG IS THERE. THE PRODUCTION ISN’T.
You might have a great vocal but the track doesn’t feel finished.
You might have found a beat that works — but not quite.
You might have a chorus and a melody without knowing where the song should go next.
Or perhaps you’ve already produced the record but something is missing.
That’s where production comes in.
We can help you:
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Develop the original idea
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Structure and arrange the song
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Improve the musical arrangement
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Choose sounds and instrumentation
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Build or modify a beat
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Add additional production
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Develop vocal arrangements
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Create harmonies and backing vocals
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Improve transitions and dynamics
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Refine the overall direction of the record
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Prepare the production for recording and mixing
The aim isn’t to make your music sound like everyone else’s. It’s to make the best version of what you’re already trying to say.
WHAT DOES A MUSIC PRODUCER ACTUALLY DO?
A producer’s role can change from project to project.
Sometimes the producer builds the entire instrumental.
Sometimes they help an artist arrange an existing idea.
Sometimes they sit beside the artist while they’re writing.
Sometimes they identify the part of the record that isn’t working and find a way to fix it.
At Starcity, production can involve:
SONG STRUCTURE
Helping decide where verses, hooks, bridges, intros and outros should sit — and making sure the song holds the listener’s attention.
ARRANGEMENT
Choosing what should enter, leave, repeat or change throughout the record.
SOUND SELECTION
Selecting instruments, samples, drums, synths and textures that support the identity of the song.
BEAT DEVELOPMENT
Building, modifying or developing a beat around the artist’s voice and creative direction.
VOCAL DIRECTION
Helping an artist find the right performance, vocal arrangement, harmonies, doubles and ad-libs.
MUSICAL DIRECTION
Knowing when to add something — and when the song needs less.
ADDITIONAL PRODUCTION
Taking an existing production and adding the missing elements that make the record feel complete.
CREATIVE DIRECTION
Helping the artist make decisions while keeping their identity and intentions at the centre of the project.
PRODUCER + ENGINEER
One of Starcity’s biggest advantages is that production and engineering can happen together.
In many sessions, the producer and recording engineer are separate people.
At Starcity, our team can understand both sides of the process.
That means the person helping shape the music can also understand:
how the vocal should be recorded · how the arrangement affects the mix · how the production should translate technically · how to capture the performance · what the record needs next
This creates a more connected creative process. You don’t have to stop the creative flow every time the technical side needs attention. We understand the music. We understand the technology. And we understand the artist.
PRODUCTION ACROSS GENRES
Our production work spans a wide range of styles, including:
Afrobeats · R&B · Hip-Hop · Grime · Drill · Pop · Indie · Soul · House · Dance · EDM · Singer-Songwriter
We’re comfortable working within an established genre or combining influences to create something more individual.
The starting point might be a finished beat, a sample, a guitar progression, a vocal melody, a lyric or simply a conversation.
The production develops from there.
HOW A PRODUCTION PROJECT WORKS
1. TALK ABOUT THE MUSIC
Tell us what you’re trying to make, what you already have and what you feel is missing.
2. LISTEN & UNDERSTAND
We’ll listen to your references, demos or existing production and understand the direction you’re aiming for.
3. DEVELOP THE IDEA
We work on the arrangement, sounds, instrumentation, structure and other creative elements needed to move the record forward.
4. RECORD
Where required, we record vocals, instruments and additional elements at Starcity.
5. REFINE
We listen critically, make creative adjustments and prepare the production for the next stage.
6. MIX & FINISH
The project can then move into mixing and mastering, either with Starcity or your chosen engineer.
The aim is simple: every stage should make the record better.
WANT US TO TAKE CARE OF THE WHOLE RECORD?
If you don’t just need production but want someone to help take the song from its earliest idea through to completion, our Full Song Production service brings the process together.
Depending on your project, this can include:
Song development · Production · Arrangement · Songwriting · Vocal production · Recording · Editing · Mixing · Mastering
It’s particularly useful for artists who don’t want to coordinate multiple people across different stages of the process.
PRODUCTION WITH THE ARTIST IN MIND
A producer shouldn’t just hear the beat.
They should listen to the artist.
Our wider experience in A&R, artist relations and artist management means we’re comfortable having conversations about:
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What suits your voice
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What fits your identity
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What the song is trying to communicate
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Whether a creative decision is actually helping the record
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How your music fits into a wider project
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What the next step might be
We’re happy to tell you when something isn’t working. And we’re equally happy to leave the decision with you.
Your identity stays at the centre of the music.
INDEPENDENT ARTISTS, LABELS & COMMERCIAL PROJECTS
Starcity works with independent artists as well as professional music-industry and commercial projects.
Our wider experience includes work associated with:
Sony · BMG · Universal · Polydor · Virgin · EMI · 0207 Def Jam · Warner Chappell · Neighbourhood Records · Mola Records
Our experience has included production, recording, mixing, artist relations and A&R depending on the project.
We’ve also worked on music for broadcast, film, dance, advertising and other commercial creative projects.
If you’re a label, management company, production company or creative organisation with a project, talk to us about what you need.
TESTIMONIALS
⭐ Deamer Official
“Best studio I’ve been to by far. Jay Picasso is a mad talented producer, very professional and proper dedicated to his craft. He’s got a unique ear and a way of turning ideas into something special. Always a 10/10 experience recording here.”
⭐ Fabio Sanchez
“Always have top tier sessions at StarCity. Tim’s a quality producer & engineer who gives 100% every time to get the best outta my sound. It’s a blessing to work with that caliber of talent, dedication and precision. Highly recommend.”
⭐ Ryan Samuda
“Always a great vibe at the studio, Picasso is also one of the best music producers I’ve worked with, he can actually play instruments!! Great with all forms of music. Defo recommend.”
MUSIC PRODUCTION FAQ
What does a music producer do?
A music producer helps shape the creative direction of a record. Depending on the project, this can include arrangement, instrumentation, sound selection, songwriting, vocal direction, beat development and additional production.
Can you produce a song from my idea?
Yes. You can bring a rough demo, melody, lyrics, beat or even an early concept and we can explore how to develop it.
Can you work with my existing beat?
Absolutely. We can record over it as supplied or explore whether additional production would improve the record.
Can you make a beat for me?
Yes. Production can involve creating or developing the instrumental around your artistic direction.
Do you produce vocals?
Yes. Vocal production is an important part of our work and can include performance direction, vocal arrangement, recording, tuning, editing, harmonies and effects.
Do I need to be an established artist?
No. We work with developing artists as well as established musicians and professional projects.
What genres do you produce?
We work across Afrobeats, R&B, hip-hop, grime, drill, pop, indie, soul, house, dance, EDM and singer-songwriter projects.
Can you produce an entire EP or album?
Yes. Larger projects can be developed across multiple sessions with a consistent creative direction.
Can you also record, mix and master the song?
Yes. Starcity can support multiple stages of the process, from production and recording through to mixing and mastering.
Do you work with labels?
Yes. Starcity has experience working with artists and projects associated with major labels, independent labels and music-industry companies.
Can I bring my own producer?
Of course. The studio can be used simply as a professional recording environment if you already have your own producer.