A HUDDERSFIELD music duo who usually pen their songs in a bedroom have been to Los Angeles to work with a top music producer.
Singer Olivia Hesp and bass player Nicky Jeffries spent two weeks working with world-renowned producers and session musicians at the famous A&M Studios in LA.
The studios have previously played host to big names such as Sting, Motley Crue, Kiss, Paul McCartney, Gwen Stefani and musicians involved in the original recording of Band Aid.
Olivia, 26, and Nicky, 23, had every aspect of their work critiqued, from their lyrics to vocal and instrumental skills.
Olivia, of Golcar, said: “They basically ripped us to shreds, but in a constructive way. Even that was awesome – we are loving every step, even the hard parts like that. They taught us a lot about writing and the songs we are producing are better than ever.”
Olivia and Nicky met via the internet and have been writing songs together for a year.
Their work was spotted by the LA producers while they were combing social networking site Myspace for new talent.
The pair had to raise £8,000 to pay for the trip, which they managed through gigs, sponsors, help from family and friends and raising a loan.
The experience was worth the cost, however. The duo worked with respected producers Jeff Gross and Matty Spindel and guitarist Matt Dauzat, who has worked for Kelly Osborne and Robbie Williams.
Olivia said: “It was amazing. We really didn’t expect that sort of treatment.
“One minute we are in my mum’s bedroom writing songs, the next we are in those studios with people wanting to be involved in our work. I can see why you would need a lot of self-esteem and sense to keep your feet on the ground in that industry.”
Nicky and Olivia plan to release a single on the internet in December and show the sales figures to private investors who are interested in backing their future careers.
Olivia said: “We have interest from private investors, but they need some quantitative research. If we get these backers and a good PR company, we will be OK. We don’t plan to search for a record label. We want to try and keep control if we can.”
The pair want to go back to LA to work with the producers on an album so they can consider a tour in the New Year.
But first, they need to find more funds for the trip, which is expected to cost around £5,000.
Olivia, a singing teacher and confidence coach, is planning a concert with her students next month to raise funds for the trip.
She said: “We do need money right now and I thought it would be a good way of doing that while giving my students chance to perform for their friends and families in a supportive environment.”
You can find out more about Olivia and Nicky by visiting www.oliviahydecoaching.com or
www.myspace.com/pleasehelpusgettola
