BIMM Manchester head to Motor Museum with Grammy-winning producer Katie May
BIMM Manchester students recently took part in a hands-on recording session at Liverpool’s iconic Motor Museum Studio, working alongside Grammy Award-winning engineer, producer, and mixer Katie May.
Supported by Solid State Logic (SSL), the session gave students the opportunity to step into a fully professional studio environment and work with high-end equipment, including the studio’s Solid State Logic Duality Delta SE 48 Channel console.
Katie May is Head Engineer at Real World Studios, one of the UK’s most respected recording studios. Her work includes sessions with artists such as The 1975, Foals, and Florence Welch, alongside engineering credits for Peter Gabriel, Tom Jones, and Gabrielle Aplin.
With experience across both major label and independent projects, Katie brought a wealth of industry insight into the session — from technical approaches in the studio to working closely with artists, shaping performances and making decisions under pressure.
The day was organised by BIMM Manchester’s Sound Engineering Society, with students taking the lead on everything from reaching out to Solid State Logic (SSL) to coordinating with the studio and managing the logistics of the session.
Two BIMM Manchester bands, Plastic Soul and Zoe’s Brothers, had the opportunity to be recorded by Katie during the session, while students on music production courses shadowed her throughout. This gave them a close-up look at how a high-level engineer approaches a recording session — from microphone setup and working on a professional mixing desk, to collaborating with artists and making crucial decisions in real time.
For music performance students, it was a chance to experience being recorded in a studio that’s seen the likes of Arctic Monkeys, The 1975, and Oasis — stepping into a space with a powerful musical history.
Being recorded by an experienced engineer gave them a new perspective on their own performances and material. Working with Katie and the production students, they were able to tighten arrangements, deliver more confident takes, and understand how small changes in timing, tone, and dynamics translate in a studio setting. It was an opportunity to hear themselves through a professional lens, with real-time feedback shaping both their sound and their approach.
The session concluded with a Q&A, where students were able to ask Katie about her career, workflow and experiences in the industry, offering further insight into life as a professional producer and engineer.
Opportunities like this form a key part of the BIMM experience, giving our students access to industry-standard facilities and direct learning from working professionals.
Want to see what it’s really like to step into a professional studio environment? Watch highlights from the session below:
Want to be part of experiences like this? Explore our courses and start building your future in the music industry.
