It has been a true joy to welcome back multi-instrumentalist and polymath Fred Thomas – not this time to record, but to lose himself in days of writing, playing deep into the night, and letting the landscape weave its quiet magic into his music.

As if the aurora lights, a brand-new release, and some fantastic weather wasn’t enough, everything was aligned perfectly for ITVX‘s visit to feature the story behind Ayriel Studios. Timing is everything, as always.

Our artistic director Jamie Walton goes on a jaunt:

We frequently receive enquiries from London-based artists, keen to make their next recording within the cocoon of the countryside, in a space that offers no distractions.

We are basking in extraordinary sunshine this week - temperatures are soaring, and the skies exude a positively Mediterranean glow.

At times, certain artists seamlessly blend with a space, fitting like a hand in a glove - over the past couple of days we've had the privilege of hosting three such musicians.

Ayriel Studios is buzzing with an incredible energy this weekend, hosting four diverse artists who are either immersed in their work or just passing through.

It was a wild and woolly morning, gathered around the Aga with cups of tea in hand, listening to the wind howling across the surrounding moors.