Beyond Skin has worked with Start Together Studios Belfast since 2018. Not only has the studios enabled the production of great music, but the studios have also been an incubator for intercultural collaborations, building new relationships with our local and global neighbours and a place of creative solace for many when life struggles become overwhelming. This page is only a snapshot of what has taken place at Start Together Studios.
Producer, Mixer & Engineer Rocky O’Reilly opened Start Together (named after his favourite Sleater-Kinney song) while he still played in Indie-Pop two piece Oppenheimer.
At the engineering controls for all Beyond Skin productions at Start Together is Niall Doran.
"I am endlessly inspired and excited by every Beyond Skin session we’ve been lucky enough to host over the years. Music is the sharing of stories, journeys and messages. Through the collective of musicians, artists and the incredible mentorship of the Beyond Skin team we have witnessed so many incredible moments. We never know what’s going to come through the door, and that’s one of the most exciting things about all of it. Watching Niall Doran engineer and collaborate with a wonderful collection of musicians from all around the world has made Belfast feel like a more creative, special and connected place." Rocky
"We have had so many musicians in the studio with traditional instruments from around the world, combined with diverse music genres. Because of this, Niall has vast experience regarding recording and mixing from many cultures, on last count 37 countries have been in the studios. He is a great listener and does his research. These skills are rare as most engineers do not get the opportunity to record and mix music from around the world. " Darren - Beyond Skin
Start Together worked through two studios until recently when the combined studio two into their main studio one, at Oh Yeah Music Centre. The studios have always had a welcoming peaceful energy comes from Rocky's and Niall's love for music and working with people. People have always felt at ease and that allows people to feel safe when expressing ideas through their voice or instruments no matter what level they are at. The studios have been a space to forge relationships that will last a lifetime and enabled incredible intercultural collaborations. These collaborations have not only helped the welbeing and careers of those involved but has also nurtured Northern Ireland's music sector and creative industries. Some of the music produced due to those involved with lived experience have been a voice for victims and survivors of war and oppression.
Over the years an incredible amount of music productions has come out of Start Together. Music across all genres and some we made up. Belfast gained UNESCO City of Music in 2021 and since then we have amplified (excuse the pun) our work with Start Together. With musicians arriving to our shores for sanctuary the music genre pallet has expanded. Start Together has become a world of music beating heart for the city and beyond.
In Memory of Kaja
