Staff at Sandhills

Al Groves – house engineer/producer

Al Groves

Al Groves

Hailing from Yorkshire, Al began his career from his flat in Liverpool, where he recorded local bands in exchange for handfuls of magic beans.  Having built Sandhills from the ground up, he knows every inch of the studio and how to get the best from it.

Al is known for his hands-on approach to capturing bands within the studio. Young and energetic, yet experienced and innovative, Al prides himself on his ability to craft a unique sound for his clients.  He works with artists to draw out great performances and encourages them to push far beyond their original limits.

Al has enjoyed working with a variety of artists such as Ian Broudie, The Coral, The Zutons, Elvis Costello, Detroit Social Club, Bicycle Thieves, Tantrums, Atomic Kitten, and many more.

Outside of the studio Al spends his time seeing gigs, buying vintage drums, and wishing he was back in the studio!

Kyle Western – assistant engineer

Kyle Western

Kyle Western

Originally from the USA, Kyle has over fifteen years experience working in recording studios.  He began by cutting his teeth with indie bands in his hometown of Indianapolis, mastering albums for notable Blues and Americana artists of Nashville and later recording the Jazz and Brass Bands of New Orleans. Kyle eventually found his way to Liverpool in 2002 where he graduated from LIPA before joining the Sandhills team.

Kyle’s Mid-Western upbringing lends itself to a do-it-yourself attitude and approach to the music industry.  He employs traditional recording techniques to achieve innovative music in a variety of genres.  In his spare time Kyle enjoys playing guitar, collecting vintage cameras and a good cup of coffee.

Some of the artist from Kyle’s client list include: Manyfingers, Neil Campbell, Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Rebirth Brass Band, Sloppy Seconds, Phyllis, Warner Brothers, Interscope and Shanachie Records.

Joe Falconer – Intern

Joe Falconer

Joe Falconer

Joe is our intrepid intern, and makes a mean cup of tea!  Friendly, enthusiastic, and motivated, Joe has become a familiar face around the studio and an asset to the team.  Graduating from LIPA in 2011, Joe is an experienced Pro Tools operator and is comfortable on a variety of analogue consoles.  He is also a microphone nut!