YOUNG people across the Bridport area have always shown a great talent for music and the local music scene is thriving. The Humph recording studio in Bridport Youth Centre has proved to be an essential resource for young bands and musicians. Claire West spoke to local band The Mauves to find out more.

THE Humph studio has been going for 18 months now. Named after Humphrey Dibdin, a local councillor and champion of youth projects within Bridport, it was opened by Jane Dibden and Billy Bragg to a fanfare, and has never looked back.

Harry Warren is a youth worker, and runs the studio. He said: "Since opening we've had more than a 100 young people use the excellent facilities here.

"Though most of the bands here happen to be from Bridport we are open to young musicians from across West Dorset. We have had people using the studio from Lyme Regis right across to Evershot."

When you look inside its easy to see why.

The studio is very well set up.

Harry said: "We have a 48-channel recording work station, which allows bands to record their own CDs, this is really helpful when they are starting out and trying to get gigs.

"We also a set of decks for DJs, a drum kit and a bass guitar, though most bands bring their own kit with them."

One of the bands that use the Humph studio is 'The Mauves'. They have been together for quite a while now, and say that the studio has played a very important part in developing them as a band.

Singer and bassist Ellie Fuszard said: "We're really happy working here. There is nowhere else to do it and the studio has everything we need. We love it here."

Joe Bush, the band's guitarist added: "The equipment is wonderful - everything works which is important."

As for atmosphere and sound quality The Mauves' drummer, Sam Bush, said: "There's a good sound, good equipment, and a brilliant atmosphere. Everyone makes you feel welcome."

Sam and the rest of the band all agreed that it's really good to have Harry on hand to run the studio, and supervises the bands while they are recording. 'Harry is a great guy!' Harry said that the studio opens up opportunities for the bands to do other things.

He said: "The Mauves have been involved in school projects such as battle of the bands, but also things like gigs at the arts centre and the Inside Out project that will be running at West Bay this year."

Other bands that use the studio are 'Ways of the Mouth' and also local musicians Pete Dixon and Harry North, who reached the semifinals of the South Coast Idol regional finals.

The general feeling is that the Humph is a great place to go if you want to improve your skills as a band or musician.

It was agreed by Harry and the whole band that the studio was a brilliant use of money and that it should definitely be recommended to others!

Sam said: "The studio is a great way of inspiring people to make music - I would recommend it to anyone."

You can get a preview of The Mauves' music at www.myspace.com/themauves To book a session time at The Humph contact Harry Warren via Bridport Youth Centre, on 01308 422500.