Joe Bailey, Founder of Punch Studios

Joe founded Punch Studios in January 2009, quickly establishing it as one of the go-to alternative studios in Suffolk. Working alongside engineers Gavin MacKenzie and George Perks in the early days, he shaped the space into the creative, inclusive hub it is today. 

Inspired by a 24-track 2" tape machine he bought from producer Fraser T Smith back in 2015 (Kano, Adele, Maverick Sabre), Joe was set on developing a relaxed, welcoming studio environment that balanced a mix of digital and analogue techniques from the get-go.

In 2014, Joe launched Out Loud Music CIC, which led to the opening of The Smokehouse venue in 2016 and the creation of Brighten The Corners, a live music events and education CIC. These projects drew him away from the day-to-day running of Punch Studios, passing the reins to Gareth Patch and later to Jake Aylward, who manages the space to this day.

Joe is still passionate about analogue recording, is the proud owner of  a Tascam 388, and dreams of setting up his own home studio (one day).

Meet the team

Punch Studios was created in 2009 by Joe Bailey and is now managed by Jake Aylward, alongside a small team of passionate engineers and music industry collaborators. 

With decades of experience and a deep appreciation of the creative process, you’ll have access to the support you need to bring your vision to life. 

Favourite Punch moment: "I always have fond memories working with both Gavin and George in the early years, it felt like we could achieve a great sound using really cool gear, punching well above our weight. George has gone on to engineer multiple no.1 and top 10 albums for the likes of Mogwai and Enter Shikari. It’s a joy to see how his career has gone since flying the nest. Having Jake on board is a delight, he’s been a part of the journey for at least 10 years and has taken the studio to new levels."

Jake Aylward, Studio Manager & Head Engineer at Punch Studios

Jake joined the Punch Studios team in 2015, making teas and coiling cables while still at college. After a break to complete his degree in Audio Recording & Production at the University of Hertfordshire, he returned to lead engineering sessions and officially manage the studio in 2019.

Over the last 10 years, Jake has worked with artists including This Is The Kit, Hot Tramp, Tundra, Jack Rundell, and Wand Club, as well as film and TV projects for Netflix, Dreamworks, and Viacom. He’s previously played and recorded with his own band, and now works with new and emerging artists locally and internationally.

Passionate about capturing music organically, Jake loves nothing more than collaborating with bands that are pushing themselves, across all genres. 

His approach is simple - the artist’s vision comes first, and he’s there to make it happen.

Favourite Punch moment: "It’s got to be recording Omid Djalili’s voice for his character in the Netflix animated feature 'In Your Dreams'. It was a unique opportunity to experience world-class production, direction and voice acting first-hand. Omid was a class act and a real pleasure to work with!"