In The Studio – Laurie Anderson

BBC World Service

We join one of America’s most daring and pioneering artists, Laurie Anderson, as she puts the finishing touches to her new album Amelia at Miraval Studios in the south of France.

This is Laurie’s first record in 6 years and she tells the story of renowned female aviator Amelia Earhart’s tragic last flight in 1937, whose plane disappeared without trace as she attempted to circumnavigate the globe.

The album has been almost 25 years in the making. And Laurie has come to Miraval Studios in the south of France to work with Emmy-winning sound engineer Damien Quintard who will mix and master the record, we sit in with them while they work together – including on a separate Dolby Atmos immersive mix.

Hidden in a 900 hectare country estate, Miraval was a famous recording studio in the 70s, 80s and 90s where rock bands like Pink Floyd, AC/DC, The Cure and Muse all came to record their albums. Ahead of the studios reopening in 2022, Damien was head-hunted by owner Brad Pitt to take the helm – starting with a cutting-edge refurbishment and redesign.

Produced by Victoria Ferran

Broadcast: 3rd September 2024