S2blue is 10 – celebrate with us
In December 2011 S2blue will be 10 and to celebrate we’re giving away 10 “fabulous” S2blue prizes!
All you have to do is have any jingle or commercial signed off by 23rd December 2011 to go into the draw to win one of the 10 prizes!
There’s no limit to the number of tickets you can have in the draw so get as many as you can in.
New custom package for Lakeland Radio
We recently produced a new custom package for Lakeland Radio. The 8 cut A/C package featured vocals from Mel Williams and Chris Madin.
The latest Lakeland Radio is now available to be resung - click here to hear the package
AudioSweets.com is now here
Our new imaging tool kit, AudioSweets.com, is now live! AudioSweets is an imaging tool kit consisting of a continuously updated library of beds, promo and sweeper shells, sound design, utilities, breaks, artist drops and song drops. Plus a sweet load of programming elements.
The AudioSweets service has been put together by an experienced collection of imaging producers, station programmers and composers. The result is a service created for radio producers by radio producers – with useful elements, work parts and pre mixed shells allowing users to make some sweet radio whilst save time and money.
There’s thousands of files already on the site – check out the latest demo now or email us for more information.
New AudioSweets demo
As we prepare for the launch of Audio Sweets – our new imaging tool kit – we’ve put together a really cool teaser demo to show off what Audio Sweets has to offer. You can check out the demo and register your interest on www.AudioSweets.com and you can follow AudioSweets on it’s own Facebook page.
More PAMS resings for Pick of the Pops on BBC Radio 2
We have recently resung more PAMS cuts for Tony Blackburn’s Pick of The Pops show on BBC Radio 2.
The Pick of the Pops show has been a real hit since it came back on air in January 2011 and the PAMS resings have really helped with the sound of the show.
All the cuts (including the latest batch of resings) can be found by clicking here.
All our PAMS resings are available on the PAMS page by clicking here.
James Macleod taken on as new Project Manager for Australia and Asian Pacific
We have a new member of the S2blue Family – we have taken on James Macleod as Project Manager to represent S2blue in Australia and the Asian Pacific. James has a vast experience in radio, working in the UK for many years before immigrating to Australia. You can learn more about James on our S2blue Family page by clicking here.
New imaging tool kit launching this summer
This summer sees the launch of our new imaging tool kit – Audio Sweets.
Audio Sweets is an radio imaging tool kit from S2blue, containing a continuously updated library of beds, promo & sweeper shells, FX package, utilities, stages, breaks, artist drops and vox pops.
You can register your interest on www.AudioSweets.com
JAM resing for Manx Radio
We recently resung a collection of JAM cuts for retro show ‘Fifties on a Friday’ on Manx Radio.
The resings were taken from JAM’s retro ‘Back seat music’ package, which was originally produced for oldies station WPEN in Philadelphia during the 1970’s.
You can hear our recent JAM resings, including the Fifties on a Friday package, plus all the original JAM demos on SteveEngland.com by clicking here.
New CDs added to the Collector’s Page
We have recently added new items to the collector’s page – including CDs ID Collection Vol 3 & 4, S2blue show reel and The Radio Atlantis CD plus an S2blue Mousemat.
You can view the whole collection and order online by clicking here.
New jingle package for Midlands 103
We have recently produced a new package for Irish station Midlands 103.
The package was made up of cuts from the recent custom package we produced for Spirit FM plus a number of custom cuts.
You can hear the Midlands 103 package by clicking here.
New package produced for Chinese station U Radio
A year on from the first package we produced for Chinese station U Radio they have come back for a brand new package, with a hotter, more contemporary sound.
The latest U Radio package takes highlights from a number of recent custom packages to give it an overall fresh sound.
To hear the latest U radio package click here.
Two new Freenotes Music CDs released
Two new Freenotes albums are to be released on CD - Volume 11 and Volume 4 are the latest physical release from the Freenotes Music production music library.
The albums, which are composed by James Harrington and Steve England respectively, are part of the complete Freenotes Music collection of non-MCPS tracks which are designed for the broadcast industry to be used behind commercials, programmes and promos.
Freenotes CDs are available free to PRS returning UK broadcasters and production houses. Click here to make sure you get copies of the new CDs. You can also download the complete Freenotes Music collection from www.freenotesmusic.com
Vintage PAMS resings for BBC Radio Ulster
Following on from other BBC stations, including Radio 2 and other BBC Local stations BBC Ulster have commissioned resings of vintage PAMS jingles.
The classic collection of cuts from some of PAMS most famous packages the BBC Ulster cuts are part of nostalgia programming and will sit alongside existing imaging.
All our PAMS resings are available on the PAMS page by clicking here.
Revamp to Studio 2 complete
We have recently completed a revamp to the new Studio 2 which upgrades the studio to Pro Tools, allowing vocals and music to be fully produced in two studios.
The overall revamp leaves us with 4 SADiE studios plus a ProTools 9 system in Studio 1.
JingleWorld Vol. 5 now available
The latest CD in the JingleWorld collection is now available – featuring a further 98 categorised commercial jingles.
To order your copy of any of the JingleWorld CDs click here or to hear the complete range of commercial jingles available to resing go to www.JingleWorld.co.uk
S2blue commissioned to produce radio soap opera ‘Glencastle’
We have been commissioned to produce an initial 12 month radio ‘soap’ for Manx Radio. ‘Glencastle’ will tell the stories of the people of a fictitious village on the Isle of Man with 3 weekly episodes and an omnibus at weekends
Weekly podcast is available by clicking here
PAMS resings for BBC Solent
Following on from other BBC Local stations we have recently resung a collection of PAMS cuts for BBC Solent
The authentic vintage cuts are to be used as part of the station’s nostalgia shows.
You can hear the BBC Solent PAMS cuts by clicking here
More PAMS resings for Radio 2
We’ve recently resung more PAMS cuts for Radio 2 – this time for Tony Blackburn’s show.
The authentic vintage cuts are part of Tony’s ‘Pick of the Pops’ programme which transports listeners back in time whilst playing some real classics.
You can hear the PAMS cuts for Radio 2 by clicking here
Festive imaging package for Sawt El Ghad
Leading up to Christmas we produced an imaging package for Lebanonese station Sawt El Ghad. The package consists of a range of cuts to give their imaging a real festive feel through the holidays and into the New Year.
We used a traditional group for the vocals to give it that time honoured feel.
You can hear the Sawt El Ghad festive cuts by clicking here.
New imaging package for KCFM
As part of the Lincs FM Group we recently sung a new package for KCFM.
The package features a traditional group vocal sound.
You can hear the KCFM cuts by clicking here.
Latest winner of Champagne for a campaign
Anita at Fire Radio was the latest winner of our ‘Champagne for a Campaign’ – winning a whole case of champagne just for sending us a script to be produced!
We will be running another ‘Champagne for a Campaign’ promotion soon so look out for more details.
HD webcam installed in the live room
We have recently installed a HD webcam in our live room, allowing clients unable to attend our studios to watch vocal and overdub sessions via Skype or Messenger.
Since installing the webcam we have had clients watching in from China and the Middle East, as well as all parts of the UK.
FreenotesMusic.com now live
The new Freenotes library music site is now live, with hundreds of free, non MCPS tracks available.
Freenotes Music provides broadcasters, production companies and producers with tracks to use behind all types of production, from TV and radio commercials to imaging and talk over beds.
Register or login to the new site by clicking here.
Custom Imaging Package for Spirit FM
As part of S2blue’s ‘new sound’ we’ve just completed a custom imaging package for Spirit FM. The package features contemporary beds with fresh solo vocals.
Ian Crouch, Programme Controller of Spirit FM said “Working with S2Blue was a real pleasure; they made sure we were happy with every stage of the production. It was particularly useful for us to be able to be at the recording and mixing sessions and give direction on how we wanted the final sound.”
Listen to the Spirit FM package by clicking here
Refreshed Package for BBC Radio Cumbria
We have recently refreshed imaging for BBC Radio Cumbria. The package includes additional cuts, new instrumentation on existing cuts and fresh vocals in a traditional group style.
Ian Timms said "BBC Radio Cumbria had been successfully using a really strong, S2Blue custom package for four years.
We wanted to preserve the heritage of a logo melody you can sing along with and a truly magnificent News build. But we needed something to bring a fresh dimension to the highly used traffic and hour-opener cuts.
The brief called for additional textures to strengthen our speech content and some big band swing idents for nostalgia shows. From Miller to Mika: now that's a full service package!! Simon and Steve wrote just what we asked for."
Listen to the BBC Radio Cumbria 2010 package by clicking here
Custom package for Hi FM
We’ve just produced a new custom imaging package for Hi FM in Oman. The package features S2blue’s ‘new sound’ of fresh and contemporary beat driven beds with fresh solo vocals.
Darren Barrett, Program Manager of Hi Fm said "When we wanted a new station sound, with a nice fresh sound, there was no question who to call. We play a mixture of AC hits from pretty much every genre, and with the smallest of briefs, (S2blue) created what I think is the best package we have had on air yet!"
Listen to the Hi FM package by clicking here
PassionForRadio.com launch
We have recently launched a new website – www.PassionForRadio.com. It features details of the commercial production and commercial jingle services – from S2blueCreative and JingleWorld.
The site also provides information on the special assistance we offer for sales programmes (Image+, !mpact+, Brand Builder, etc).
Check out the site for yourself: www.PassionForRadio.com
Package Produced for U Radio, China
We have produced our first package for a Chinese station – U Radio, a station owned by Phoenix TV and broadcasts in Shenzhen City, which is in Guangdong Province, China.
The station plays an eclectic mix of music – from contemporary western pop to easy listening and so U Radio chose resings from a wide range of our packages. Cuts came from the recent Mansfield 103.2 custom, our Connect and Lite package and even some cuts from the packages Steve originally recorded for Magic 1152 and the Saga stations.
It was an exciting vocal session for everyone involved, with the station listening and watching the session at our studios via two webcams.
Listen to the U Radio package by clicking here
New Custom Imaging Package for Mansfield 103.2
We have just completed a new custom for Mansfield 103.2 which is part of S2blue’s ‘new sound’ and was a collaboration with Lee Turner. The package features contemporary beds and solo vocals.
Ian Watkins, Managing Editor of Mansfield 103.2 said "S2blue have provided us with a fresh new contemporary sound to be proud of.
The team went to great lengths to provide us with an awesome custom imaging package which immediately enhanced the station's sound.
The whole creative process from original ideas to the finished product was not only seamless but also lots of fun too!"
Check out the Mansfield 103.2 package and see photos of the vocal session by clicking here
Simon on the panel for the Radio Academy’s “Future of radio imaging” event
In April, our Managing Director, Simon Prentice was asked to sit on the panel for the Radio Academy’s “Future of Radio Imaging” event in Manchester. The evening examined all aspects of station imaging past, present and future.
The panel we’re asked to put together some audio of what radio imaging would sound like in 2020. The entire panel agreed it was an almost impossible task to predict what radio would sound like in ten years as who knows what trends, instrumentation and systems will be available by then, but Simon concluded that it is likely to be an interpretation of what has gone before.
Simon worked with one of our composers, Lee Turner, and came up with a fusion of two musical trends from the last twenty years – dub step beats with early 90’s Italian dance piano. You can hear the 2020 cut here and photos of the event can be found on Radio Hub:
http://radiohub.co.uk/roy/albums/69
Refreshed package for BBC Radio Humberside
We have recently refreshed imaging for BBC Radio Humberside. The package includes additional cuts, new instrumentation on existing cuts and fresh vocals in a traditional group style.
Simon Pattern, Managing Editor of BBC Radio Humberside said "Working with Maurice, Steve and Simon - as well as their amazing team of musicians and singers - was a delight again. They offer fantastically creative solutions to the problems we throw their way - simply understanding how to translate our ideas into reality - they do so quickly and with real flair. We're delighted to continue working alongside the S2blue team and can't wait to get the refreshed imaging on air."
Listen to the BBC Radio Humberside 2010 package by clicking here
New Sound for Kiss Portugal
We have produced a custom package for Kiss FM Portugal featuring fresh, edgy, beat driven cuts mixed with contemporary solos and two part harmony vocals provided by Kim Chandler and Lee Turner.
This is the first of a number of new customs which feature a fresh, new S2blue sound, to fit well with today’s radio.
Check out the Kiss package by clicking here
New Site! New Sound!
We have recently completed a redesign of our website, making it more intuitive and contemporary. We've also added more content than ever before with new demos, photos and extra details.
We are also working a on a number of new custom packages which will feature a fresh, contemporary sound. These will be going live soon so keep checking back on the site for more information.
Take a look around and let us know what you think by clicking here
FreenotesMusic.com Prelaunch
Freenotes is changing and expanding - you can now pre-register for the brand new Freenotes website by going to www.FreenotesMusic.com
We are working with a number of experienced composers to produce many more quality tracks for Freenotes Music so in the coming months we will be releasing more volume CD’s, as well as a new set of themed CD’s.
Freenotes Music is a non-MCPS production music library, offering a wide range of contemporary music for use in all types of radio and TV commercial production. The tracks (and Freenotes CD's) are free and all we ask is that the PRS details are sent to the broadcaster.
You can download all the Freenotes tracks by visiting www.FreenotesMusic.com
New package produced at Abbey Road for Manx Radio
S2blue have just produced a new imaging package for Manx Radio, as part of their rebrand.
The new package includes overdubs and vocals recorded at the world famous Studio 2, Abbey Road, London.
In the two days we spent at Abbey Road, we recorded vocals from Kim Chandler and string overdubs by members of the BBC Philharmonic.
Click here listen to the cuts & find out more about the package.
S2blueCreative Produce National Campaign for Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer
In the run up to the summer we produced a series of radio commercials for Crabbie’s alcoholic ginger beer. The national campaign was produced for An Agency Called England and is going out on stations across the country over the summer.
The humorous scripts really were enjoyable to work on and have created a unique character for the brand. Click here to listen to the commercials in full
A Fresh Package for Fresh
We recently resung JAM's Fresh NY package for Yorkshire’s Fresh Radio. The innovative and 'fresh' sounding package has been sung with a UK solo female vocalist, which blends well with the beds to give a contemporary feel.
To listen to the package, click here
Sound of the 70's jingles recorded for Radio 2
Following on from the jingles we produced for Radio 2's Pirate Johnnie Walker show we've resung some more classic PAMS & JAM jingles for Johnnie Walkers new 'Sounds of the 70s' show' on Radio 2. The show epitomises the whole 70's era and the classic PAMS & JAM jingles lend an authentic sound to the imaging.
Listen to the jingles by clicking here and to find out more about the show or to listen again, click here
Refreshed Package Produced for BBC Oxford
Recently we resung and remixed the BBC Oxford package which we produced a few years ago.
Featuring solo and group vocals the remixed cuts give the package a fresh feel, reflecting contemporary musical trends. Check out some of the remixed cuts by clicking here.
Custom imaging produced for Radio Gibraltar
We recently created a number of custom cuts for Radio Gibraltar to complement their existing package, which we produced a few years ago.
The instrumental cuts were produced for Top of the hour news, events, what's on, weather and travel segments.
Check out the cuts now by clicking here
Package produced for BBC Wiltshire
We've recently produced a new package for BBC Wiltshire. The package was made up of remixes and resings of the BBC Essex package along with a number of custom cuts.
To listen to cuts from package & see photos of the vocal session click here.
Imaging and a Presenter for Pirate BBC Essex
The award winning Pirate BBC Essex hit the airways for the 3rd time over Easter. Not only did we produce a set of PAMS resings for the 2009 broadcast but Steve also hosted a show during the Easter weekend.
You can find out more about Pirate BBC Essex here - Steve's show is also available to listen again by clicking here.
Freenotes Vol. 3 out now including tracks recorded at Abbey Road Studios, London
Freenotes Vol. 3 is now available, featuring 33 new tracks including pieces recorded at the world famous Abbey Road Studios in London. The CD contains 96 tracks in various styles from up-tempo to Christmas, all with a choice of mixes.
Freenotes is a non-MCPS library, offering a wide range of contemporary music for use in all types of radio and TV commercial production. The tracks (and Freenotes CD's) are free and all we ask is that the PRS details are sent to the broadcaster.
To order your copy of Freenotes Vol. 3 click here or you can download all the tracks by visiting www.freenotesmusic.com
New Members of the S2blue Family
Two new members have recently joined the S2blue Family – Michael Dentith joins us as a Studio Engineer whilst Julia Small has started working as part of the administration team.
Emma Dickenson has also moved to the position of Production Co-ordinator and will be the main point of contact for all commercial production and scripting questions.
Click here to learn more about the S2blue Family
S2blue Sponsor '24 Hours in Radio' from RadioToday.co.uk
In 2009 S2blue became sponsors of “24 Hours in Radio”, the radio industry’s unmissable daily news email, delivered from RadioToday.co.uk
The newsletter is a must read within the industry and we are justly proud to be associated with it.
We have a number of competitions planned for the coming months so make sure you sign up at www.RadioToday.co.uk
JingleWorld Vol. 4 CD Now Available
Following on from the success of Volumes 1, 2 & 3, JingleWorld Vol. 4 is now available, featuring another 98 commercial jingles, which are available to be resung in many markets.
Click here to order your copy or go to the JingleWorld site to learn more and hear all the jingles available.
1st JingleWorld jingle seller of the month announced
As we mentioned in our latest newsletter we are now awarding a bottle of champagne for the JingleWorld 'jingle seller of the month' for the sales exec/production person that sells the most commercial jingles each month.
JingleWorld is the commercial jingle arm of S2blue and offers professional custom and syndicated jingles with unlimited licences and all jingles are on a sale or return basis.
The inaugural jingle seller of month winner was Jono Gold of Juice Liverpool - well done Jono and enjoy the champagne
Sure Radio TT Resing
We've resung the package produced for Manx Radio TT to reflect the stations new sponsor - Sure Mobile.
The package is a resing of JAM's Winning ticket. All JAM demos can be found on the JAM page under imaging - click here to go there now.
Classic PAMS jingle recorded for Radio 2
We have recently resung some classic PAMS jingles for Radio 2's Pirate Johnnie Walker show. The nostalgia show takes listeners back to the golden era of pirate radio, when the PAMS jingles were originally produced for the likes of Radio London & Swinging Radio England.
There is a short sneak peak video of the vocal session available here and to find out more about the show or to listen again, click here
S2blue awarded one of the TLRC contract for the 3rd year running
We have recently been awarded one of The Local Radio Company's commercial production contracts for the 3rd year running!
We won one of the initial contracts in 2007 to work for all stations within the group and look forward to continuing our work with them.
Simon takes over as Managing Director
As of the 1st January 2009 Simon has taken over as Managing Director. Simon said "It's really exciting - a fantastic opportunity. Over the last few years I've been getting involved in creative and musical aspects of the business and I'm really looking forward to taking the company forward."
Steve will now act as Executive Producer.
New creative showreel now available
Our new Creative Showreel is now available - with demos covering radio commercials, TV soundtracks, station/event promos, e-learning audio and podcast production.
Please click here to get a copy of the CD or check out the Creative section of the website to hear the demos online.
New Christmas imaging package produced for Societe El Ghad & Channel 27
In the run up to Christmas we have produced a full Christmas imaging package for Societe El Ghad in Beirut and Channel 27 - adding that extra sparkle to the stations over the festive period.
This custom package gives a contemporary twist to Christmas imaging, with the option of group or solo vocals.
If you want to add some Christmas sparkle (with out the cheese) to your station please email simon@s2blue.com or give us a call.
Click here to view our Christmas imaging deals
New imaging packages for Hi 95.9 & Hala FM
We have recently produced a new imaging packages for Hi 95.9 & Hala FM in Omar. The packages consisted of resings from Steve Englands Star Stream & Linc up packages.
Click here to listen to Hi 95.9 demo
Mostly Media/CLIC Charity Golf Day
For the second year running S2blue took part in the Mostly Media Charity Golf Day in aid of the CLIC Sargent. Despite the fact none of us play golf we had a go (Simon only lost 4 balls but did hit a goose with one!) & had a great time - pictures of our day are available by clicking here
The day raised a lot of money for CLIC and S2blue also donated a prize of a personal jingle.
For more information on CLIC their website is available here
S2blue assist at Image+/!mpact+ presentations
Over the past few months S2blue has assisted in a number of Image+ & !mapct+ presentation weeks for Central FM, 2BR, Manx Radio, Spirit FM, Silk FM & Minster FM.
We have helped sales teams during the presentation weeks, acting as Creative Consultants. We are more than happy to do this for any station - contact Simon for more information.
The S2blue Imaging showreel is now available!
Featuring a collection of our most recent imaging packages, the Imaging showreel presents a variety of packages produced for stations all over the World.
Click here to hear the sampler. To get hold of a copy give us a call or email us.
Check out the new S2blue brochure
Featuring information on all the services we offer, you can download the brochure by clicking here
New package for both of the 'Mid-West Radio' stations
We have recently produced a packagefor 2 Mid-West Radio Stations (formally known as Ivel FM & Vale FM). The package consisted of resings from the Lakeland Radio package with a number of custom cuts.
Click here to listen Mid West Radio Demo
The Freenotes Vol. 2 CD is now available
A CD of 51 non-MCPS music tracks that are totally free to use. Click here to be taken to the Freenotes website.
Top-up package for BBC Radio Oxford
A demo of the BBC Radio Oxford top-up package, produced to complement existing imaging, is now available online.
Listen to it by Clicking here
PAMS resings for Big Jon - Hallam FM
We recently resung some PAMS jingles for Hallam FM's Big Jon @ Breakfast - check out the resings by Clicking here
MyS2blue.com upgraded
We have just completed a total upgrade of MyS2blue.com. Our unique audio distribution site. As part of the upgrade we are now able to add notes on files uploaded and include PRS details, all of which get sent as part of an automated email when audio is available to download.