Nico Wood-Oliván
Music Producer

Meridian Sound Studios was founded with a clear mission: to provide a high-quality, creative space where artists could focus on making great music. What started as a small, passionate endeavour has since grown into a trusted name in the industry, known for its precision, professionalism, and commitment to sound excellence.
We've built a reputation for being a reliable partner in music production, collaborating with a wide range of talented artists, producers, and engineers. Our team’s dedication to the craft has helped countless musicians bring their visions to life, whether they’re laying down their first track or perfecting a full album. The studio has become a hub for creativity, where artists feel free to experiment, push boundaries, and achieve their best work.
From the early days, we’ve always been focused on investing in the best equipment, technology, and spaces to ensure our clients have everything they need to create at the highest level. But more than just gear, it’s our expertise and hands-on approach that have allowed us to maintain long-standing relationships with artists across various genres, from indie to hip hop, rock to electronic.
Through every phase of growth, Meridian Sound Studios has stayed true to its roots: a place where quality music is made, great ideas are nurtured, and artists can feel supported throughout the entire process. As we look ahead, we’re more committed than ever to providing an environment where the best music can be made – and we’re excited to continue being a part of the journey for many more years to come.
Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.
Interview with Nico Wood-Oliván
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I’m especially proud of Scrambled Eggs Vol III, a collaborative project that brought together a huge range of artists in one record. I managed production, engineering, and mixing across the sessions — and seeing it come to life was a career highlight.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Currently finishing mixes for an upcoming indie-rock EP, producing a jazz-fusion project, and recording live video sessions at Meridian with a range of emerging artists.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both. Analogue gear brings warmth and unpredictability that digital can’t replicate, while digital gives precision and flexibility. The best results usually come from blending the two.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I promise to respect your vision while pushing your sound to its fullest potential. No project is too small, no mix too big — every track gets my full attention.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: The moment an artist hears their track come alive in the studio — when their vision suddenly feels real and larger than life. That reaction never gets old.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Q: How long will mixing take? A: It depends on the number of stems and complexity, but typically 2–5 days per song including revisions. I’d rather take the time to get it right than rush.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That mixing or production is just about “making things louder or cleaner.” In reality, it’s about storytelling through sound — guiding emotion, dynamics, and energy so the listener feels something.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: • What’s your end goal for this project (single, EP, live session, etc.)? • Do you want me to just capture your sound, or help shape and push it further? • What artists inspire you?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Look for someone who not only has the technical chops but also understands your vision. The best producer/engineer is one who makes you feel comfortable, inspired, and confident in the process.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: • Neumann U87 • API 3124 preamp • A solid MacBook with Pro Tools • Universal Audio Apollo interface • Fender Rhodes (because inspiration matters too)
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I studied Music at Durham University, trained at Abbey Road Institute, and cut my teeth in both theatre composition and commercial production. I managed and engineered at Climax Recording Studio before evolving it into Meridian Sound Studios. I’ve been producing, engineering, and mixing professionally for around 7 years.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Modern but rooted in tradition. I love the warmth and honesty of analogue recordings, but I balance that with digital precision and forward-thinking sound design.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I’d love to work with James Blake — his combination of electronic production, raw vocal performances, and experimental mixing is exactly the kind of world I thrive in.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Don’t fix everything at the mix stage. Get the source right — performance, mic placement, tone — and you’ll save yourself hours later.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I work across genres, but I’m most often brought in for jazz, indie/alt, hip-hop, and electronic-influenced projects. I enjoy the challenge of moving between live, organic sessions and more production-heavy, experimental tracks.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: High-stem mixing and the ability to handle complex projects while keeping them musical. I’m also very strong at bridging genres — helping artists take influences from different worlds and turn them into a cohesive, exciting sound.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I bring clarity, depth, and focus. Whether it’s through arrangement tweaks, sonic layering, or a polished mix, I help the song reach its full emotional potential. My goal is always to enhance the artist’s voice rather than overshadow it.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I start by listening to the artist — their influences, goals, and vision. From there, I shape the session plan: whether that’s live tracking, layering, or a more experimental workflow. During mixing, I focus on clarity and impact while keeping the character of the performance intact. Communication is key — I check in regularly to make sure the project is evolving in the right direction.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Meridian Sound Studios is a professional hybrid space — a balance of analogue warmth and digital precision. We’ve got a wide range of microphones, preamps, and outboard gear paired with a modern DAW workflow (Pro Tools, Logic, Ableton). It’s a comfortable, creative environment where artists feel at home but also have access to world-class sound.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I’m inspired by producers like Rick Rubin for his simplicity and artist-first approach, Nigel Godrich for his textural and atmospheric work, and engineers like Manny Marroquin for his versatility and balance. I also draw a lot of inspiration from contemporary UK jazz and alternative scenes.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I work across full productions — from capturing live sessions in the studio, to mixing and shaping records with a modern, polished sound. Many of my clients come to me for high-stem mixing and hybrid projects where we blend classic recording techniques with cutting-edge production.
- Recording StudioAverage price - $300 per day
- Mixing EngineerAverage price - $250 per song
https://meridiansound.co.uk/tcs