Meters on the Move: A Travel Diary by Mark Gooday
Anyone who knows Mark Gooday (Founder and MD and Meters Music and Ashdown Engineering) would know that he isn’t shy of clocking up his air miles – travelling all over the globe whenever opportunity strikes – all in the goal of building the brands that he passionately believes in. Just a couple of weeks ago whilst on a 12 hour stop-over in China, the check-in girl at Virgin Atlantic noticed Mark’s extreme travel plans and said, “this can’t be legal, you might want to have a word with your manager”…
In the latest edition of ‘Meters on the Move’, Mark took-off to Jamaica with long-time friend and legendary record producer Martin ‘Youth’ Glover who was heading out to catch up with some rather influential friends in the music business. Mark took the opportunity to catch up with some old acquaintances, whilst sharing the gift of Meters headphones.
One of the first stops (of many) was a visit to Zak Starkey’s recording studio in in Ocho Rios, where he was leading an exciting recording project, featuring Sly & Robbie – Jamaica's most prolific rhythm section and production duo and Don Hannah as music director.
To set the scene: English Rock Drummer, Zak Starkey’s career spans more than 30 years. He has performed and recorded with English rock band The Who since 1996. He has also worked with other musicians and bands such as Johnny Marr, Oasis, Paul Weller, The Icicle Works, The Waterboys, ASAP, The Lightning Seeds, and John Entwistle. He is also the son of The Beatles drummer Ringo Starr.
Sly Dunbar and bassist Robbie Shakespeare have played on or produced over 50,000 songs and have won several Grammy Awards since 1984, the first year Reggae got its own Grammy category. Since then, they have won a Grammys in 1998 and 2001.
All in all, this was a room filled with some very fine-tuned ears and a hell of a lot of experience. Cue Meters Headphones. Youth had already sung the praises of Meters Headphones, so I (Mark) was very excited to pull out a pair of OV-1s for the guys to monitor some of their recent tracks on. The feedback was astonishing and highly valued.
“These cans are bass ballistic Armageddon” – Martin ‘Youth’ Glover
"I don't normally wear cans, but I will wear these, they are amazing" – Robbie Shakespeare
I later received this email from Don Hannah:
“I just can’t over get the aural experience I had listening to your Meters!
Let me know how it would be possible to get a hold of a pair. I will be shooting Neil Young on the 24th and again on the 30th and would love to turn him on to your headphones as well.”
Over the years (with sister company Ashdown Engineering), I have gained product feedback from some of the world's most respected bass players, including John Entwistle (The Who), Mark King (Level 42) and JJ Burnel (The Stranglers). With history repeating itself and inspired by the comments from these highly trusted artists in Jamaica, myself and the hard-working team at Meters Music focus our efforts towards perfecting the best possible sound for professionals and home users alike.
I very much look forward to my next visit to Jamaica and thanks to Martin, Don, Zack, Sly and Robbie for your amazing hospitality.
Mark Gooday.
