The Coda Collection logo
Explore All Collections

Down on the Farm

Collection Contents: 1 Film, 2 Story, 2 Gatefold, 1 Playlist
Rockfield: The Studio on the Farm

In the ‘60s, two Welsh brothers turned their dairy farm into one of the most successful recording studios of all time, producing decades of legendary music. Featuring interviews with Robert Plant and members of Black Sabbath, Hawkwind, Stone Roses and more, this is the fascinating story of Rockfield.

Amazon Prime Channels

About This Collection

In the mid-1960s, two brothers turn part of their Welsh dairy farm into the world’s first independent residential recording studio. Before long, artists ranging from Black Sabbath to Queen book time at the pastoral retreat, helping establish a fascinating history that has connected Rockfield to iconic music and bands for decades.

Story

Cows, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll

Let Harry Potter have Hogwarts. Artists like Oasis, Rush, Robert Plant and the Cure will take Rockfield. Surrounded by rolling hills, green pastures and Jersey cows, and framed by quaint brick buildings and half walls, the Welsh farm that doubles as an improbable recording studio touts a clear advantage over the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry: Unlike the J.K. Rowling creation to which Coldplay vocalist Chris Martin compares it in “Rockfield: The Studio on the Farm,” Rockfield is entirely real.

Timeline

Sensational Studios

Professional studios have been central to making records — and making those records sound a certain way — for ages. Artists and producers seek out specific locations for acoustics, equipment, ambience, approach, geography, reputation, experience and more. The practice has helped Rockfield thrive for decades. Here’s an overview of 20 other iconic studios that continue to play (or played) a crucial role in how we hear what we hear.

Timeline

Rockfield’s Guest Book

Hundreds of artists have made the trek to Rockfield during the last 50-plus years. Though some failed to achieve critical or mainstream success, an incredibly diverse mix of musicians has recorded a wealth of memorable music at the studio. From Queen and the Pixies to Rush and Iggy Azalea, here’s a decade-by-decade look at the key artists and albums connected to Rockfield.

Playlist

Over the Wall: A Rockfield Playlist

Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Oasis’ “Wonderwall,” Coldplay’s “Yellow” and Ace’s “How Long” are among the iconic songs that came to life at Rockfield. Over the course of five decades, the studio has produced a diverse array of music as significant (if not as popular) as those massive hits. Here’s an introduction to that rich history.

Story

Q&A with Director Hannah Berryman

Director Hannah Berryman spent several years making “Rockfield: The Studio on the Farm,” whose original theatrical plans were thwarted by the pandemic. In this short interview, the documentarian shares her thoughts about the film, process and more.

More Collections

See All

A Guitar God at the Volcano

Jimi Hendrix in 1970, the final year of his life

Smashing the Pretty Things

Four disparate personalities reimagine rock in The Who

Catching Fire

Bob Marley and the Wailers on the brink of reggae’s rise

Riding the Wave

Pearl Jam’s 1991 album “Ten” explodes

Hearing the Darkness Breathe

Goth-rock pioneers the Cure endure on their own terms

A Guitar God at the Volcano

Jimi Hendrix in 1970, the final year of his life

Smashing the Pretty Things

Four disparate personalities reimagine rock in The Who

Catching Fire

Bob Marley and the Wailers on the brink of reggae’s rise

Riding the Wave

Pearl Jam’s 1991 album “Ten” explodes

Hearing the Darkness Breathe

Goth-rock pioneers the Cure endure on their own terms