KU's Stylophone Orchestra record Bowie's Space Oddity with Visconti

Under the guidance of legendary music producer Tony Visconti, the Orchestra created the recordings using the much-loved vintage analogue synthesizer.

The session was held at the Music Department’s Visconti Studio at Kingston Hill campus.

Visconti praised the efforts of the Stylophone Orchestra, thought to be the first such ensemble in existence.

"This version is a bit like Alice in Wonderland falling down the rabbit hole and going to the land of Stylophone where the creatures have a pen with a wire attached,” he said.

"It was a complex session – to get it right we had to be meticulous.

"If one person made even the slightest mistake we had to punch in again and, with nine people playing at the same time, you never quite knew what was going to happen," Visconti pointed out.

Original record for David Bowie's Space Oddity (1969). Image: badgreeb RECORDS via Flickr

The arrangement was written by KU music academic and Bowie expert Dr Leah Kardos, and praised by Visconti, who previously worked with the likes of Marc Bolan, Thin Lizzy, Morrissey and Damon Albarn.

In fact the renowned producer was so impressed by the orchestra and the arrangement, he has since recruited them to be a part of his new album, due for release in 2020.

“The working title of the song (Space Oddity) is Politics.

"For the solo part, I originally envisioned a saxophone section but I got my Stylophone out and played it, knowing I was going to visit the studio shortly,” Visconti explained.

"I sent the idea to Leah, she transcribed it and taught it to the students.

"The end result is quite remarkable and will definitely be going on the record, which will hopefully be released before the next American election," Visconti added.

The Stylophone Orchestra was created by Kardos, who recruited members to take part after receiving a box of instruments from its makers Dubreq.

“Working with someone of Tony Visconti’s stature is really special for all of us and a great opportunity for the students,” she said.

"When we received the delivery from Dubreq, I blurted out that we should start a Stylophone Orchestra before I’d even really realised what I’d said.

"It’s since become a reality and is, I believe, the only one of its kind."

Music student Ershad Alamgir was tasked with the daunting prospect of recording Bowie's iconic vocals for the re-working.

"Tony Visconti himself is amazing" he said.

"I came to Kingston University because of the studio and it has come full circle now with me recording this song."