This interview is part of our Valleys Voices Heritage Project, where we spoke to staff (past and present), volunteers and community members about their experiences with Valleys Kids over our rich, almost 50 year history.

Rob talks about how about ten years ago, after the original builder and TV producer Emyr moved to Cardiff, he chose to stay in the Valleys rather than relocate. Valleys Kids took over the building, and he kept using his studio space in the tower, where he had already been working for nearly twenty years. Previously, he created music for TV programmes, adverts, films, and the Welsh song contest, and the pop factory was a busy creative hub that suited his work far better than the studio he once had in his parents’ garage.

When Emyr left, his TV work slowed, but this shift allowed him to focus on his own music. He now produces three to four progressive rock albums a year, selling them through his shop and on-site storage. Being based in the tower is convenient, quiet, and inspiring, and visitors from around the world are impressed by both the studio and the building. He feels very fortunate to work independently, full-time, in a place he loves.