Extraudionary experiences...
Mike, Somerset
'We are so pleased with the whole process, the recording, and particularly the final professional production.
In truth, I was apprehensive prior to the interview. What I wanted was a record of Dad's life, from the East End lad living in a two-room tenement and through his long military career in post-war Germany, in order that we might share these moments with grandchildren and great grandchildren - or indeed those yet to come. You have achieved something special, beyond my expectations. I must say, Dad enjoyed it too.
We now have a precious family record of an extraordinary life. Thank you.'
Imogen, London
'Andrew has done an amazing job creating what can only be described as a magnificent canvas in sound of my Dad's life (so far!) through insightful questions, personal engagement and high quality sound engineering.
A memory that will be cherished by my family forever.'
Tom, Bristol
'I've always loved the concept of Desert Island Discs and reflecting on chapters of your life - and had doing something similar on a personal bucket list, so the package with Andy and Extraudionary was perfect.
I took some time to write down my favourite songs and stories from my life which I shared with Andy prior to recording. The recording process itself was really enjoyable. Andy had really taken time to look through my notes and made everything very relaxed and natural, asking great questions to tease out stories and further thoughts. I was a little nervous about how it would turn out, but remember the text from Andy confirming it was ready and can say it was amazing listening back to how everything had been edited together.
Whilst it's a personal thing to keep and look back on, I've shared the recording with a few family and friends since and they've loved listening to it too. It's something I will always treasure and hopefully look back on for years to come. I'd really recommend this for so many reasons; looking back on a life, capturing memories or special moments, or just to listen to family members and discover things you might not know. Loved it.'
Alison, Bristol
'I am very happy with your recording. The quality is excellent, and it was a pleasure working with you. You kept me informed at every stage despite the Christmas holiday.
I believe (my parents) are very happy with your project result.'
Suz & Desmond, Somerset
'I was the recipient of an Extraudionary experience gift - it was indeed an extraordinary experience.
Andrew is so good at making you feel at ease. He's helpful, patient, and gives you time, making the experience enjoyable. The quality of the recording is excellent.
We're very happy with the results. Thank you Andrew.'
Elaine & Colin, Taunton
'Thank you so much. This is brilliant. You have done such a lovely job of editing. We absolutely loved listening to it and are looking forward to sharing with others as well. It hangs together really well for us as a record of part of our lives, and will be lovely to re-visit from time to time.
We love the programme - it is such a great thing to do.'
Joe, West London
'There is literally nothing more personal and bespoke than your own life story. I found the whole process of recounting my own past (highs and lows) cathartic, emotional, heart-warming and amazing.
That's probably thanks to the empathetic and inquisitive way in which Andy handles his subjects.
This was one of the best gifts I could have bought myself. I enjoyed it so much I bought it for my mother!'
George & Wiz, Morayshire (Scotland)
'It gives me great pleasure to listen to it and is a very professional job. You have managed to reproduce all the music wonderfully well and that, of itself, gives me real joy.' (G)
'We enjoyed the first time hearing of your marvellous CD! I have to say seeing the emotion as George listened, with tears in his eyes... he was clearly quite moved by it all! You did a wonderful job - and our children have all said how special it was. So a big thank you. We will certainly be telling our friends about you.' (W)
Sophie, London
'My thanks for the totally and utterly fantastic job you did of creating a coherent and very listenable 60 minutes of absolute joy for us all. Thank you – we couldn’t have hoped for anything more.'
John & Dorothy, South Gloucestershire
'Many thanks for the programme CD which pleased us a lot. We were impressed by the professional production... and judicious editing! Thanks again.'
Mark, York
'In my experience, the final outcome (the 'programme') is a special thing in itself. But the process of getting there is also very enjoyable. It's both fun and challenging, trying to come up with a handful of defining moments that together become the key points of one's life to date. Deciding what's in and what's out, and also what music takes you back to those moments is not necessarily easy, but very interesting.
I personally found this process of reflection, as well as delving into the old music collection, very rewarding. And when it came to the 'interview' itself, initially I felt a little self-conscious but actually I found that wore off quickly and could then talk quite freely. I also found it surprisingly emotional at moments because the power of music to bring back memories is so great. But that too is rewarding, as the happy memories of special and meaningful moments come back.'
Andy, Bristol
'I purchased this service so that I could enjoy a lasting memory of my grandparents for many years, and also to show my daughters how very different life was for them. My grandparents really enjoyed the experience of talking over the key points of their life and love listening back to the CD with friends and family. The format is great as not only does it have the amazing stories from my grandparents, but it also has the music that was important to them at the various milestones in their life.
My grandparents are in their nineties and although I won’t have them forever I have the ability to listen to the story of how they first met, life during the war and all the other great stories from their long time together for the rest of my life. I am sincerely grateful to Andrew for his unique service, and the recording is something I will always treasure.'
Ollie, Bristol
'I listened to the whole programme that you recorded with my grandfather for his 80th birthday. It was a fantastic experience and I even heard some stories that I'd never heard before. It got me thinking how different it was living and growing up in that period.
The whole experience was extremely professional, and this programme will be great to pass on to future generations.'
