Stay Up Forever Studios

Stay Up Forever Studios is a North London production space rooted in the energy and spirit of the underground acid techno movement. Closely linked to the legendary Stay Up Forever Records — founded by acid techno pioneer Chris Liberator — the studio has grown from the same DIY ethos that powered countless warehouse parties, record releases and late-night studio sessions throughout the UK’s free party scene.

Today the studio is run by producer and engineer Sam DFL, continuing that tradition while opening the doors to a new generation of artists and producers. From developing rough ideas into fully formed dancefloor tracks to refining mixes and arrangements, the studio has become a creative hub for electronic music production.

Over the years Stay Up Forever Studios has hosted and engineered projects for artists across the scene including D.A.V.E. The Drummer, Sortek, Gizelle, Tasha Killer Pussies, DDR and many more — carrying forward the uncompromising sound and collaborative spirit that has defined the Stay Up Forever name for decades.

SAM DFL

Sam DFL

Sam DFL’s musical journey began in bands before he moved into electronic music in the mid-90s. Emerging from South East London’s squat-punk scene, he played guitar and bass in cult bands including AOS3 and Headjam while developing his skills behind the desk as a studio engineer, mixing engineer and producer. During this time he was also exploring breakbeat, drum & bass and early electronic production, building the technical foundation that would shape his career.

A turning point came when Sam joined the punk band Dogshite on bass alongside acid techno pioneers Geezer, Chris Liberator and Tiddles. This connection led to a series of acid techno collaborations with Chris Liberator and releases on influential underground labels including Stay Up Forever and Acid Artists In Action (Triple A).

Alongside his studio work, Sam continues to write and perform electronic music, playing a live acid techno set and working on the acid house project Servants Of Struggle (SOS) with Chris Liberator and Choci (of Choci’s Chewns), already gaining support from respected DJs including Colin Dale and Mr. C.

Despite his deep roots in electronic music, Sam hasn’t left his punk origins behind. He still plays guitar in the punk-rock trio P.I.G., featuring former members of the legendary band Conflict.

With decades of experience across live sound, studio engineering and electronic production, Sam brings both underground credibility and professional expertise to every session at SUF Studios.

Sam DFL’s Approach

Sam’s approach to production is built around collaboration, experience and a genuine passion for helping artists realise their ideas.

Having spent over two decades working across live sound, studio engineering and electronic music production, Sam understands both the technical craft of sound and the creative process behind writing a track that really connects. Whether you arrive with a rough loop, a half-finished arrangement or just an idea in your head, he works alongside you to shape it into something powerful and fully realised.

Sessions at SUF Studios are relaxed, collaborative and focused on getting the best possible result from your music. Sam will guide clients through programming, sound design, arrangement and mixing while making sure the artist’s original vision stays at the centre of the process.

A key part of Sam’s philosophy is that knowledge shouldn’t be gatekept. Throughout a session he talks clients through the techniques and decisions involved in producing a track, helping them understand how everything works and giving them the tools to continue developing their sound long after they leave the studio.

RATES

£200 a day (10am-6pm) Monday-Friday
£300 a day (10am-6pm) Saturday/Sunday