Words by Liv Siddall

Recording studios don't have to be whitewashed rooms with Persian rugs on the floor, beer cans stashed in a corner and cables strewn all over the place like spaghetti. For Hans Zimmer – arguably the most respected film score composer in the world – he prefers a more luxe, gothic boudoir vibe.

We're talking monogrammed rugs, a golden Oscar standing guard on the shelf out of vie, red velvet as far as the eye can see, an immaculate, jet black Bösendorfer piano in the corner. Oh, and a human skull.