Ever dream of standing where music legends once stood? The Premises Studios beckons. It is a place where creativity and innovation intertwine. This is more than just a recording studio. The Premises Studios is a vibrant hub of musical history.
In 1986, two jazz musicians named Dill Katz and Colin Dudman sought a cost-effective alternative to London’s established music studios. They opened The Premises Studios. It was initially housed in two Victorian terrace houses on Hackney Road. These buildings had a colorful past. One was rumored to be a rendezvous for Lord Hamilton and Lady Hamilton. Another was said to be a club run by the Kray brothers.
The Premises Studios faced financial difficulties and declared insolvency in 1996. Viv Broughton, the current owner and CEO, bought the business. Broughton is a published author and gospel music historian. He helped launch The Voice newspaper. He was also an early member of The Pretty Things.
Broughton established The Premises Music Education Programme. It is a music-based charity that provides workshops and courses. In 1998, the charity purchased the freehold of neighboring properties. The original buildings were demolished. A bespoke new building with studios and offices was built. The Premises Studios business operates only in 205-209 Hackney Road.
The Premises Studios completed work on a large acoustic recording space in 2007. It was the first solar-powered recording studio in the United Kingdom. It may have been the first in Europe.
The Premises Studios has been used by many musicians. Nina Simone, Arctic Monkeys, and Amy Winehouse are among them. Dave Brubeck, Nick Cave, and Jamie Cullum have also recorded here. Al Green, Franz Ferdinand, and Charlotte Church are other notable artists.
The Premises Caf is at the front of the complex. It is open to the public. In the early days, musicians staffed the caf. Viv Broughton said that musicians understand musicians. He also noted that they weren’t good at running the caf. The caf business is now family-owned and operated. It services the studios and the general public.
In April 2007, The Premises Caf was awarded Best Turkish Restaurant in the Evening Standard’s competition. In 2009, it was featured in The Guardian’s “50 coolest places to eat.” The caf’s walls are lined with signed photographs of famous studio clients.
The Premises Studios has ten rehearsal and recording spaces. It often holds music courses. Jazz masterclasses and songwriting workshops are among them. The Premises Studios continues to be a vital part of London’s music scene. It is a place where creativity thrives. It is a place where musical dreams come to life.