London studio complex Strongroom could be forced to close if a planned development goes ahead.
Strongroom was launched in 1984 by businessman Richard Boote, based in a then down-as-hell area of East London.
The first studio opened in a former zip factory, and it has grown to host 12 world-class music studios, six edit suites, eight offices, and of course the famous Strongroom bar.
A new office development could squeeze this hub out on to the streets, however, with a new petition being launched to protest the move.
Richard Boote was awarded the Mayor of Hackney’s Businessman of The Year award in 2006, while Strongroom has hosted sessions by everyone from Bjork to Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds through to Skrillex.
On Strongroom, music producer Ben Baptie says:
"Strongroom Studios is where I work from all of my creative output. From the moment I first started working here I realised that this was a special place, and not just for me, but for recording artists too. The cultural relevance of Strongroom is one that cannot be ignored when looking at the musical output in the UK. From the original Jamie Reid artwork to the huge outside area to the characteristics of each studio within the building. This is a place where art is made. It is a creative space. It is not something that can be planned or purposefully created, as, like all great art, it is inspired, refined and a one off."
"Making records is not an easy or quick thing but Strongroom is a place where you feel comfortable doing that, and that is not to be ignored. It takes so much hard work from so many talented people over a long period of time to make that happen, and with each record made here it's importance only grows."
Sign the petition HERE.
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