London is not only the capital of England but is also considered by many to be the modern music capital of the world. From the biggest bands of all time to new artists subverting genre expectations, you can hear the city’s musical heritage reverberating through its streets. This begs the question, which studios are responsible for the seismic sonic impact that London has had over the years? Well, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most famous studios from across the city, that are a must-visit for any music fanatic, aspiring musician, or pro-session player/ producer.
1. North London – AIR Studios
Nestled in the heart of North London, and founded by “The Fifth Beatle” himself, Sir George Martin, AIR Studios has hosted some of the most iconic album sessions in music history. The likes of Pink Floyd, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones and the Sex Pistols have graced its hallowed halls, shaping the very fabric of popular modern music one power chord, guitar solo, or iconic melody at a time.
With its state-of-the-art facilities and impressive collection of vintage gear, AIR Studios offers a top-of-the-range recording experience for the seasoned pro musician. The studio’s renowned Studio 1, with its towering orchestral capacity and warm acoustics, has set the stage for countless film scores, from Harry Potter to Lord of the Rings. So if you fancy yourself as the next Hans Zimmer, or more of a Johnny Rotten then AIR Studios is certainly worth checking out!
2. West London – Abbey Road
We can’t acknowledge the Fab Four without paying homage to their spiritual home, potentially the most iconic studio in all of world music, Abbey Road. Found in the peaceful neighbourhood of St. John’s Wood, this legendary studio complex has been witness to countless groundbreaking moments in popular music.
Made immortal by The Beatles and their eponymous album, Abbey Road offers a sacred space where artists can follow in the footsteps of John, Paul, George, and of course Ringo. This cultural icon of space remains at the cutting edge of music technology and innovation through its start-up incubator associated with the studio, Abbey Road Red. A visit to Abbey Road is not only a journey into the past but also a glimpse into the future of what music production might look like years from now. So fire up the Tardis and get ready to travel through musical history.
3. East London – Lightship 95
For something a little different from the legends placed at 1 & 2 in this list, we’re heading, of course, to East London. Housed within a converted lightship moored on the Thames, Lightship 95 offers something completely different from your regular recording experience. The gentle sway of the boat’s hull and the ever-changing river vistas create the perfect backdrop for musical experimentation – not one for the fainthearted, or prone to seasickness!
Lightship 95 has earned a reputation for nurturing emerging talent, providing a platform for indie bands and up-and-comers to hone their sound and develop a unique musical identity. The intimacy of the recording space encourages collaboration and experimentation, ideal for the Black Midi or BCNR of tomorrow. With its quirky charm and dedication to artistic exploration, Lightship 95 really is an East End gem.
4. South London – Olympic Studios
Hailed by many as the new cultural and music hub of London, it’s time to venture south of the river for our next studio pick, Olympic Studios. First opening its doors to south London’s creative class in the summer of 66’, Olympic Studios witnessed the birth of British blues, playing host to iconic artists such as The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and The Who.
Though the original studio closed its doors in 2009, it reopened in 2013, as a cinema and café. So if you fancy catching a film after a scone in the same spot where Hendrix crafted some of his finest solos, Olympic Studios is not to be missed. The perfect location to enjoy a Saturday afternoon with friends whilst paying homage to the hallowed musicians who once graced Olympic’s legendary halls.
5. Pirate Studios – Across London
For our final pick, we have a bonus round, presenting the studio with spaces all across London and beyond, Pirate Studios. With 9 locations across London, from Croydon, to Notting Hill, to Tottenham and Dalston, there is doubtless a Pirate Studio near you! With a mixture of recording studios, live band rehearsal rooms, and DJ studios, Pirate is the place to flex your creative muscles regardless of your genre.
Pirate Studios offer up their spaces at an affordable price accessible to all and are available to book 24/7, 365 days a year. Their facilities are comfortable and spacious, the perfect spot to bring your whole crew/ band and cook up your next hit track. What really separates Pirate from your standard studio however, is their awesome community of artists. If you’re a guitarist seeking a lead vocalist for your band, or a producer keen to experiment with some saxophone on your new drill beat, Pirate is the spot for collaboration and a good time!
So there you have it. Whether you find yourself North, East, West or South, you will be marching to the beat of London’s recording studios. Whether you’re a session musician seeking top tier recordings, a new musician looking to release their first demo, or simply a music fan looking to check out some of the most notable places in the history of modern music, the capital has something for everyone. London is calling!
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