www.prosoundnewseurope.com
June 2012 l 17 UNITED KINGDOM Studio Air Studios for sale
Air is one of only a few studios in London capable of accommodating a symphony orchestra
AIR STUDIOS owner and Air Entertainment Group chairman Richard Boote has clarified his position following the decision last month to sell the Hampstead-based facility as a going concern. Boote – the owner of
Shoreditch’s Strongroom Studios, who bought Air in 2006 – confirmed that, since the announcement was posted on the afternoon of Thursday 17 May, he had already received one “serious” offer, and that he was determined to sell it “as a studio”, eschewing a barrage of offers from north London property developers. He emphasised that it was not a matter of “sell it or close it”. Air Studios – a converted
Victorian church near Belsize Park tube station, formerly owned by Sir George Martin – is regularly in demand for recording major film scores, while the main hall is regularly used for live concerts and television
recordings. It is arguably the second highest profile UK studio and, along with Abbey Road and Angel Studios in Islington, is one of a few remaining facilities capable of accommodating a symphony orchestra in the Greater London area. However,
looking at a digital distribution network and more app releases too. So, I want to develop the Strongroom brand,” Boote says. “I’ve never created my own content at Air. I owned it, I rented it out to other people. But we have been filming new bands
says Boote, it’s time to look at other revenue streams. “We recently bought out a radio
station (Strongroom Alive Radio); several phone apps, including Air Vinyl, which was number one on the iTunes music apps chart when it launched; two types of beer – a lager and a stout – which we’re hoping to export; and we’re
at Strongroom, and we will continue to develop that.” Air Management and the newly created Air Mastering operations are also part of the sale, though the Air Post operation will remain in Boote’s portfolio. Boote goes on to clarify an ambiguity in the press release: ‘Strongroom Bar & Kitchen are
www.prosoundnewseurope.com/studio
The year Strongroom Studios owner Boote bought Air
2006
Owner to concentrate on developing the Strongroom brand, but “won’t sell studio to property developers”, writes Dave Robinson
also to be developed in other locations’, says the statement. “The Bar stays!” he says,
categorically. “In fact, we have permission to extend it so it’s half as big again – more suitable for recording new bands, a subject I’m particularly passionate about.” Boote suggests that the Bar & Kitchen brand and concept might extend to Brighton, Bristol and even Berlin, not as franchises but under direct control of the London parent. Boote declined to talk figures,
but, with its prime north London location, the Air selling price will run into several million pounds. Who might be in a financial position to buy it? “Since the announcement I’ve
had four emails from interested parties, and of those one is very serious,” he told PSNEurope on 17 May. “I want to sell it as a studio. I’m selling it because it’s making money: otherwise I would have to give it away. I just want to move on: I’ve been managing studios for 25 years and I’ve got other things that are exciting me now.” Boote is quick to dispel a suspicion that may worry the wider recording industry.
“I want to sell it as a studio. I’m selling it because it’s making money: otherwise I would have to give it away. I just want to move on: I’ve been managing studios for 25 years and I’ve got other things that are exciting me now” Richard Boote, Air
“I’m constantly being banged
over the head by property developers. I don’t want to go there. If it doesn’t sell straight away, what will I do? Well, I don’t know...” he admits. “It will just take longer to sell. It’s definitely not a case of it ‘sell it or close it down’.”
www.airstudios.com
SOUNDBITES
This year’s Conch Awards have been rescheduled to Wednesday, 19 September 2012. “It has taken longer than expected to prepare the shortlist, this in turn left little time for the shortlisted nominees to gather the required material for final judging,” said event director Charlotte Wheeler. “We apologise for any inconvenience in changing the date of the ceremony, but assure everyone that it will be worth the wait.”
www.conchawards.co.uk
Richmond Film Services has replaced one of its SoundField ST250 portable microphones with the recently launched ST450. “We got one of the new ST450s, and it’s proved very popular among our rental clients so far,” explained Nigel Woodford, co-founder of Richmond Film Services. “It’s more convenient for many location recordists, because the ST450 can output four line-level signals, which suits users of some portable four-channel recorders better.”
www.richmondfilmservices.co.uk www.soundfield.com
The Institute of Contemporary Music has named Mairead Furlong as the winner of this year’s Shure Songwriting Award , supported by BMI. Furlong was chosen by Mercury Prize and Brit Award nominee Anna Calvi (pictured). This scholarship competition for aspiring singer-songwriters saw a record number of applicants compete for a place on the Institute’s BA in Songwriting degree course, worth £5,750 (€7,000). Two runners up also take partial scholarships. The Shure Songwriting Award 2013 will be launched later this year with more information available from the website below.
www.shuresongwritingaward.com For the latest studio news
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