Fire House (2)

Originally built in 1985 with GLC funding, the studio opened as the "Fire House" serving the local community and in particular catering for disabled artists. For 3 years the studio attracted many top artists including Siouxsie and the Banchees, The Pogues, Killing Joke, Happy Mondays, Tippa Irie and The Flying Pickets. Top producers also worked here such as Nick Drake's Joe Boyd, World Circuit's Nick Gold and VU's John Cale. The floor above were rehearsal studios. In 1988 the studio was taken over by Falconer. This was their second studio and was used predominantly for TV mastering, although during their 7 years of occupation many bands including Ash, Audioweb, Brand New Heavies and Salad recorded. In November 1998, Peter Codron and Adie Hardy of Magic Hat took over the studio. Having made no structural changes since it was originally built, the studio still retained it's original classic sound. Our mission was to offer our facilities to not only signed artists but be affordable to local unsigned artists as well. An incredible launch party in February 1999 was attended by hundreds including an unknown Pete Docherty, who wrote in his Books of Albion: Page 22: Went to a splendid party last week - t'was the opening of a studio in Kentish Town, Blur, Elastica et al on the guest list, Paul Kaye (Dennis Pennis) as DJ - Steve, Carlos & I myself went along and got rip-roaringly, arse-stonishingly wasted on a fine collection of free Booze and generous passing around of drugs. Pure, undiluted comedy ensued. Sadly, despite much success the Hat had to close it's doors on 30th October 2000 and soon after the studio was demolished.