Half of the commercial recording studios in the UK are facing the threat of closure within three months as a result of the COVID-19 shutdown, according to research by the Music Producers Guild. Puza Sarker Snigdha reports.
Nearly 48% of commercial music studios may close if they don’t get any government support, with the iconic Dean Street Studios is among those in trouble.
Many studios were forced to close since March following the strick UK lockdown measures and unlike live venues, have not yet benefited from any business rate holidays or grants while they remain closed. Because of this, engineers and producers are at a higher risk as they still have to pay their rent, with many depending on landlord or local authorities to provide discounts on rent and rates.
One of the studios currently facing hardship, Dean Street Studios, has applied for government hardship funding but has had no response as yet.
Jasmin Lee, the managing director of Dean Street studio has said: “Studios seem to be bottom of the food chain in the music industry, always being beaten down on rates. For those of us who are independent, it’s always hand to mouth on the finances. Many of us have put our life savings into starting our studios and keeping our doors open”.
In this circumstance, Music Producers Guild are now requesting the UK government to extend their business rates relief package and grants to include recording studios.
