London is home to one of the world’s most popular music studios – the famous Abbey Road – where many legendary bands have recorded their music. With such a vibrant music foundation, it’s no wonder that recording studios can be found all over the city, not only in Westminster, but also in the other artistic districts of the city. Be part of the phenomenon and hire a recording studio or rehearsal studio in London today. Let there be music!
What to consider when looking for a recording studio in London
There are a few things you should think of before you start looking for your dream recording studio. We made a list of elements to consider that will help you find exactly what you need:
- The cost – is the recording studio priced per hour, per day or per session? At some venues, recording studio prices are discounted if your hire lasts for several days. Another idea for cheap recording studio hire is choosing off-peak hours or week-days when the hire fees are much lower. With Tagvenue, it’s absolutely possible to hire a budget-friendly recording studio in London.
- The location – think about how much time it will take for all the performers to get to the recording studio. If your band members live in different parts of London, or even around the UK, it’s best to choose a recording studio that’s close to a major transport hub.
- Studio equipment – make sure the workstation provided with the studio meets your requirements. Check if you can easily transfer tracks to the formats you need. If you’re going to need some instruments, microphones, or studio gear, ask the managers if they can provide it either included with the studio or for a flat hire.
- Catering – are there any tasty food joints nearby? When in the middle of the creative process, there’s no time to waste. Some recording studios in London are able to provide catering for you, if that’s more convenient.
- Breakout area – recording sessions can be quite intense, so make sure the recording studio has a space that allows you to rest a little bit. Occasionally taking a break during your studio sessions will make your performance better in the long run.
Top 5 types of recording studios available in London
Considering your options for a recording studio in London? Whether you’re looking for a well-connected studio in the city centre, or looking to get inspired in London’s cultural districts, such as Camden or Hackney, here’s our list of the 5 types of recording studios that are available for hire:
- Music studios - London offers an abundance of music studios to record your own songs, music demos, and voice-overs. With Tagvenue, you can browse through music studio offers in every price range - from small studios, to high-end facilities.
- Podcast studios - podcasts have become an extremely popular medium in the UK over the last few years. Since then, many podcast studios have opened all over the city.
- Photo and video studios - If you need a backdrop for a video recording, there’s dozens of small studios ready to host your artistic endeavours!
- Blank canvases - these creative spaces can serve many different purposes, depending on what type of recording you need to make. They come in a variety of sizes and prices, so you’ll be able to find the perfect one for your needs.
- Rehearsal halls - many dance studios, small theatres, and creative spaces dedicated for rehearsals will gladly open their doors for you. They’re usually bigger, open spaces great for video recording, music videos, art performances and rehearsals.
How to record a demo with your band in London?
If you feel ready to take your band or music project to the next level, you need to record a demo so record labels can check out your music. Here are our top tips for a successful demo session:
- Secure a studio. When you have a few great songs ready to record, you should start looking for a studio. In order to impress a record label, you’re going to need that quality sound you can only achieve in a soundproofed room. Set your budget for a studio hire - it’s a good idea to spread your recording process over a few days so that you’ll be able to rest between shorter demo sessions.
- Make it count. Do your best to be well-prepared for your studio sessions. Rehearse the songs with your band so that you won’t need to repeat different sections too many times. Be well-rested for the day of the session in order to put on a good performance for the demo.
- Stand out. Record labels get dozens, if not hundreds of submissions every day. You will have to be creative not only with your music, but with the format and packaging. A nice CD box can make a night and day difference when it comes to getting noticed by a renowned record label.
Recording Studios in London FAQ
Which areas in London have the best recording studios?
You can find music and recording studios all over Greater London. In North London, Dalston, Tottenham, and Islington have plenty of options for affordable music studios and blank canvas spaces. The city centre is also full of great studios in many price ranges. Neighbourhoods such as Soho and Westminster have rich artistic heritage which shows by the amount and variety of recording studio choices.
What is the cost of hiring a recording studio in London?
For studios that charge by the hour, expect rates between £20 and £70. A full day hire will reach up to around £500. (Based on Tagvenue.com data.)
What gear should I expect in a London recording studio?
A recording studio will include a main workstation for mixing your audio in real time, a soundproof studio booth for clean-sounding vocals, and many different microphones, instruments and any studio gear you would need during a session.
What are your recommendations for recording studios in London?
Podcast Studio at AIP Studios - based on the appealing Isle of Dogs, this studio offers you the best and highest quality equipment for your recording sessions.
Recording Studio at BonaFideStudio - located in Muswell Hill, North London, BonaFideStudio offers a great studio workspace of musicians and producers.
The Room at Fiction Studios - a music recording studio full of character, suitable for bands and solo musicians alike. Located in Holborn, right in the heart of the city.
Recording Studio at Mavro Worldwide Studios - just a quick walk from Southwark Park, Mavro Worldwide Studios provides a marvelous studio space, along with the services of a professional recording engineer.