We are heartbroken to hear that Brixton Hill Studios is currently under threat of imminent closure, due to the rent being suddenly increased to unfeasible levels. The studio announced on its website that “we are being priced out of our home”, but

“We are doing everything we can to keep BXHS running. If not here then at a new site. Even if we have to shut down for a little while we shall let you know with as much notice as possible so you can make alternative arrangements. It’s a big old job to dismantle and rebuild somewhere else. We only have 4 months  in which to find somewhere suitable that is also within budget and sustainable for the next 10-20 years.”

Brixton Hill Studios

This studio has been at the heart of Brixton’s rich grassroots music scene for 10 years – it seems, to me, so unjust that they should be forced to relocate, and at such impossibly short notice, because of a greedy landlord.

I wrote this evening to the local MP to ask for her help in supporting the studio. Here’s a copy of the letter I sent – and you feel like writing one of your own, her email address is bell.ribeiroaddy.mp@parliament.uk

Dear Rt. Hon. Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP

I am writing regarding the future of Brixton Hill Studios, which has come under threat of unsustainable rent rises. As the founder of LOUD WOMEN, a SW London-based organisation supporting grassroots musicians, I am well aware of the vital importance of this studio as a practice and recording space for musicians. 

The studio is an essential resource and hub for dozens of the up-and-coming female and non-binary musicians that LOUD WOMEN works with. The studio is known to be a welcoming and safe space for musicians of marginalised ethnicities, genders and sexualities. I personally rehearse and record at the studios with my own band, and we even filmed our most recent music video there as the studio has such iconic status in our scene.  

If the studio were to close, without another suitable premises to go to, I fear this would be a blow whose repercussions would be felt for years to come within the community of musicians who rely on it, and who are already struggling to keep creating music amidst economic pressure and the post-covid loss of other studios and venues.

It is unthinkable that this studio should be left without a home. 

Brixton, as you know, is rich in culture, and music flows through its veins. I urge you to do whatever you can do to help keep the music flowing at Brixton Hill Studios. 

I understand that the studios has only 4 months until their lease ends, which is not enough time for them to relocate and rebuild. There’s a range of options that must be explored in order to either give them more time to find other, suitable premises, or to keep them in situ. Please do talk with the owners of the studio to explore these options.

All the best

Cassie Fox (she/her)

Founder
LOUD WOMEN