A CROWDFUNDER has been launched in a bid to safeguard Carlton Studios in Glasgow.
Some big names have given their support to the campaign, with patrons backing the cause on its way to the £30,000 target.
Carlton Studios, established in 1990 and one of Glasgow’s longest surviving music studios, has appealed for help in order to stave off closure due to the financial stress caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The venue that has helped shape the careers of countless musicians and other artists is struggling to meet its running costs due to the lack of business caused by Covid restrictions.
Owners say that unless it can raise £30,000 to cover day-to-day expenses, it is in danger of closing its doors.
Artists who have offered support include Mince Fratelli, Larry Love of The Alabama 3, Kenny Hyslop, the original drummer with Simple Minds and Slik, and Mary Kiani.
Carlton Studios has provided a crucial service to many local artists on their way to stardom, including The Fratellis, Biffy Clyro, Franz Ferdinand, and Duncan Campbell, the video artist and Turner Prize winner.
The Musician’s Union declared it an “institution” in the Glasgow music scene.
Marianne McGregor, winner of the Rising Star Scottish Jazz Award 2019 and boasting a growing international audience, is just one artist whose career took root at Carlton Studios.
She said: “From teenage bands learning their first covers, classical musicians taking a few hours for solitary practice, or kids and adults attending drum lessons and rocking out, it’s great to see a place that doesn’t have any attitude towards who you are or what music you make or at what level.
"The encouragement towards young musicians and those starting out is phenomenal.”
Marianne became associated with Carlton Studios seven years ago, rehearsing with her college band.
She added: “A lot of the success I have achieved is down to the supportive and encouraging attitude of the studio and its people.
"Not only a well-priced and friendly place to rehearse or record tunes, this establishment is also a hub of creativity, enterprise and an authentic space where all art is celebrated.”
Mince, drummer with The Fratellis, has been using the studio since 2002.
He said: “I fell in love with the place – the rooms sound really lively, like a gig. With The Fratellis, in 2004, this is where we got our act together and learned all the tunes.
"They’ve made a studio for musicians and they care about the bands… it’s the personal touch that makes the place so amazing.”
Around £7,300 has already been raised to support Carlton Studios.
Visit the Crowdfunder page at: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/save-carlton-studios
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