THE END (SORT OF)

Hello everyone.

Now is the time to let you all know that The Old Blacksmiths Studios is closing.

Our doors will be shutting on 31st May 2025.

It has been an honour to be the custodian of these studios for the last 12 years and despite the many challenges that have presented themselves over that time I struggle to think of a better way to have spent it.

I’d like to thank everyone that has rehearsed and recorded with us. Your patronage has never been taken for granted and providing these services to Portsmouth’s vibrant music scene has meant a lot to me. I’ve made many long lasting relationships with so many of you that I’m sure will continue even after our doors are shut.

WHY?

The reasons for our closure are two-fold. First off, running a business of this nature is always a challenge financially. Not only has the general state of the economy affected us but the evolution of the music industry has also made doing what we love extremely challenging. I’m sure this can be felt by all of you involved in music no matter what part you play. Despite my best efforts it has now become unsustainable to run this business in its current form. Our lease is ending this summer and the proposed new terms are simply unworkable.

With all that said, the time also feels right to move on for personal reasons. I have been working here since 2011 and owner since 2013. A business like this that is effectively open 7 days a week and late into the evenings is demanding. The unsociable hours are part of the job but as I hit my 40th birthday soon and get married later this year now is the time to adjust my working schedule to one that suits the next phase of my life. My father passed away unexpectedly towards the end of 2023. He was a big supporter of my career in music and the studios. He wasn’t afraid to make bold changes when it mattered and now is my time to do the same. Life is both long and short at the same time.

THANK YOU

My relationship with The Old Blacksmiths Studios goes back way further than 2011. I used to be a regular client back in its original location in the early noughties. I then spent time in London for university and working for PlayStation but it was always a dream of mine to come home and own a recording studio. I was fascinated by the recording process, loved making great music and wanted to help people do the same. When I moved back to Portsmouth this quickly became a reality. I’m eternally grateful to Rich Tamblyn who gave me both the opportunity to work here but also entrust me with taking over what he’d built.

I must also express my sincerest gratitude, thanks and love to Neil Elliott who many of you will know. He has been a stalwart of the studio for two decades and his skill, dedication and passion for recording and producing has made my journey here possible. There’s no way we’d have made it this far without him.

IN THE MEANTIME

We are still open for rehearsals with our usual opening hours until Thursday 29th May 2025. All bookings up to then are still valid and in the diary. You can still book new sessions up until then via the usual ways…

Email: studio@oldblacksmiths.com

Phone: 02392 670 300

If you wish to discuss your current bookings, make amendments or cancel please get in touch and I’ll be happy to help.

All recording bookings through till 31st May 2025 are still valid and in the diary. We’ve most likely already discussed with you our plans and hence why we’ve got you all crammed into May! We will continue to carry out post-production throughout the summer even after we close the premises so your projects will get completed. It’s gonna be a busy last few weeks here but it’ll be a great way to see us out with so many of you coming back one last time.

WHY THE ‘SORT OF’?

So what’s next? Well, I did say this is the end… sort of. Whilst The Old Blacksmiths Studios comes to its conclusion this is not the end for myself and Neil. A new journey begins and plans are already in motion. We love what we do and after a summer break we will be continuing to produce, record, mix and master like always… just somewhere new. #littlepiggystudios 

Yours sincerely,

Ben