Just a five minute walk from the St. John’s Wood Station in London sits what looks like an ordinary residence nestled in the quiet residential suburb neighborhood of Westminster, but it’s far from ordinary.
It is arguably the most well-known recording studio in the world. The two-story front blends in with the rest of the neighborhood with its metal fence, minimal parking and entry stairs.
Abbey Road Studios, originally EMI, once a 16-room residence, opened in 1931 with several studios to accommodate the music of the time: orchestras, string quartets, chorals and soloists. It was the first custom-built studio complex of its kind.
Studio One is the world’s largest purpose-built recording studio and can accommodate a 110-piece orchestra and 100-person choir simultaneously like the London Symphony Orchestra or the Glenn Miller Orchestra.
Studio Two is a smaller 55-piece band studio, and treasured space of memorable recordings from The Beatles, Pink Floyd and other (primarily British) musicians. Its design, warm acoustics and renowned history have made it a recognizable place.
Abbey Road itself is a two-way street with regular traffic, and the zebra-stripped Beatles cover crossing is near an intersection with routine traffic too. With regular visitors, Beatles mania must be an inconvenience to locals.
The Beatles made their first recording at Abbey Road Studios in June 1962 after signing with their beloved EMI producer George Martin that year.
Ninety percent of the group’s recordings were made at Abbey Road Studios, including their last recorded album together in 1969, Abbey Road.
“It sounds a bit like a monastery,” Paul McCartney said about naming the album after a fond location.
The band was going through personal struggles and conflicts at the time of Abbey Road. Everyone in their circle knew things were coming to an end, but the studio was like coming home for the band.
“During the album (Abbey Road) things got a bit more positive, and we got to play the whole medley. We put them in order, played the backing track and recorded it all in one take, going from one arrangement to the next. We did actually perform more like musicians again,” George Harrison said.
The acoustics made at the London studios were carefully crafted with experimental style, innovative technique and ambitious musical arrangements.
“I think it shows on the record when we’re excited. It doesn’t matter what we go through as individuals. We had all put in one thousand percent,” Ringo Starr said.
I went to Abbey Road with three girlfriends five years ago today. It was an important part of London and one to cross off the bucket list. The Beatles are my favorite band, after all.
Although Abbey Road Studios is known for its many legendary rock bands, its iconic presence is a testament to the talent and innovations adopted by technicians and engineers behind the scenes which is too why I adore the experience of it so much.
Music is an art form with many creative processes to celebrate, and Abbey Road is the epitome of artistic freedom.
Contact Kate Malott at kmalott@newtondailynews.com