LONDON — In Studio One at Abbey Road, even a simple change in the decor could alter the delicate audio balance. Known for recording big names like Adele, Harry Styles, and U2, it’s also been the birthplace of legendary soundtracks for films such as “Star Wars,” “Harry Potter,” and “Wicked,” as well as iconic video games like “Call of Duty,” “Halo,” and “Final Fantasy.” Recently, it’s where Ryan Gosling performed his notable “I’m Just Ken” track for the “Barbie” movie.
Now completing a six-month, multimillion-pound renovation nearly a century after opening, Studio One’s primary focus was maintaining its revered acoustic quality. According to Sally Davies, managing director of Abbey Road Studios, “We wanted to ensure everything sounded just right, so we were careful to preserve every detail so the room’s renowned acoustics remain unchanged.”
The expansive room, measuring 4,844 square feet (450 square meters), has kept its reverb time steady at 2.3 seconds, akin to its acoustic output from the 1970s. This careful preservation effort included merely cleaning the walls rather than redecorating them, and a light sanding and oiling of the floor rather than a complete varnish. Most of the renovation efforts focused on upgrading the technology in the control room. “This room is entirely about preserving that magic,” Davies emphasized.
A destination for music enthusiasts from all around the globe, the studio originally opened in 1931. Once a grand suburban residence, it became the first-ever recording studio and remains a groundbreaking site for innovations such as the invention of stereo sound. Music fans frequently line up outside to take photos, often recreating the famous Beatles’ album cover for “Abbey Road.” This number of visitors might grow following Sam Mendes’ upcoming biopic featuring Paul Mescal, Barry Keoghan, Harris Dickinson, and Joseph Quinn portraying the Beatles.
The Beatles utilized Studio One not just for personal recordings but also made history here with the world’s first globally broadcasted live performance, their rendition of “All You Need Is Love” in 1967. Before their time, Studio One had established its cultural importance, hosting notable musicians and composers like Sir Edward Elgar, Maria Callas, Igor Stravinsky, and more, right from its opening. Its impressive size enables it to house a 100-piece orchestra and a choir of 100, making it ideal for film soundtrack recordings, which explains the studio’s attraction to about 70% of Hollywood film scores.
Overlooking the studio from a balcony, Davies pointed out the original screen used for “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981) while musicians recorded the score. From the “Lord of the Rings” series to more recent scores for Marvel’s “Black Panther” and “Guardians of the Galaxy,” to the vibrant pink-themed sessions for the “Barbie” soundtrack, Studio One has become a hub for cinematic music. Composer Daniel Pemberton, credited with scores for films like “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” and “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” refers to Studio One as his “creative home.”
“It’s a spectacular space,” Pemberton shared, mentioning his playful experience with the studio’s large size. He emphasized that each recording session is a piece of history. “Whether good or bad, what happens here is recorded forever.” He reflected on the many stories, both personal and musical, that have filled the studio’s ethereal atmosphere. “The place has its own energy,” he said.
Davies adds that history contributes to the studio’s allure. “There’s something magical about the sound here. You sense the spirit of all who have been here,” she remarked, describing the awe of new artists as they enter Studio One. To commemorate its reopening, Abbey Road Studios fused artforms by showcasing a dance performance set to remixed Pemberton scores, choreographed by Joseph Toonga. Remarking on his initial experience of the space, Toonga said, “It really hit me… the place is massive,” inspiring a dance routine that blends hip-hop, krumping, and ballet.
The refurbished studio’s next project speaks to the ongoing allure of Abbey Road. Although under wraps, a significant Hollywood franchise is set to be the first recording in the newly renovated space. Pemberton has plans to uniquely incorporate the sound of the new railings into a movie score. Concerns were raised that the refurbishments might disrupt the room’s acoustics, but thankfully, the innovative sound has been preserved for yet another chapter in Abbey Road’s storied legacy.