2 October 2001

"The National Trust has launched a campaign to save Festival / Mushroom Records Recording Studio 'A' at Pyrmont from demolition", said Trust Executive Director Elsa Atkin today.

"The studio which was built in 1967 is regarded by top music producers as being an irreplaceable part of Australian recording history. It has unique acoustics and is the best sounding recording studio in Australia. It is of a design type, no longer built that is most popular in the USA and United Kingdom. The studio has an analog NEVE recording console dating from 1974 which has a unique sonic signature and is very sought after for the recording of rock music," said Ms Atkin.

"Recording Studio 'A' was the source of Peter Allen's "I Still Call Australia Home" and was utilised by artists such as Reg Lindsay ("Armstrong"), the Bee Gees, Normie Rowe and Sherbet to more recently Midnight Oil , Yothu Yindi and Silverchair."

"The studio's unique technical qualities and its cultural associations with the Australian contemporary music industry warrant its listing on the State Heritage Register and permanent protection."

"The social significance of contemporary music of the latter half of the twentieth century is valued deeply by the Australian people and is a vital component of the nation's culture. The National Trust believes that Festival Recording Studio 'A' is one of the few places that survive, epitomising and embodying this cultural significance. It has the potential to continue to contribute further layers of significance in the years ahead," said Ms Atkin.

"Recording Studio 'A' continues to contribute significantly to the Australian economy with bands such as Midnight Oil and Silverchair selling in excess of five million CDs world wide. The proposed demolition of the studio for conversion to office space is unthinkable."

"The Trust calls on the public to voice its opposition to the demolition proposal and to call for the Studio's conservation and continued operation," said Ms Atkin.

CONTACT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Graham Quint,
phone (02) 9258 0179