Sydney's Studios 301 Acquired By Abbey Road Institute

The fledgling Australian arm of musical education center Abbey Road Institute will welcome renowned Sydney studio Studios 301 to the fold in the wake of a just-announced acquisition deal, which sees the historic recording grounds bolster the institute's practical resources considerably ahead of its full launch next year.

The two businesses already share something of a common link — both Abbey Road's UK studios and Studios 301 Australia were founded by EMI — and colourful, storied histories, especially given Studios 301's place as the southern hemisphere's longest-running professional recording studio (est. 1926!), not to mention its largest.

“We are thrilled to be involved in the next chapter of the Studios 301 journey,” Abbey Road chief executive Paul Ledingham said in a statement.

“Our team continues to be 100% committed to seeing 301 evolve to meet the needs of the 21st-century music industry. We’ll continue to service our existing clients and pay homage to the incredible legacy that is Studios 301.”

Over its lifespan, 301 has played recording, mixing and/or mastering host to a raft of emerging and established artists, including high-profile acts such as Coldplay, Lady Gaga, U2, David Bowie, Prince, Elton John, Bob Dylan, INXS and Midnight Oil. The studios will merge with Abbey Road Institute's executive structure, creating a common team across both businesses that includes Ledingham, magazine and property entrepreneur Deke Miskin, and Abbey Road Australia partner Gianni Michelini.

"With two such amazing brands sitting across both the education and commercial sides of the music business, we certainly see great synergies," Michelini said of the companies' future prospects.

Abbey Road Institute Sydney is due to launch during the first half of next year. Abbey Road Australia's Southbank institute will commence its curriculum from 21 September.

For more information, see the Abbey Road Institute's website.