Owner Of Iconic Sydney Studio Speaks Out On Shock Closure

Nearly everyone was blind-sided last week when it was announced that iconic Sydney studio Troy Horse will be closing down "very soon" and owner Chris McBurnie has today spoken out on the reasons behind the shock closure. 

Speaking to theMusic, McBurnie said the decision was purely down to an increase in rent. 

"The area is growing dramatically and it’s no longer viable to stay here," McBurnie said. 

"Knew it would happen one day. No bitterness, just the way it is."

After opening on King Street in Newtown in 1988, the rehearsal studio, which also serves as a retail and entertainment space has gone on to garner a massive customer base.

Some of those still visit the shop, now based on Botany Road, to this day, including Aussie rock act Front End Loader who first appeared at the studio in 1992 and are set to have their final rehearsal there tonight.

"We’ve seen musical trends come and go, but the main thing we’ve always tried to provide is a creative environment where the writing and playing of music is fun, where everyone could be themselves and feel accepted no matter who they were or what they did," McBurnie continued.

"If people have felt comfortable here, that is pretty awesome."

McBurnie also confirmed people associated with 'The Horse' will be building another studio complex in another location and announcements are expected to follow soon.

"As far as I’m concerned though, I’m pulling up stumps," he said.

"I’ve been dealing with bands for a long long time. They are an odd bunch. I always say that my former job as a Pre-School teacher is not dissimilar to dealing with musicians. Same tantrums but with slightly less soiled pants.

"Our customers have been amazing and all of us here value the friendships formed. We would like to thank all of them for an incredible ride."

A number of Aussie acts have performed at the Troy Horse rehearsal over the years including Sarah Blasko, The Jezabels, Hoodoo Gurus, Birds of Tokyo, DZ Deathrays, Bluebottle Kiss, Crow, MGF, Bluejuice, Skulker, Nitocris, Sleepmakeswaves, The Red Sun Band, Ben Lee, Big Heavy Stuff, Hard Ons, Frenzal Rhomb and many more.

Bluejuice member Jacob Stone commented on the studio's closure today. 

"Bluejuice rehearsed there for over a decade, and I love the place and Chrisso,' Stone's Facebook post reads.

"When things like this happen, you realise time is moving on, and things have changed."

Check out the full statement below.