Jo Poole in one of the studios that council was going to vote on closing down.
Camera IconJo Poole in one of the studios that council was going to vote on closing down. Credit: Supplied/Andrew Ritchie

Reprieve for recording studio

Sara Fitzpatrick, Guardian ExpressEastern Reporter

Recording studio owner and Mt Hawthorn local Jo Poole told Guardian Express that about 50 of his clients were ready to fill the gallery at last Tuesday’s council meeting to support the venue, which has facilitated Aussie favourites Paul Kelly, John Butler, The Panics and Drapht.

Councillors were advised by City officers to shut the business because it did not comply with sound regulations.

However, support was not needed because Mayor Alannah MacTiernan suggested Mr Poole postpone his application for continued operation at the Oxford Street site and seek adequate soundproofing to help keep the business going.

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‘We passed an acoustic report in the mid-90s but things have changed and it’s possible our installation has worsened for various reasons,’ Mr Poole said.

‘We’re going to improve it ” it was never bad but I want to make it even better. We’ve been given the opportunity so we may as well take it.

‘Alannah and the councillors have been incredibly supportive. They had no reason to single me out for help but they did.’

The business also did not have enough car parking places so Mr Poole approached the owner of a neighbouring property and has received permission to use his space.

‘I wasn’t sure how we would go when this all started. I just about assumed I might not make it and almost resigned myself to letting the studio go, but the support from all the clients has been great,’ Mr Poole said.

‘I was inundated with people saying they would help me in any way they could; they would go to the council meeting (promoting the studio) and help with the sound proofing… the studio does mean a lot to people ” some have spent 10 years rehearsing here.’

Mr Poole said it was hard for musicians to secure studio space in Perth.

Ms MacTiernan said she was confident council would resolve the matter without imposing a big cost to Mr Poole.