UK’s Pirate Expands To Los Angeles, New York

After 12 months of planning, Pirate opened facilities in the Silverlake and West Adams districts of Los Angeles and three in NYC. The self-service studio model has evolved into the largest such network of facilities in the UK.

Pirate’s affordable concept provides an opportunity for local creative communities to access a range of professionally equipped studio spaces for DJs, producers, musicians, podcasters, vocalists, voiceover actors, and dancers a place to rehearse, record or even livestream via the studios’ high-speed internet. 

“We saw an opportunity to make studios more affordable for people simply by being open all the time,” says Pirate co-founder David Borrie. “This had the added benefit of giving artists better accessibility, letting them use the studios at the times that suited them. Since then, we’ve just tried to identify the types of studios artists need and build them, trying where we can to break down the barriers that stop artists from creating the music and stories we love.”

The West Adams site in L.A. includes 13 recording rooms, all outfitted with monitors, interface, microphones and headphones, as well as two podcast studios, six small and two large DJ rooms, and three rehearsal rooms, plus parking. For most sessions, customers only need to bring a laptop and USB cable in order to start working.

“Pirate’s belief that everyone should have access to creative studios has taken on new meaning in the last 12 months, as creative communities around the world face untold hardships,” Borrie added. “A recent survey of our DJ customers revealed that 54% have lost significant income since the arrival of the pandemic. By offering up quality, yet affordable rooms, Pirate hopes to provide local creatives with a space that will rebuild a sense of community in the months ahead.”

Pirate locations follow strict COVID-19 government guidelines to ensure their customers can create in a safe and comfortable environment. Hand sanitizing stations and sanitizing products are available throughout each facility, which are also professionally deep cleaned on a daily basis, and masks are required in all common areas. There is no reception staff, and communal spaces are currently cordoned off to maintain social distancing.

Pirate has been able to open three locations in New York, two in the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Bushwick and Gowanus and one in Ridgewood Queens. As with the locations in Los Angeles, these are all burgeoning creative communities.

The company is exploring locations including Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Austin, Atlanta, Nashville and Toronto for expansion over the next two years.