Start at the Source: Recording Studios
On Hackney Road sits The Premises, one of the most legendary studios in East London. Over the years, it’s been a magnet for top-tier talent including Amy Winehouse, Arctic Monkeys, Rihanna, Florence + The Machine, Patti Smith, and even Nina Simone.
Stroll a few minutes north to Broadway Market and locate Noatune, a sleek, Scandinavian-inspired studio that has quickly become a favourite for modern pop, R&B, and electronic artists, from the Pet Shop Boys to Mahalia. If you’re inspired to live in the area, why not check out Shoreditch Parkside, just a stone’s throw along Regent’s Canal.
Gig Venues That Made History
In Shoreditch, XOYO delivers cutting-edge club nights and surprise sets from artists like Mark Ronson and Disclosure; while converted warehouse Village Underground has hosted everyone from FKA twigs to Skepta.
The Stage is a sky-high base in the heart of Shoreditch that also offers its residents easy access to Dalston. Nearby, The Shacklewell Arms is a beloved, gritty pub venue that’s launched alternative and post-punk acts like The Horrors and Skrillex.
Heading west toward Angel now, The Lexington is a popular indie venue where Florence + The Machine and The Maccabees played early gigs. Just a short walk away, Hope & Anchor is a punk and rock institution – The Clash, Joy Division, and U2 all played here before they were household names. Angel Village offers a peaceful, gated home just steps from charming Islington and all its musical offerings.
A hop south of the river brings us to The O2 Arena in Greenwich, which has seen everyone from Beyoncé to Billie Eilish grace its stage. With a capacity of 20,000, it’s one of the UK’s most iconic music destinations and next door to the expansive new development Greenwich Peninsula.
Famous Musical Residents
East London has been the launchpad for some of the UK’s most celebrated artists. Lionel Bart, who couldn’t read music, still managed to write the smash-hit musical Oliver! right here in Stepney.
Actor and producer Idris Elba grew up in Hackney and East Ham, and still spins tracks under the DJ name Big Driis. Paloma Faith, also born in Hackney, carved out her own lane in British pop with her powerhouse vocals and theatrical flair.
Damon Albarn, the creative force behind Blur and Gorillaz, was raised in Leytonstone. His genre-defying work has helped shape the sound of British music since the 1990s.
Kano, award-winning rapper, songwriter and actor, spent his formative years in East London, attending school in Langdon and performing on a Canning Town radio station called Flava. Today, both areas are home to exciting new developments: The Langdon and Cerulean Quarter.
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