Balmain recording studio hits the market after two decades of music magic
A unique piece of Balmain’s creative history has hit the market, as internationally acclaimed composer Art Phillips lists his long-time music studio.
The soundproofed haven where Emmy-winning scores and television themes have been brought to life has been a creative institution within the community for 20 years.
Located at Suite 2, 338–340 Darling Street, the commercial strata suite sits within the redeveloped former Balmain Squash Courts. Phillips, whose credits include Santa Barbara (for which he won two Emmys), Missing Persons Unit, Catalyst and A Current Affair, has run his global company, Art Phillips Music Design and 101 Music Studios, from the Balmain address.
“I bought it off the developer more than 20 years ago, and it’s been my creative home ever since,” Phillips says.
“Balmain’s always had a strong artistic energy – actors, painters, composers – it’s an inspiring, close-knit community, and this building has such a lovely atmosphere with its open-air atrium and even a little putting green outside my studio door.”
Over the years, Phillips transformed the suite into a state-of-the-art acoustic recording and production studio, meticulously tuned for clarity and isolation.
“When you shut the studio door, you can’t hear a thing – no street noise, no airplanes,” he explains.
“The control room is balanced so the music sounds exactly the same wherever you sit. It’s a space built for precision and focus.”
With his business now operating largely online and from his home studio, Phillips says the time feels right to pass on the space.
“It’s just time to move it on,” he says. “The world’s changed – clients don’t always come in person anymore – so it’s ready for someone new to create their own story here.”
Listing agent Kristian Morris, principal and licensee in charge at RWC Sydney City Fringe, says the property is ideally suited to another creative professional who can appreciate the investment and craftsmanship behind the studio’s design.
“Art went to great lengths to engineer this space to the highest acoustic standards,” Morris says.
“We’re already seeing interest from local producers and musicians who recognise the value of such a specialised fitout. It’s rare to find a commercial suite that combines this level of soundproofing with such a strong Balmain address.”
Beyond its technical pedigree, the location offers the quintessential Balmain lifestyle with top cafes, parks and harbourside walks all within steps.
“The coffee’s the best in Sydney,” Phillips says. “It’s just a beautiful, creative neighbourhood to be part of.”
