Interview by Kate Lloyd
Palace Magazine April 07
In the third of our series of articles looking at Palace people and their jobs, we spoke to Jakob Kaye, managing director of Crystal Palace’s very own Antenna Studios. Tucked away, as it is, in Bowyers Yard (directly behind Westow Street’s Pizza Hut), Antenna Studios isn’t the most accessible of businesses in Crystal Palace. And yet, with its laidback vibe and rundown charm, this small studio is well worth wandering off the beaten path for, especially if you’re a fan of music; be that rock, metal, pop, country, folk, rap, hip-hop or reggae. For managing director and out-and-out music devotee, Jakob Kaye, life couldn’t be sweeter. Here he tells The Palace Magazine why it really is all about the music…
This place is amazing. Talk us through what you do here…
We’re basically a set of studios orientated around music. We have two recording studios, which are mainly used by local bands and a multi-purpose gallery studio, for things like yoga, art and dance classes. In the rest of the building we’ve got the guitar and skate shop, which is run by two friends of mine, Johnny and Dylan, through their Dojy Limited company, and we have a third studio which is currently being rented out by a hip-hop producer.
When I first took over the building it was completely empty and derelict. Everything you see now has just been built up organically over time, with us trying to make the most of the dead spaces. Next year it’ll look even better. So how did Antenna Studios come into being?
When I finished university I was working behind the picture frame shop on Westow Street, basically making picture frames and trying to get by, while still pursuing my love of music. I was playing in a band [Jakob plays the cello] with a songwriter at the time, just around the corner from where I live. We were always rehearsing so it just seemed to make sense to set up a little studio business – there’s nothing like it around for miles, and I knew there would be a demand for it. Almost instantly it started attracting really interesting kinds of people like Johnny and Dylan. It’s more than five-and-half years now since I first got the keys.
Meeting the rent is our main challenge every month, but we’re getting there.
You’re about to launch a record label. What can you tell us?
People have been suggesting I set up a record label for years because we’ve got all the facilities here. I was just a little reluctant because a product company is a completely different ballgame to a service company. But I bit the bullet a little while ago and I’m just going to be promoting as many people as I possibly can. My aim is to make it a community label and I’m hoping to get funding from the Arts Council.
What do you mean by community label?
The label will be run like a commercial label, but instead of the profits going into the bank like a normal business, they’ll go back into the community. I plan to split the profits half and half, so each of the bands I represent, as well as the people working to help put the label together, get fifty per cent, and the other half will be put towards giving people who can’t afford to record music, the chance to record. So basically it’s a nonprofit label.
What kind of artists are you looking to sign?
We’re looking for all sorts of music and all sorts of artists, even from other countries. Hip-hop, reggae, funk, acid jazz… everything. I want the label to celebrate the diversity of this area. I’ll be signing bands un-exclusively, so if a major label wants to pick them up then they’re not tied to anything. It’s literally just a step in the ladder for them, a platform to work off if you will.
When does the label launch?
Our official launch date is May 1, but it’s going to be a slow grower until we receive the Arts Council funding. Realistically we’re looking more towards the end of the year.
So how can local budding musicians get involved?
Anyone who’s got music, it doesn’t matter if it’s recorded here or elsewhere, should get in touch. They just need to give me a call and we’ll take it from there.
Would it be fair to say you’re doing your dream job?
I wouldn’t say it’s a dream job, rather it’s a dream come true, especially now that we’ve survived the first year. I still have to deal with the paperwork though, which nobody ever wants to do.
You were born in Crystal Palace. Is that why you decided to set your business up here?
Absolutely. I’ve lived around here all my life and I’ve always been attracted to the local music scene. I love it around here. Crystal Palace is one of those places where you know people wherever you go, it would be heartbreaking for me to leave it. It’s such a nice area and with all the regeneration that’s going on, it’s getting better and better all the time. People really seem to like what we’re doing here as well, which is great.
Speaking of regeneration, which direction would you like to see Crystal Palace Park go in?
Ultimately, I would love to see the Crystal Palace rebuilt, especially if it were able to sustain itself, generating its own electricity, that sort of thing. I think that would make [original architect, Joseph] Paxton proud. It would be really amazing to have it back. It was such a beautiful piece of architecture and so revolutionary. I’d also like to see more festivals in the park. I feel it would really bring people together, and get them to use the park more.
One last question, what piece of advice would you give to other would-be local entrepreneurs?
My advice would be to follow your gut instinct all the way. Everyone will have ups and downs; you’ll have a really great stage and then something will hit you. But making mistakes is part and parcel. I’ve made so many mistakes and I’ll probably make tons more yet, but you’ve got to believe in what you’re doing and just go with your gut.
For more information about Antenna Studios including their opening hours, services and latest record label news, call Jakob on 020 8653 5200, or visit: www.antennastudios.co.uk
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