The saga to save Nashville’s historic Studio ‘A’ and other Music Row landmarks sees another setback as Ben Folds says he’s being forced out of the space he’s spent over a decade renting and spent over $1 million on in rent and renovations. Because of raised rent of 124% from the new ownership, Ben Folds says he’s planning to vacate Studio ‘A’ by November. The building that resides at 30 Music Square West was officially sold on Monday (7-28) to Bravo Development, who immediately put the building back up for sale to other potential developers, and raised rents across the board for all the building’s tenants, including Ben Folds, and country artist Jamey Johnson.Bravo Development’s, citing asbestos, bad plumbing and wiring, a leaky roof, and mold in the ducts. Though Bravo said initially it was their intention to attempt to preserve this historic studio even if the rest of the building was to be razed, they’re now saying their main intention is to resell the property as soon as possible to someone else. Bravo stated right after the sale went through that increased rent to the building’s tenants was on the way.The is very much a centerpiece in the preservation fight for many of Nashville’s historic places as development encroaches on many of the city’s cultural districts, including Music Row where Studio ‘A’ is located.Studio ‘A’ was built in 1964 by Chet Atkins, and was originally called “RCA Victor Nashville Sound Studio.” It was built was to have a big enough studio space to record the string instrumentation that found itself onto many of the country music recordings of the time.
It has since been used for many legendary recordings in country music and many other genres.You can find the entirety of Ben Folds’ statement below.Dear All,After closing on the purchase of 30 Music Square West, home of historic RCA Studio A (of which I’ve been tenant for 12 years) Tim Reyholds of Bravo Development in Brentwood TN has just informed us that our rent will be raised 124%. Haha, okay Tim, we got it, and we’re moving out as soon as our current lease runs out. That means we will be there until end of November.
Ben Folds and the Nashville Ballet are once again teaming up for a concerto at TPAC's Jackson Hall. It happens April 26 through April 28. Ben Folds & Nashville Ballet: Julia Eisen. This spring’s Modern Masters series from Nashville Ballet, premiering April 26 – 28, spotlights ballets that have challenged the bounds of the art form through unique ideas and intriguing collaborations. He put up a good fight, but singer-songwriter Ben Folds announced on Friday he'll be leaving his recording space at the historic Studio A in Nashville's old RCA building after the property's brand.
He is on public record saying he will not demolish the building, though I’m not sure how any studio owner could make bottom line with rent that high.We have and will continue to send investors and planners his way who have ideas on how to both preserve the space, keep the studio working and make everyone the money they want. I will continue to raise public awareness of the grand history of Music Row that is threatened by hasty development.
Today we did Morning Joe and an NPR segment on 360 will also air soon many more outlets to come. My hope is that all our efforts have given us a moment to pause and consider how Nashville might continue to grow, while also retaining the identity and culture that has made it Music City.Since the rally was held at the studio on June 30, a group called Music Industry Coalition has formed, elected a Board, begun filing its official papers with the state, fashioned a mission statement and collected over 1500 members. Their mission is to give the working folks in the music industry a voice and to work with city officials on a plan for Music Row that allows our music culture to co-exist with new growth. I will continue to help them in any way I can.Yeah, I’m sad personally, but I had a good decade plus run and will be recording as much of my new album as I can there before November, including with the absolutely incredible sextet yMusic from New York. The Nashville Symphony and I recorded my Concerto For Piano and Orchestra there recently.
Ben Folds Nashville Ballet
What other studio can handle 80-piece orchestras in one take?This whole #SaveStudioA and #SaveMusicRow thing was never about me (or the former owners or Tim Reynolds) and that’s why the issue has resonated with people here and around the world who are concerned about retaining Nashville’s identity, culture and music economy. Thanks for reading, and for the concern and effort! It’s working. That’s all I got to say.Ben. I live in Nashville, and I can tell you that if someone tried to bulldoze the Ryman at this point, there would be mass rioting in the streets.
Actually, the non-historic portions of the Ryman are currently being refurbished and expanded, for what it’s worth.I occasionally speak up on behalf of Nashville on this site. While I agree that the glory days of popular country music are gone, the situation with the city of Nashville is much more complex.
The reason over-development is an encroaching problem in the first place is because in many ways, the city is thriving and stronger than ever. Make no mistake, the threat of over-development is definitely a real problem, but unfortunately it is not one that’s unique to Nashville. “Since the rally was held at the studio on June 30, a group called Music Industry Coalition has formed, elected a Board, begun filing its official papers with the state, fashioned a mission statement and collected over 1500 members. Their mission is to give the working folks in the music industry a voice and to work with city officials on a plan for Music Row that allows our music culture to co-exist with new growth. I will continue to help them in any way I can.”I think this is really important. The issue of the future of RCA Studio A has galvanized the support of the Nashville (and world) community behind the cause of preserving the city’s musical history.
Ben Folds Nashville Tour Date
A coalition has been formed, and people are paying attention now. And it’s all because of the potential destruction of a secondary RCA studio many country music fans were probably not even aware of. I can’t help but think this is a really positive development, even as the future of Studio A remains to be seen.
Rock pianist Ben Folds has operated Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A for the past twelve years, investing an estimated $1 million as the space’s primary tenant. Now, it appears as if the future of the building is uncertain. A Brentwood developing company is in talks to purchase the famed RCA Building that houses the studio on Music Row in Nashville.RCA Studio A is home to many of country music’s finest recordings including Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Chet Atkins and many more. Folds penned this impassioned open letter to the city of Nashville and the building’s potential new owners.Read the full letter hereDear Nashville, Last week, on the day that would have been Chet Atkins’ 90th birthday (June 20, 1924), my office received news that the historic RCA Building on Music Row is likely to be sold. This building, with the historic Studio A as its centerpiece, was Atkins’ and Owen Bradley’s vision and baby, and had become home to the largest classic recording space in Nashville.
Ben Fold Nashville Studio City
Word is that the prospective buyer is a Brentwood, TN-based commercial development company called Bravo Development owned and operated by Tim Reynolds. We don’t know what this will mean to the future of the building. First off, kudos to the estates and descendants of Atkins and Bradley for doing their best to keep the building alive.
They’ve owned the property all these years and could have at any point closed it up or mowed it down. Sadly, it’s what happens in the name of progress.Studio A, which turns 50 years old next year, has a rich history.