Dan Tejada, Maisie Phillips and Adam Phillips

A MUSIC studio hoping to revive Camden Town’s rock ’n’ roll past has opened in the middle of a historic homeless hostel.

Founded in 1905, Arlington House was established to house London’s poor. George Orwell and the Irish poet Brendan Behan have stayed there.

Today, it offers accommodation to 139 homeless or vulnerable tenants, alongside flats, a conference centre and commercial space.

Its latest business tenant is Theme Ltd: a new label and three-roomed space including a recording studio, performance room and vinyl-stacked reception in the heart of the Grade II-listed building.

The studio has been acoustically treated by Paul Gilleron, who soundproofed the Roundhouse and Jazz Cafe along with the O2 Arena.

Theme Ltd was founded by producer Adam Phillips, who has previously worked with Thom Yorke of Radiohead.

Mr Phillips said: “I’ve had studios for many, many years, and I’ve tried to keep them as fluid and open as much as possible because it’s a creative process. As soon as you start bringing those walls closer in, you’re not inspiring other musicians to come in and do something you wouldn’t normally think about doing.”

Over the next month, Theme will be hosting bring your own vinyl events and open days, one day of which will be open to residents upstairs. Michael, who lives in Arlington, is helping Theme with their equipment.

“He’s going to be our resident engineer,” Mr Phillips said. “He’s part of our programme to develop those artistic skills that some of the residents have but don’t necessarily have to hand.”

Dan Tejada, studio manager, said: “I’ve been in Camden for years. I’ve seen it changing. It’s like a full circle thing. [The music scene] needs a resurgence. It’s been a bit dead for a couple of years.”

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