I've worked in the music industry for 8 years (record labels, been on tour, music magazines... all of it), have dated famous musicians, and still maintain my friendships and contacts. This all means that I am VERY jaded to the industry and not much, at this point in life, impresses me. So, when something comes along that brightens even my cynical attitude; then it must be something special. That is precisely what the Alley Studios in North Hollywood is and 'special' is an understatement. The Alley Studios is located on the corner of Lankershim/Ostego in the epicenter of the North Hollywood Arts District. From the exterior, one would this is an abandoned building as it is somewhat run-down and there are no apparent windows anywhere. This unsuspecting facade pulls the wool over everyone's eyes as the Alley Studios is basically a legendary facility dripping with music industry history. So what exactly, IS, the Alley Studios? Imagine an incognito basement owned by the coolest punk rocker you know, marry it with a small bar-type intimate performance stage, melt it with a recording studio and creative space, and bake it to perfection with a lounge. The ending result is Alley Studios. When you first walk in from the front (front and back entrances are available), you will see a room to your left with an intimate stage area available for performances or events that transports you to the coolest bar/concert venue in the 70s/80s. Keep walking down the narrow hall to find a lounge-type room with bar and a lovely garden-esque back patio outdoor space. The Alley Studios also has a basement, recording studios, loft etc; available for artists. Basically, this IS the place for public performances or artists wanting to write and record music or just escape the outside world. Which is PRECISELY what happens in the Alley Studios. This spot has housed literally every single musical legend past and present be it recording or just hanging out. You name it and they have been there. Want some examples? The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Alice Cooper, Roseanne Cash, Sister Sledge, Tom Petty... even to Jack White, Fergie, Chili Peppers, etc and so forth. In fact, the back lounge rooms consist of white brick walls that all the artists have signed. The Alley Studios allows you to photograph these walls but signs proclaim that no touching is allowed. Again, I am RARELY impressed but something about the energy is overwhelmingly amazing which is probably because no one would suspect this small, hidden building to have such amazing history. I mean, did you know about this place? I didn't, and I live two minutes WALKING distance from it! I went to the Alley Studios for an album release performance/party and the staff from the door to the bar was very kind. No one was stuck-up and snooty which is the usual for Hollywood/LA venues and recording studios and even the staff seemed grateful to be involved with the facility. They happily explained the venue history and pointed out the big names on the brick walls. For those interested in the paranormal, the Alley Studios is supposedly haunted with many experiencing spirits or entities. Take that as you will. The Alley Studios is just drop-dead amazing. The history and energy of the place is riveting but with an humble, quiet air. I really hope that the Alley Studios starts to house more public performances so that people can learn about it and experience it for themselves. Apparently there is a book in the works that will be pitched to publishers about the background of the facility. So whether you are a musician seeking a creative/recording space or just a fan that can make it to a performance at Alley Studios; DO check it out! read more

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*PLEASE NOTE* Sadly, owner Bill Elkins passed away in late 2016, and from what I understand, his wife Shiloh suffered a stroke soon after. Not sure of her location as of Jan 2017. The Alley is indeed closed and the fate of this iconic establishment has yet to be determined. J. Harley Gilmore Alley Operations 2010-2014 read more

The place is awesome. Still open for business and it has so much history. Everyone from the 70's to the 90's played here. Chilli Peppers, Tom Petty, The Beatles, Linda Ronstadt, Lowell George, Jackson Brown, Fleetwood Mac. The list goes on and on. Just a very cool place to rehearse and record. They have everything you need to make a great album and just hang out and create music. You really can feel the vibe of this Hollywood Studio. read more

One step in this place and you'll feel exactly like Marty Mcfly. ITS A TIME CAPSULE INTO THE 70's - 80's FOLKS! I'm talking pictures of Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lita Ford posters, the "Gary Busey" helmet in the bathroom, and just all around vintage on badass wooden panels. This place is THE hidden gem....its like walking Eric Foreman's basement on the set of "That 70's show," with way cooler vibes. Every nook and cranny of this place has a hidden message or picture. Two different stages with amazing sound amplifiers, great hallway, spiral staircase, motorcycle garage, den/hangout, etc. You may have trouble finding an entrance because this place has no signs or doorknobs! read more

It's been a few years but the Alley is amazing. Vibe, vibe, vibe. One of my first tattoos is that lovable cat sitting in the garbage can, mic stand and fish carcass, dreaming about music. read more

NOT CLOSED! The Alley is under renovations and while currently not open for rehearsals or recording, it's not closed like people are claiming it is. The Alley will be open in the near future and better than ever. read more

SO much history in this place. Really hoping it's only being renovated and not closed like previously stated. The place is a museum.

I grew up in these walls. My father Dennis Humphrey managed out of this establishment from 1977 to 1979. The studio was co owned by a man named Arnie who also had a daughter "Heather" that would spend the weekends with me at this outrageous place. We would run through the halls and peek at the bands through a labyrinth of hidden rooms and passages that few knew of. I was told the walls contained the clothes of Leo Sayer and many other artist that donated thier clothing so that the walls would give the unique quality of a sound studio.My sorrow for the loss of Bill Elkins, I loved that man dearly! May God watch over Shiloh, he spoke highly of his wife and I know he is waiting for her. read more

Can't comment on the results of actually renting out one of the rooms. Went here to buy a car from Harley. He gave my friend and I a quick tour of the place as I am a musician. The feel of the place is so cool and funky. Like others mentioned, it's like a time warp to another era with a LOT of history. Coming from Florida, I was surprised to not smell that typical mustiness in such an old dive like you would in FL. Thank the california dry climate for that. I think it would be an awesome place to rehearse/record some music. read more

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Hiding in plain view: Recommended by another Muso, I found The Alley to be amazing: The Basement(the small room) is larger than my apartment has full kitchen, shower in the bathroom, sunken rest area with over-stuffed couch, burlwood tables, Man, it's 1973 in here! Piano (w/Barcus-Berry), SWR bass amp(my choice), more monitors/channels than I ever seen in a room. The "feel", the "vibes", you can't get with an art dept., it's gotta grow, or it ain't real...How could we have overlooked you for so long...? read more