Developer to Give Legendary Jam Space a Hand

From Dave Brigham:

This building in Boston's Brighton neighborhood may look very average and boring, but it's a historical site that's not long for this world. This is the Sound Museum, you see, and over the past 32 years it has provided rehearsal and recording space to thousands of bands, including locals such as Letters to Cleo, G. Love and Dropkick Murphys, as well as international superstars such as David Bowie, B.B. King and Iggy Pop.

Also, the Danes.

Who?

Don't tell me you've never heard of the Danes! Formed at the dawn of this century, the band toiled away in the Sound Museum for what seemed like a week to record an EP that would forever change the lives of literally ones of people. Comprised of yours truly (guitar, vocals), my college buddies Jeff (guitar, vocals) and Jim (bass, vocals), Jim's high school friend Paul (vocals) and, on drums, some guy brought in by the producer, Jeff's cousin John, the Danes are known best for songs including "Kerry the Okie," "The Shovel Song" and "Teleprompter."

Those songs titles don't ring a bell? Well, then I guess you weren't one of the lucky people to receive a copy of the CD, which Jim handed out to folks at his wedding to his lovely bride, Nikki.

Anyway....

The Sound Museum's original location was in Boston's South End, where it was started 40 years ago. It was founded by William "Des" Desmond "as a vehicle to provide affordable practice space for fledgling bands in the area," per the company's web site. "Desmond is one of the original pioneers of warehousing rehearsal space in the country (a concept that has been copied by many)."

(Sticker on a door of Sound Museum for Leather Lung, which claims a "pummeling passion for 90’s sludge, outlaw country and delta blues.")

As I mentioned, the building along North Beacon Street in Brighton is slated for demolition. Sound Museum indicates on its web site that it has a facility in Boston's Newmarket Square, as well as one in Cambridge's Central Square, although specific addresses are not provided. Last September, developer IQHQ filed a letter of intent with the City of Boston to replace the Sound Museum building with research labs and office space.

While developers kicking artists and musicians to the curb in the name of "progress" is nothing new in Boston, IQHQ seems determined to help local musicians. In February, the Boston Globe reported that in September "IQHQ approached Desmond with an offer to help the Sound Museum build what it calls a 'cutting-edge rehearsal and recording facility.'" IQHQ hired a commercial leasing broker and architect to assist Desmond in finding and designing a new location — which Desmond called “a huge relief,” according to the Globe story.

The facility recently held an open forum for musicians to discuss their "honest thoughts" on the upcoming demolition.

Here's hoping that IQHQ comes through for the Sound Museum. Stay tuned....

(Punk rock minivan outside the Sound Museum.)