Help refurbish our Rehearsal & Recording Studio

Hello,

My name is Mark and I've been running Iron Man Records in Birmingham since 1996. I'm reaching out to you, to friends and family, the wider creative community, and mad music lovers everywhere — because grassroots music needs your help.

Let me explain

I've been trying to apply for funding to enhance and refurbish our shared rehearsal space and recording studio here in Birmingham but Iron Man Records is not a registered "Community Interest Company" or "Registered Charity," nor is it a registered "Not-For-Profit" organisation. (All this despite Iron Man Records seeking to support grassroots music while making no profit, ever)

I'd like to ask for your help to refurbish our Music Rehearsal Room & Recording Studio . I'm going to try and do the work anyway, and I'll have to pay for it.... but, any help from you, and your friends, and wider networks, would be much appreciated. I can't afford to do it all out of my own pocket.

The video above gives you an idea what was involved in building the rehearsal space and recording studio initially from pretty much nothing. Let me give you the story.

We had to pull down our old rehearsal space and recording studio in September 2020. The landlord had sold the building and we were given four weeks to move out.

In May 2021 we found a new location in Hockley, Birmingham. We decided to build a new rehearsal space and recording studio with whatever we had been able to salvage from the last place.

The video link above documents that process. We had no funding, apart from support in part from existing Iron Man Records Patrons and a few friends and family who knew what we were trying to do, and whatever savings I had left over from touring before Covid-19.

What is Iron Man Records trying to do?

Inspired by the work of John Sinclair, a Detroit based poet, and former manager of the incendiary rock group MC5, Iron Man Records set out to provide a new cultural outpost for Musicians, Writers, Performers and Travellers in the arts with a Music Rehearsal Space and Recording Studio in Hockley, Birmingham.

Our cultural outpost is all about grassroots music making and finding a better way of doing things ourselves.

In September 2021 the Rehearsal Space and Recording Studio started taking bookings and by 2025 the costs of construction and running the space finally started to balance with the income from all those making use of it.

In 2025 we all began to realise that we needed to spend more money on refurbishing and maintaining our creative space. But unable, or unwilling, to start charging the artists and creatives any more for the use of the space, a crowdfund to raise much needed funds for refurbishment and development seemed like a more sensible thing to do. So here we are.

Why This Matters

Since 1996, our studios have been a safe space for bands, songwriters, producers, and artists to make noise, find their voice, and bring ideas to life. We have had to move the studio many times, and in 2021 we found a permanant home, but our space is showing its age already. We’re running on outdated gear, tired soundproofing and equipment, and a space that just about gets the job done — but could be so much more with a little financial support.

We want to transform it into a creative sanctuary: a fully updated Embassy that remains an affordable, professional-level studio that supports grassroots artists and makes high-quality recordings accessible to all.

Your support will help us to

• Upgrade essential recording equipment and software

• Repair and refurbish our shared musical equipment

• Improve acoustic treatment and sound isolation

• Renovate our rehearsal room to be more inspiring, functional, and comfortable

• Add new services like podcast / livestream capability and video production

• Make the space greener and more sustainable for the long term.

Why it’s bigger than all of us

This isn’t just about gear. It’s about preserving a cultural space at the heart of the community for creativity. In a world where independent voices are being drowned out by funding cuts, streaming overload, social media and AI. We believe artists deserve a place to create without compromise. We’re not just building a better studio — we’re building a stronger, louder, free DIY music culture based in Birmingham.

How you can help

• Donate — Every contribution, big or small, brings us closer.

• Share — Spread the word. Help us reach more people who believe in independent grassroots music making.

• Get Involved — Check out our exclusive backer rewards.

Crowdfund Rewards

Tier + Reward

£15 - Digital thank-you + your name on our “Wall of Thanks”

£23 - Digital thank-you + Iron Man Records Reusable Coffee Cup + your name on our “Wall of Thanks”

£30 - Limited edition Iron Man Records Black T-shirt (small, medium, large, extra large) + your name on our “Wall of Thanks”

£50 - Limited edition Iron Man Records Black Hooded top (small, medium, large, extra large) + your name on our “Wall of Thanks”

If you don't want a reward listed here you can alternatively choose anything from the Iron Man Records Shop instead or choose no gift.

If you cannot afford to back this crowdfund with a donation, you are welcome to become an Iron Man Records Patron here instead

Let’s Make Noise - In a world obsessed with probability, your help can make anything possible.

Let’s refurbish the studio and ensure it’s ready for the next group of independent grassroots artists. Your support means everything.

Thanks for reading — and thanks for your time and effort.

United we stand. Music will find a way

✊

Mark

Iron Man Records

More detail about our plans:

1. Elevate Artistic Quality

Better Sound, Better Output: Upgrading equipment and acoustics leads to higher-quality recordings, which can attract more artists.

Inspiring Creative Environment: A refreshed space encourages creativity and can result in more inspired performances and recordings.

2. Increase income Opportunities

Attract New People: A modernised space can appeal to a wider range of artists, bands, and producers. Improved facilities will increase studio income with more frequent use.

Diversify Services: New capabilities (like podcast recording, livestream production, or video shoots) create potential additional revenue streams.

3. Build a Stronger Brand

Reputation: A top-tier facility reinforces Iron Man Records as a serious, professional, and respected grassroots operator in the music community.

Artist Loyalty: A high-quality, comfortable, and functional space fosters long-term relationships with artists and the music community.

Synergy: Enhancing the rehearsal and recording studio strengthens our ecosystem, supporting artist development from rehearsal to release to live performance and touring.

4. Support the grassroots Music Community

Affordable, High-Quality Access: Independent and emerging artists need accessible, quality spaces — our studio is already a cultural hub.

Nurture Talent: A well-maintained studio provides a safe, supportive space for new artists to grow and try new ideas.

Community Events: Host workshops, listening parties, or live sessions that build local music culture.

5. Future-Proof the Facility

Stay Competitive: Technology and expectations evolve—enhancing our studio keeps us ahead of the curve or from not being left behind.

Sustainability Upgrades: Improving energy efficiency or adding eco-conscious features reduces long-term costs and supports your values.

Scalability: An enhanced space gives flexibility to expand services or scale operations in the future.

6. Personal Fulfillment

Creative Legacy: Investing in the space helps create a lasting, meaningful platform for grassroots music.

Shared Ownership: Seeing our space evolve and develop is deeply rewarding for all involved.

If our space has ever helped you or anyone you know to rehearse, record, grow, or feel able to express themselves — now’s the time to help or give back.

If you want to support grassroots music making and artistic expression — now’s the time.