A POPULAR Ayr band have backed calls for a rehearsal studio to be transformed into Ayr’s first dedicated music venue.

Seaside Sons believe Ayr is crying out for an all-purpose gig spot and are fully behind entrepreneur Baz Thomson’s plans to do just that with his Soundmagic Studio venue.

The indie rockers say the magic venue could become a ‘one stop shop’ after giving bands, including themselves a platform to shine.

Lead man Jason Skimming told the Advertiser: “Soundmagic has given every band in Ayr a platform to start rehearsals, and then opening as a venue would turn it into a one stop shop.

“Bands could practice, record and then play at a live venue. The place has a really cool vibe and the owner Baz has helped us loads over the years. It would be good to have it back.”

Seaside Sons, who have played across various pubs, say Ayr is missing out on the potential for regular gigs.

Jason said: “There’s no dedicated music venue. All there is are pubs that are maybe have 100 capacity

“There’s nowhere that maybe has a 200 to 300 capacity venue. Ayr’s crying out for it.”

“The town hall is possibly the only venue available but that costs nearly £1,200 to hire out, the Barrowlands in Glasgow is only £2,000.

“It puts it into perspective why would a promoter put a gig on here.”

We told how Baz was desperately seeking a chance to open up the 300-capacity venue next door to the rehearsal studios on Waggon Road, but he is hemorrhaging cash and has faced delays after building chiefs told him to think again.

Soundmagic Studio said the awareness created from the Ayr Advertiser led to an interest from investors and an offer to have plans drawn up.

A spokesperson for Soundmagic Studio said: “We would like to make it clear that we have no ill feeling or resentment towards South Ayrshire Council.

“We fully understand and accept that the safety of the public is paramount and that the correct health and safety, fire and security measures need to be in place.

“The main part of the studio, the rehearsal rooms, recording suite etc has the correct regulations in place, The change of use for the building and the certificate of lawfulness, were both approved by the council.”

“The fire alarm, emergency lighting, cctv, security alarm, fire extinguishers, sounders, flashers and signage are all in place.”

Soundmagic will host a Bandwagon event this summer to allow funds to be raised.

Any bands DJs or artists are welcome to get in touch.