Legendary Sounds of Hansa Studios

You might not even realize it, but each of you has definitely heard the sounds of this legendary place at least once! Today, we’ll talk about Hansa Studios.

The building housing the studios was constructed in 1913 as the Union House of Construction Enterprises of Berlin and its suburbs. In the banquet hall, certificates were awarded to master craftsmen, which is why the hall was named Meistersaal (Hall of Masters). In the 1920s, the building gained cultural significance: the "Malik" publishing house was established here, readings were held by the famous German writer and journalist Kurt Tucholsky, and there was also a gallery for the renowned artist Georg Grosz. During the war, the building suffered significant damage and remained empty for a long time, and after the division of Berlin, it ended up in the western part.

In the early 1960s, the premises were rented by the recording company "Ariola," and later, the recording company "Meisel" opened its studios. All damage from the war was repaired, and the Hall of Masters became Studio 2. Musicians from around the world started coming to West Berlin, including stars such as Depeche Mode, Nick Cave, U2, David Bowie, and Iggy Pop. They all worked at Hansa Studios, recording many of their iconic albums there. The observation tower of the GDR border guards could be seen from the studio's windows, leading musicians to nickname it "the studio by the wall."

Today, Hansa Studios is one of the most important analog recording studios in the world! The last to work there in 2026 was Harry Styles which resulted in his album "Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally".

Here are some of the most famous albums that were recorded at Hansa Studios. Which one is your favorite?