Biography
Log Recording was a warehouse and studio space occupied by ‘The Henrys’ – i.e. Henry Nicol and Henri Kerr of local industrial / punk / noise group Log Horn Breed (hence the name), plus local punk figurehead Lance Downing, post-earthquakes. Together the trio formed Pavement Saw, who became a regular site at Log Recording shows.
The Henry’s had previously been regulars at All Plastic Recordings, prior to moving in to the Log Recording warehouse (and eventually building the studio) in 2014.
Along with Pagan House in Richmond, Log Recording was a prominent house party venue till finally closing in early 2017. The downstairs warehouse space was very large and open plan, with huge rolling doors, often opened up so performances could expand out into the car park area that surrounded the venue.
Due to the occupants musical connections, shows there erred towards punk or underground sounds – even hosting the annual Christchurch PunkFest event on a couple of occasions. Shows at Log had a communal vibe to them, with kids and the occasional dog attending the odd day-time show, punters bringing their own food and alcohol, and laying back on the communal couches.
Eventually Log Recording did manage to acquire some community funding through the Rata Foundation, however within a few months the occupants had their lease ended and had to shut up shop. Since the venue closed, Log have gone on to promote shows at other venues, primarily New City Hotel.
Aside from hosting house parties, Log was used for a handful of art installations, plus the studio space was used for several band recordings – primarily those of Log Horn Breed, Les Baxters and Leather Image.
Things essentially came to an end in May 2018 when Henry Nicol moved to Serbia alongside his DOG Power bandmate Sam Perry, though the duo were back in Christchurch by mid-2019.
Details
Location: 48 Lismore Street, Phillipstown
Richmond, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
Phillipstown, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Christchurch Central, Chrischurch 8011, New Zealand
Waltham, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Current Status: No longer a venue
Active as a live music venue: 2014 – 2017
Bar Manager: Henry Nicol
All-Ages: House-Parties
History
- 2014: Henry Nicol and Henri Kerr rent 48 Lismore Street, start converting downstairs area into a performance space and an adjacent studio.
- 2016: Community funding acquired through the Rata Foundation. Space transforms into an All Arts space.
- 2017: Lismore Street lease ends, Log Recording starts promoting events at New City Hotel.
- 2018: Henry Nicol moved to Serbia, bringing an end to Log Recording related events.
Links
- Archived record for Official Website (Archive.org)
- Log Recording / Unit 9 archive (Facebook)