The Hidden Music Hub of Times Square Thrives On
Long before Times Square transformed into a landscape of glass towers and flashing LEDs, it was a vibrant cultural hotspot where many renowned artists walked, sang, and even resided. Among these was the Musical Building—a key hub for recording studios that has shaped the auditory landscape for decades.
Despite facing years of gentrification, it stands successful and active today.
Behind a nondescript gray door at 584 Eighth Ave., nestled between 38th and 39th Avenues, the music still plays loudly. The spirit of rock and roll remains unyielding.
Younger musicians and aspiring bands are still fighting for their place in this legendary spot. Chris “Tomato” Hafenist, a long-time tenant and lead singer of the alternative rock group Sound of Urchin, remarked, “This building is an essential piece of NYC’s music history. It’s one of the last authentic spaces still operating in Manhattan.”
Madonna once called this place home, rehearsing in Room 604 despite the lack of running hot water.
Billy Idol wrote hits like “Rebel Yell” and “White Wedding” in Studios 1001 and 1006. The Graffiti Splash Music building, located near the bustling Port Authority, has served budding artists since 1979, outlasting notable venues like the Record Plant and the Brill Building.
The lobby is adorned with stickers and flyers, and the iconic paid phone—though non-functional—remains a nostalgic reminder of the past. “Every musician from the ’80s and ’90s remembers this famous phone,” said Roget Lerner, the building’s president. He recalled how even Madonna used it to plan her gigs.
This 12-story building houses 69 rehearsal studios, with many musicians sharing spaces to keep costs manageable. Lerner noted a high demand for the studios, receiving inquiries weekly and often accommodating nearly all requests.
While some music scenes have faded, this place has endured, boasting a vibrant mix of genres and keeping its spirit alive.
A Legacy in Music
Jack Lerner, the late father of the current owner Roget, passed away in 2024. Known for his infectious smile and support for artists, he acquired the building in 1979 and aimed to provide a space where musicians could rehearse without restrictions.
Legendary musicians like Patti Smith, Joey Ramone, and Carlos Santana have frequented these halls. The space can be rented for $1,800 a month, with many tenants sharing or using mini-adjustments to make the most of their environments.
Lerner emphasized the building’s focus is on music. “When you’re here, it’s all about jamming—it’s a safe space that many alumni return to,” he said.
Keeping the Spirit Alive
Veteran musicians mingle with newcomers across genres, maintaining a 24-hour buzz and a rebellious atmosphere. Hafenist compared it to the once-revered CBGB, acknowledging the nostalgia felt by many as they navigate a city that has changed considerably.
John Conte, a long-time tenant, noted this building as a crucial hub for musicians, stating, “I believe many struggling bands might not have thrived without this place.” He shared how the atmosphere, reminiscent of the old FM dial, infuses each floor with unique sounds.
Despite the pressures of gentrification and noise regulations, the space remains a well-known haven for musicians, allowing creativity to flourish.
Next Generation of Artists
Conte hears a diverse mix of genres, but there’s still a strong emphasis on punk, as reflected by Ziarra, a punk artist who moved in 2022. She sees punk as not just a musical genre, but a mentality rooted in history.
She feels inspired by the artists who came before her and values the legacy of the building, especially with Madonna’s connection. “Punk artists contributed significantly to the sound of the city, and by playing here, we become part of that history,” she remarked.
Mario Castro, a keyboardist, emphasized the impact of sharing the space with various musicians. “There’s something magical about being surrounded by so much creativity,” he noted.
On an unexpected Tuesday, Castro and Ziarra were thrilled to encounter Billy Idol on the 10th floor, where he once recorded. That kind of serendipity adds to the building’s lore, making it feel like a living piece of music history.
Every studio holds its own story, and Ziarra summed it up perfectly by saying, “You never know what might happen in each space; that’s what makes it special.”
