Music has always been at the heart of Hastings and surrounding areas, and for over 35 years, so has it been for Mark Alexander.

A multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer and lifelong music enthusiast, Mark has spent decades immersed in the music scene. In the 1990s, he played in a variety of bands across Sussex and Kent, performing everything from rock and blues to jazz and folk. 

When family life took centre stage, he stepped away from performing but remained firmly connected to the industry, working behind the scenes at major concerts and festivals across the UK alongside artists including The Rolling Stones, Robbie Williams, Prince, Elton John and Foo Fighters.

Eventually, life on the road gave way to family commitments and a more conventional career as a Property Surveyor. But music never left him.

Over the years, Mark continued writing, recording and producing from home. As his collection of equipment grew however, the “home studio” became increasingly more studio than home. Then fate intervened.

While exploring the former Debenhams building in Hastings, Mark stumbled upon an unused room, and joked “This would make an amazing studio.” A few months, countless hours of rewiring, and several weekends of hard work later, that throwaway comment became reality.

And so, Alexander Music Studio was born.

What began as a private creative space quickly evolved into something much bigger. 

With the support of Freedom Works, the studio opened its doors to the wider community, providing an affordable, welcoming space for local musicians, bands, students and aspiring artists to rehearse, create and connect.

Today, Alexander Music Studio is very much a family affair. 

Mark is joined by his daughter Sinead — a pianist, guitarist, singer and qualified SEN specialist teacher — and his son Jack, a drummer, bassist and enthusiastic contributor (despite his own mis-informed assessment of his singing abilities). 

Alongside Fé, Community Manager at Freedom Works and the driving force behind much of the organisation, the team shares a simple vision: to create a thriving hub for music, creativity and collaboration in Hastings.

We’re more than just a rehearsal studio.

Our goal is to bring musicians together, support emerging talent, and help strengthen the local creative community through workshops, networking events, open mic nights, intimate gigs and collaborative projects. We’re even planning a music, arts and crafts festival — so watch this space.

Whether you’re an experienced musician, a complete beginner, a student looking for somewhere to practise, or simply someone who loves live music, we’d love to welcome you.

Come and have a look around, meet the team, and see what we’re building together.

We look forward to hearing from you.