• The Black Lab, an ecosystem around music, is based in Wasquehal, near Lille.

  • The place has a large stage, rehearsal and recording studios.

  • Soon, an innovative programming device will allow groups to register for live appearances on the big stage.

They do everything for the music. In the Lille metropolis, there is no shortage of concert halls, rehearsal or recording studios, music stores and restaurants. What there was not, at least on a large scale, is a place that brings together all these activities. This is no longer the case since The Black Lab opened last August in Wasquehal, near Lille.

The Black Lab has installed its flycases in the middle of the industrial zone of Pilatrie, on the borders of Villeneuve-d'Ascq, Marcq-en-Barœul and Wasquehal, in a former tiling warehouse.

Rather smart choice for a 100% music project, which avoids neighborhood conflicts with residents who go to bed early.

At the origin of the concept, we find nine partners, all musicians, including the former managers of the LB Lab in Roncq, that of the Australian in Lille or even a certain "Mic", stolen from Autour des rythmes contemporaine (ARA) and now in charge of the programming of the Black Lab.

Rock atmosphere but open to all

“We wanted to create an all-in-one music complex that would leave room for amateur groups from the regional scene,” explains Mic. The atmosphere is very rock: black, metal, leather chesterfields, an extendable bar, a pool table and even a Kiss pinball machine. However, at the Black Lab, no discrimination as long as it is about music: "There are a lot of pop-rock groups, it's true, but we also host reggae and jazz concerts ...", lists the person in charge of programming. Friday night there was even a funk after-work.

The main hall acts as a concert hall which can accommodate 666 people standing.

At the bottom, a large stage of 30 m2 with all you need of light gear.

The first big paying date in full mode, it will be October 23 with the arrival of Naâman who will play in sound system version.

"It will be the crash test to see if the practice matches the theory," Mic jokes.

In another part of the building, the associates installed 10 rehearsal studios, each equipped with amps, a battery, a camera and the necessary to record the sound.

From next year, the Black Lab will also have a real professional recording studio allowing multitrack recordings.

If the stage is open to regional groups, or even beyond, the idea is really to promote users of rehearsal rooms.

“Often, to get their hands on, amateur groups had to play in bars.

Here, they have a real stage for them, ”assures Mic.

Hence the project to launch a self-programming system.

“On Tuesdays, we go to 'Good & Local' evenings.

The groups who want it will program themselves to play on the big stage independently via a web interface.

The only condition that we impose on them is to be able to play 40 minutes, ”he continues.

No restrictions on the style of music or the accuracy of the song, but the management declines all responsibility in the event of boos from the audience.

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  • Concert

  • Music

  • Lille