Two years ago, Starlab Studios, an audio and video production studio based in Union Square, Somerville, had to relocate as part of the now-foundering Green Line Extension Program. Now, it’s in the midst of a legal fight to stay in Union Square, after the company was locked out of its space.

We spoke with Matt Price, Starlabs’ operations manager, about the situation, and previewed tonight’s fundraiser with CreaturoS, The Dazies and Mini Dresses at Middle East Upstairs. The studio is also raising funds through GoFundMe.

AP: When did Starlab’s move take place?

Matt Price: We moved into our current location (453 Somerville Ave) in October 2013, after being relocated from our previous location on Prospect St. by the City of Somerville as part of the Green Line Extension program. At the time, the space was a gutted auto garage. We have spent the last two years transforming the space from an empty cube into an audio and video production studio.

AP: There is a lot of doubt cast on the Green Line Extension being completed as expected, with a lot of concessions on how the station will be built, etc. Would you have held on to that space if the GLX never happened? Was that even in your control?

MP: Yes, we would probably still exist at our old location if it had been possible to stay. We did not have a choice to stay as the property was acquired through eminent domain. That being said, the City was very helpful and considerate in this process and we are very happy with our current location.

AP: How did you get locked out of your own space? Can you describe what it was like? When was this? Is there property in the studio right now that is just inaccessible to you?

MP:As you can imagine, we can’t speak too much on this legal dispute as it is still ongoing. The building that we lease was recently sold and the new owner is taking action to have us removed as tenants. We have a lease that runs through 2019, we pay our rent in a timely manner and we have invested many thousands of dollars into the property so we are fighting to keep this from happening.

AP: Union Square is in the midst of a transformation, like many other areas in the city. What do you make of new businesses moving in? Do rising rents also have an impact? How does that harm/help the creative spirit of the area — and have you seen it?

MP: Personally, I fully support the transformation I’ve seen in Union Square over the past 5-10 years. In the six years that Starlab has called Union Square home, we’ve felt very lucky to be a part of such a vibrant and creative community. It is true that an unfortunate byproduct of a neighborhood’s growth is opportunistic developers seeking to cash in on what the community has built, but Somerville (and Union Square in particular) has done a great job of hanging onto its authenticity. It’s in this spirit that we are hoping to win this fight and keep our studio in Union Square.

AP: In assembling the lineup for Wednesday night‘s fundraiser show at MidEastUp, what was your process? What can people expect if they haven’t heard these (awesome) bands?

MP: Essentially, we wanted to bring people together in a way that felt like a great party, regardless of the fact that we are trying to raise money for something that is not that fun to think about. CreaturoS are one of the area’s coolest psych/garage bands, as well as longtime friends and folks we’ve worked with many times. They were our obvious first call when we were considering who we would like to play this show.

The Dazies are Mikey Holland’s new(ish) power pop project and our relationship with him/them goes back further than I can even remember. We are especially lucky that they agreed to play this show, as they are in the midst of a month long residency at the Plough and Stars in support of their new EP.

Mini Dresses happen to be a local favorite of myself and Marc (Starlab’s head audio engineer) and we were very lucky to have them agree to join the bill.

Tickets for Starlab Studios’ fundraiser at Middle East Upstairs, 1/13 at 8pm, are available here. The tickets are also good for admission to Starlabfest 7 this summer.