Island Sound Studios
islandsoundstudios.com
Island Destination for Superstars: Island Sound Studios was originally built as the personal state-of-the-facility for renowned Japanese artist and producer Tetsuya Komuro. The 10,000-square-foot two-story facility opened in 2003 as Avex Honolulu Studios, Hawaii’s only commercial recording studio. Starting with Dr. Dre, it launched the premiere island destination for rap/hip-hop and pop superstars such as Kanye West, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Common, Beyoncéand regional greats like Henry Kapono, Kalapana and John Cruz. In 2013, Avex changed names to Island Sound Studios and it has continued to draw top artists like Mac Miller, John Legend, Empire of the Sun, Jake Shimabukuro and Eddie Vedder.
The Spicers: In 2022, Island Sound Studios was purchased by brothers Kyle and Bryan Spicer, who bring to the venture a collective 50 years of experience in the recording and film industries. For over 25 years, Kyle has been a recording artist, producer, and most recently was recording engineer for John Fogerty of CCR. Bryan has been an Executive Producer and Director for nearly 40 years, helming shows like Magnum P.I. and Hawaii 5-0. He has been supporting the film industry in Hawaii for over a decade, also owning Sight and Sound Productions and the Point Panic sound stages. Excited about the Island Sound Studios recording history, acoustic design, equipment, overall aesthetic and great potential, the Spicers have made major upgrades to pave the way for Island Sound Studios to once again be a top destination for superstars and indie artists. They have revamped the common areas, expanded the lounge, put in new floors and upgraded the computers, interfaces and analog machines.
The Two Studios: From Kanye West to Eminem, Studio A has produced some of the biggest albums in hip-hop. Designed by the Studio Bau:Ton team, the control room has the largest SSL 9000J console ever built, with 112 channels. The space is equipped with Genelec 1038A, 1031A, NS10 and TAD 5.1 house monitors with Pro Tools Ultimate. Located upstairs, Studio B features unparalleled acoustics, a large selection of preamps and outboard gear and a huge tracking room with four iso booths and sightlines that make it perfect for live band recording. It has a 96 channel SSL 9000J Console and 20 channels of vintage Neve preamps. Studer 827 24 track & 820 1/2” 2 track Analog recorders are available on request.
Aesthetics: Kyle Spicer says, “In addition to offering incredible privacy to artists, Island Sound Studios will bring out a side of your creativity like no other. Because we’re located on the marina in Hawaii Kai, those working in the studios will have beautiful views of the ocean. Hiking is easy with Koko Head in our backyard, snorkeling at Hanauma Bay is just five minutes away, and we can even take you out surfing from our own boat dock. Beyond its history of recording sessions for legends and top-level equipment and amenities, we call it a hidden gem that defies all expectations of what a studio can be. Bryan and I are excited about the studio’s future and continuing to provide the only world class private facility here on the Hawaiian Islands.”
Contact Island Sound Studios, 808-200-1822
