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HISTORY

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Island Destination for Superstars

Island Sound Studios was originally built as the personal state-of-the-art facility for renowned Japanese artist and producer "TK" 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 premier island destination for rap/hip-hop and pop superstars such as Kanye West, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Common, Beyoncé, and 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 a collective 50 years of experience in the recording and film industries to the venture. For over 25 years, Kyle has been a recording artist, producer, and most recently, the recording engineer for John Fogerty of CCR. Bryan has been an Executive Producer and Director for nearly 40 years, helming shows like "Magnum PI" 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 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.


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 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."

FEATURED

2017

2019

2019

Studio Bau: Ton

2010

Billboard Magazine listed Island Sound Studios among the top recording studios in the world 

 

Project Runaway an intimate interview of Kanye West during his return experience at the studio

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