Island Sound Studios
When Kyle and Pamela Spicer first walked into the studio, it felt like stepping into a time capsule.
But the couple didn’t see disrepair, they saw potential.
In the heart of Hawaii Kai, the iconic Island Sound Studios has found new life under the care of Kyle and Pamela Spicer, who are committed to preserving its storied legacy while shaping its future for the next generation of musicians.
After the renowned studio was closed due to the previous owner’s reluctance to handle maintenance, Kyle and Pamela Spicer said the studio basically “fell into their lap.”
When the couple initially acquired the studio, it still had its 70s charm and outdated technology. The Spicers decided it needed an upgrade in both its professional and aesthetic fields. They took the opportunity to modernize Island Sound Studios into something of their own.
Kyle’s brother Bryan Spicer, an executive director and producer, was initially given an offer to take over the studio, but he immediately saw it as the perfect opportunity for Kyle and passed most of the responsibility to him.
As the producing hub is notable for creating historical sound for artists such as Mac Miller, Kanye West, John Legend, and more, Kyle explained that a place like this is a “pillar of and for Hawai’i,” and they felt it was their responsibility to bring it back.
Originally named “TK Disk Studio,” the label was built in 1999 for one of the most esteemed and top music producers in Japanese history. Tetsuya Komuro “TK” originally created the studio, making it Hawai’i’s first and only commercial recording studio in history. With its unique location and outstanding views from every angle, it quickly began to attract music artists.
In 2003, Avex, a Japanese entertainment company, purchased the studio and renamed it Avex Honolulu Studios.
Dr. Dre was one of the first more renowned artists to produce a record from the early Avex Studios, which overall sprouted the appeal for other rap and hip hop artists. Following Dre came other inspired musicians such as Kanye West, who notably recorded one of his most popular albums “808s & Heartbreak” at the studio. Some others who may stand out are Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Beyonce, along with more regional artists such as Henry Kapono, Kalapana, and John Cruz.
The name Island Sound Studio was developed in 2013, around 10 years after the studio was built. As it continued to bring in artists from around the globe, including Mac Miller, John Legend, and Empire of the Sun, things eventually began to slow down for the previous owners.
In early 2022, while still being owned by Avex, Island Sound Studios essentially went “cold.” The owners at the time couldn’t keep up with the required maintenance to allow the building to run–evidently leading it to the bank’s ownership.
That is when the Spicer couple came in. Later that same year, Bryan Spicer, a big figure in the Los Angeles film industry and director of Hawaii Five-0, was reached out to about the studio. They suggested that he take over as it was an important part of Hawai’i’s production legacy.
Bryan, who does not usually work with music, quickly handed the job over to his brother Kyle and sister-in-law Pamela, though he still has some ownership of it.
Kyle Spicer started his career as a rock singer after playing the drums in high school. He eventually ended up in the music industry as not only a performer, but also his band’s own personal recorder.
As Kyle got older, he began his passion of recording bands other than his own. For about five years before Island Sound Studio came to him, he worked in Los Angeles with American singer, songwriter, and guitarist John Fogerty.
“We essentially had to save Island Sound Studios,” Kyle admitted.
It wasn’t even on their radar when they got the opportunity. The studio, which was obtaining no other offers and was indefinitely repossessed by the bank, still intrigued Kyle. He decided to fly out from Los Angeles to,“check it out,” and immediately fell in love.
He felt as though it needed to be saved. The recording studio was a phenomenal resource for the state of Hawai’i, but not so much for the owners. Not many people go out of their way to record in real commercial studios anymore, especially compared to how it was in the 70s. Many smaller artists prefer their bedroom nowadays.
The Spicer couple didn’t immediately understand what a place like this means to the island. Pamela even went as far to say it is a “unicorn of a studio.”
She said that there are almost no other places like this in America where you can record with such a tropical and picturesque view, which is why it attracts so many artists.
Today, the Spicers are still getting their bearings down on their new found legacy. They helped with recording audio for the popular movie “Moana 2,” hosting various known actors and singers. They also host exclusive 21+ shows on the weekends, welcoming music lovers, mainly from Hawaii Kai, to an intimate show for local artists like Henry Kopono and more. There is even a more exclusive speakeasy that you can rent out for a whole group.
They hope to help produce more and more records as the studio so commonly did with “TK.”
Kyle spoke about how one of their favorite artists that they have worked and continue to work with is Empire of the Sun. He emphasized that they still create music in an authentic way, which he greatly prefers. The Spicers want to hone in on artists who don’t focus on catchy phrases or prioritize having trends in their music. Kyle feels more inspired by timeless bands, hoping to bring that energy back to his workplace.
The Spicers plan to run this studio for a while, hoping to build their business as high as it can go. The studio has already gone through various upgrades and remodeling constructions, creating a new and innovative place for future projects. They have already begun a strong career in the industry since 2022, and plan for it to only keep on growing.