Cody Gillette, Emerald City Studios 2001 opening in Paia- Brian Wittman at Moana Cafe

Emerald City Studios 2001 opening in Paia, Maui, Hawaii – CODY GILLETTE opens the doors; also, performing at the Moana Cafe for the occasion – BRIAN WITTMAN ! In the studio are more talented musicians of the day !!!

Summary &  transcript

[00:12 → 03:01]
Introduction and Setting at Moana Café

• The video opens with lively music and a warm, family-oriented atmosphere emphasizing themes of love and support among family members.

• The scene is set at the Moana Café, described as a beloved local spot known for good food, music, and culture.

• The host warmly welcomes guests to a party, indicating a festive and communal gathering.

• Emerald City Studios, a new cultural and artistic hub, is located adjacent to the café, promising a blend of music and cultural vibrancy in Paia.

• The invitation is extended to viewers and locals to come enjoy the café and the cultural activities.

• Desserts and pastries at the café are highlighted, indicating their popularity and appeal as part of the event.

• [03:01 → 07:25]
  Introduction to Emerald City Studios and Community Impact

• Brian and Tattoo, likely local musicians or personalities, share their excitement about performing in a familiar hometown setting.

• Nostalgic references are made to local shopping at the Akita department store, evoking community memories.

• Recognition is given to Cody, the owner of Emerald City Studios, congratulating him on the new studio space.

• Emerald City Studios is associated with Osmosis Records and themed around The Wizard of Oz, which inspires the studio’s creative branding (e.g., “Follow the Yellow Brick Road”).

• The studio is praised for its role in supporting and continuing Maui’s musical heritage, highlighting the musicians’ importance in keeping the local culture alive.

• There is mutual appreciation between community members and studio leadership for honesty, fairness, and sustained support of the arts.

• [07:25 → 13:00]
  Emerald City Studios Tour and Recording Session

• The video transitions into a tour of Emerald City Studios during a live recording session with musician Luis Diaz.

• Cody Gillette, the visionary behind the studio, is introduced as “the man behind the curtain,” referencing The Wizard of Oz theme and his role in helping artists realize their creative visions.

• The studio is described as a new arts and education center for Paia and the broader north shore region, emphasizing its multifaceted function beyond just music recording (e.g., dance, video production).

• The studio’s proximity to other creative businesses (such as video production offices) reinforces its role as a cultural hub.

• The tour highlights the studio’s welcoming environment and the opportunity it provides for local artists to develop their craft.

• [13:00 → 15:33]
  Studio Facilities and Expansion Plans

• Technical staff, including Eric Helmcamp, the chief engineer, introduces the studio’s expansion plans: a 2.5x increase in space planned for August.

• The studio is described as equipped to handle large groups, with 23 instruments reportedly used in a session, indicating its capacity for complex and diverse musical projects.

• Facilities include an isolation booth (“iso pastor”) and a control room with video closed-circuit TV, enabling high-quality recording and monitoring.

• Emerald City Studios prides itself on top-tier equipment, including one of the finest grand pianos on Maui and high-end microphones, underscoring a commitment to quality sound production.

• The family-friendly atmosphere is noted with the introduction of Cody’s young daughter, Miley, showing a multi-generational involvement in music.

• [15:33 → 19:43]
  Recording Environment and Technology

• The tour continues inside the studio’s main control room, showcasing advanced technology such as a mixing panel integrated with computer screens and outboard equipment.

• The video explains the use of tape labels on windows to track project progress and organize recording sessions, highlighting the studio’s attention to detail and workflow management.

• The studio blends traditional recording methods (e.g., analog tape) with modern digital technology to produce high-quality music.

• The ambiance is described as inspiring and professional, attracting musicians who appreciate both the technological sophistication and the welcoming environment.

• [19:43 → 21:53]
  Community and Artist Engagement

• Emerald City Studios’ opening day (“awakening day”) is celebrated as a major event for the Maui community, with broad enthusiasm for the new creative space.

• Luis Diaz, a featured musician, shares his performance schedule around the island, including appearances at Tommy Bahamas Tropical Café, The Sea Watch, and Four Seasons Lobby Bar.

• The video emphasizes the connection between the studio and live performance venues, reinforcing a vibrant local music scene.

• Luis Diaz’s daughter is also noted for her musical potential, suggesting a legacy of musical talent and mentorship.

• [21:53 → 25:06]
  Session Highlights and Studio Atmosphere

• Viewers catch glimpses of live production work, including percussion sessions and informal moments, illustrating the creative process in action.

• A playful and proud atmosphere prevails, with family members engaging and supporting each other’s musical growth.

• The studio environment is described as nurturing for both established musicians and beginners, emphasizing learning and collaboration.

• Conversations emphasize the studio’s mission to bring people together through music and magic, helping artists realize their dreams.

• [25:06 → 25:59]
  Closing Remarks and Vision

• The video closes with gratitude for the opportunity to share the studio’s story and express excitement for its future.

• Emerald City Studios and Cody Gillette are positioned as central figures in Maui’s music and cultural scene, dedicated to fostering creativity and community.

• The theme of “dream makers” is reinforced, linking the studio’s artistic mission to the broader cultural narrative of The Wizard of Oz, symbolizing hope, creativity, and transformation.

• Final musical performances and affirmations of style, family, and perseverance end the video on an uplifting and celebratory note.

Summary Table: Key Features of Emerald City Studios

Key Insights

• Emerald City Studios is a pivotal new cultural and artistic center in Paia, Maui, combining music recording with broader arts education and community engagement.

• The studio’s design and branding draw heavily on The Wizard of Ozmotif, symbolizing creativity, dreams, and magic, which aligns with its mission to support and inspire local artists.

• Expansion plans indicate growing demand and a commitment to improving facilities, enhancing the studio’s capacity to serve large ensembles and complex projects.

• Community involvement and family participation are core values, with an emphasis on nurturing talent across generations.

• The studio integrates advanced technology with traditional recording methods, ensuring high-quality production while maintaining a welcoming and inspirational environment.

• Emerald City Studios is positioned as a catalyst for cultural vitality in Maui, linking local musicians to performance venues and fostering a vibrant, collaborative music scene.

This detailed summary captures the essential elements, timeline, and atmosphere of the video content, presenting a comprehensive professional overview grounded strictly in the provided transcript.

Transcript