Sessions At Pla Open Studio Party

After months of work a new studio is unveiled

Yesterday’s unpredicted rain could not dampen the celebrations at my friend Nelson Pla’s new recording studio. In fact, it helped turn this into a two-day party. Some folks still showed up yesterday, some today. But to call this a ‘new’ studio would not be entirely true. Nelson and his brother Joe have been recording and rehearsing numerous projects here for many years. Including a stint where Nelson played drums for my band Ya-Ne-Zniyoo.

After many months of design and construction to insure sound and waterproofing, the studio as it was unveiled today was a long-time coming. Nelson took the necessary elevating of equipment off of the floor to it’s next logical point by placing everything on wheels. There is an organic use of space that utilizes every inch of floors and walls to their ultimate capacity. Even before all of this was done, a plethora of bands had worked in the studio space including Automatic Slim, The Badge, clueLess, Posterchild, Mad Happy and more.

I got to the party a little late and there were but a few revelers left. One of them was the original Ya-Ne-Zniyoo singer/bassist and my old friend Ed Zimmer who I never see anymore. This day was a virtual trip back in time with Ed, my ex-wife Laura, Nelson and I all in the same place at the same time. This is something that probably hasn’t happened since 1993 or so. For me sitting in the backyard of this house where I spent many hours thru the course of my life brought back a lot of happy memories. Especially with my ex and I trading good-hearted barbs.

There were also pleasant moments with friends Tom and Dan—who I also rarely see anymore—as we do what all geek musicians do; debate the business and talk about technological advances inspired by science fiction. Our night would end with me joining Nelson and Dan in the new lounge area of the studio to watch The Simpsons. Nelson’s brother Joe had a gig earlier in the night, but showed up in time to hang for a little bit.

The new space is complete with gadgets galore, a Mac with Pro Tools at its center and a good-luck creation from Nelson’s mom on the wall. I wish nothing but the success I’m sure Sessions At Pla will enjoy. Check my photos below.