JAKARTA - John Mayer officially took over ownership of Chaplin Studios, a historic complex in Hollywood that was once the headquarters of A&M Records and Henson Studios.
Together with director McG, Mayer poured in around 44 million US dollars or equivalent to Rp. 685 billion to maintain the sustainability of the legendary studio.
This step was taken amid concerns among Los Angeles' entertainment industry about rumors of an acquisition by another organization that would be seen as changing the function of the creative space.
For Mayer, this investment is not just a matter of business portfolio, but an emotional mission to keep the music ecosystem alive.
"This is one of those moments in life where you have to sacrifice for what you think is important, not just to brag about what you can master," John Mayer said, quoted by Variety, Wednesday, January 7.
The singer of "Gravity" admitted that he had a strong emotional attachment to the studio, since he started recording there in 2005.
Mayer emphasized that the goal is to keep the creative community that has long worked there from being divided. He wants to make sure that the staff and technicians who have been considered his family still have a place to live.
Mayer and McG's decision is financially risky. They even have to allocate an additional 9 million US dollars for renovations and facility improvements.
McG revealed that many financial consultants advised them to withdraw because it was not considered a profitable business idea. However, Mayer likened owning the studio to collecting luxury watches.
"It's like one of those watches that I really like to wear, more than just caring about the income statement or what is recorded in the books," said the 48-year-old musician.
One of the main focuses of this new ownership is to maintain the original character of the building founded by Charlie Chaplin in 1917. Mayer is obsessed with the distinctive smell of the old California studio which he thinks cannot be faked.
The name "Chaplin Studios" was chosen because it has a strong century-long historical legacy. Mayer hopes that the next generation of young musicians will still be able to feel the magic of the space where legendary albums such as Joni Mitchell's Blue were recorded.
"I want this place to be a location where when an event is held here, the address itself is an attraction to come," concluded John Mayer.
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