The Palisades Fire Destroys Malibu’s Harbor Studios, Home to Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday 2

Southern California’s start to 2025 has been marked by tragedy as wildfires rage through the Los Angeles area, leaving devastation in their wake. Among the destruction caused by the Palisades Fire is Malibu’s iconic Harbor Studios, a cornerstone of the recording industry and the creative sanctuary where Nicki Minaj recorded her latest album, Pink Friday 2. The fire has reportedly destroyed over 2,000 buildings, including this historic studio, which also hosted Doja Cat during the production of her album Scarlet.

A Sanctuary Lost

Zach Brandon, the founder of Harbor Studios, shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, accompanied by a photo of the charred remains of the beloved facility. In his post, he reflected on the studio’s legacy and the deep connections it fostered within the music community.

“Named after one of the most important memories from my childhood, Harbor Studios quickly grew from a big, dreamy concept to a beloved staple in the recording industry,” Brandon wrote. “I cried this morning, but not because Harbor burned down. I cried because it settled in with me that Harbor was taken from so many artists who cared so deeply about Harbor. It was a place of musical freedom… a sanctuary in the most literal sense of the word. I loved it.”

A Storied History

Harbor Studios’ roots date back to the 1990s when it served as the recording studio for Joe Zawinul and his legendary jazz fusion group, The Weather Report. In 2008, it became the workspace for esteemed film composer Paul Dinletir, who worked on iconic scores for blockbusters like Avatar and Avengers. By 2021, it transformed into Harbor Studios under Brandon’s vision, officially opening its doors in 2022.

Since then, Harbor Studios has become a haven for some of the world’s most prominent artists, managers, and producers. Its state-of-the-art facilities and nurturing environment made it a favorite destination for creative minds in the music industry.

The Emotional Toll

In his heartfelt post, Brandon emphasized the profound emotional impact of the loss. “I started Harbor from the ground, and since its official opening in 2022, it has grown into something I never could have even tried to conceptualize. I have had the luxury of working with the world’s best and brightest artists, managers, and label execs,” he wrote. Despite the tragedy, Brandon is determined to rebuild.

A Commitment to Rebuild

Brandon announced plans to rebuild Harbor Studios, expressing confidence that the spirit of the studio remains intact. “This is not the end of Harbor. We are restarting from scratch (again)… nothing we haven’t done before,” he assured. Brandon has already begun working with the original studio builder to conceptualize the new Harbor Studios, promising a stronger and more inspired future.

“The magic that has been bestowed upon us by our clients is something that can never leave,” he stated. “It’s in the soil, it’s in the air, and it’s in our souls. We will come back stronger from this.”

Impact on the Music Industry

The loss of Harbor Studios represents more than just the destruction of a building; it’s a blow to the creative community that relied on its resources and environment. For Nicki Minaj, Doja Cat, and countless other artists, the studio was not just a workplace but a sanctuary for artistic freedom and collaboration. Its absence will undoubtedly be felt throughout the industry.

As Southern California grapples with the devastating effects of the Palisades Fire, the resilience and determination of individuals like Zach Brandon serve as a beacon of hope. Harbor Studios will rise again, ensuring its legacy continues to inspire future generations of artists.