Nashville studio served as starting point for Super Bowl halftime show
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – While the Super Bowl was held in Las Vegas, some might be surprised to find out one studio in Music City served as the starting point for the most-viewed halftime performance of all time.
About 129 million views later, Usher’s Super Bowl halftime show set an all-time viewing record, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
At the center of it all, two brothers who now call Nashville home, Bobby and Iz Avila.
“We walked off that stage with the confidence saying we gave it our best,” Iz said.
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The producing duo served as the music directors for Usher’s halftime show.
“How do we encompass everything Usher has been apart of?” asked Iz.
The brothers have worked for Usher for years, dreaming of this moment.
“It’s time to talk Super Bowl. So, I was like ‘Bro, I just got this text,'” recalled Iz after learning he would be part of one of the world’s most-watched sporting events.
Leading the charge on the halftime show, the brothers said their goal was clear.
“It’s Michael Jackson and it’s Prince and we have land somewhere in between,” said Bobby.
Once the performance was secured one Saturday in September of 2023, the brothers got to work inside a Berry Hill studio in Nashville.
“It started in the middle of the construction of this place,” said Bobby while reflecting on the early days of Soundville Studios.
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While the walls were still going up, they were preparing for the biggest performance of their life.
“We’re in Nashville, the first thing we’re getting ready to do now is the Super Bowl,” said Bobby.
Now it serves as the foundation for where Soundville Studios will go next.
“It’s the first telecast that was viewed since we landed on the moon, so now we have to go to Mars,” Bobby said.
The pair has a storied history in the industry from producing hits for Usher, Snoop Dog, Billy Ray Cyrus, and many more.
Now, they’re ready for their next chapter in Nashville.
“It’s home for us and I think that’s where we find our most comfort, working within our home,” said Bobby.
The reason is simple: Music City.
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“There’s nothing better than getting off a plane and hearing a girl sing her heart out playing acoustic,” said Iz.
The brothers hope to foster more diversity in the music business to finding the next generation of talent.
“If it’s not the Super Bowl, it’s releasing a new artist that no one has ever heard and developing that artist,” Iz told News 2.
All while finding inspiration from their performance in front of the world.
“The icing on the cake Super Bowl story for me is being able to wave to our parents in the stands,” remembered Iz.
Just one year ago, the successful duo watched the big game at home. Fast forward to 2024, and they’re not just attending, but performing on music’s biggest stage.
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“There’s all these things going through your head, but when you have that moment, you really started to appreciate the journey even more,” said Iz.
Three decades later, fresh off the biggest performance of their music career, the Avila brothers are ready for their next chapter in Music City.
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