Live music is taking centre stage at Langley's Endoplasmic Entertainment, a facility set up by Nathan Kliem to give local talent a place to play and practice. CREDIT: Erin Mckay/Langley Advance News

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Nathan Kliem had an idea for a new business, and did everything in his power to make it a reality.

He went to school, took self-employment courses, and developed a business plan.

But when the young man from Langley approached bankers for a loan, he was turned down because his plan "didn't fit their business models."

Kliem wanted to build a studio where musicians could rehearse and perform, and in the future, record.

And he did.

Kliem finally got a loan - half of what he needed - worked hard for the extra cash, and now operates Endoplasmic Entertainment.

Located in a warehouse at 6011 - 196A St., next to Wendy's on Fraser Hwy., Endoplasmic was opened last July.

Although it took a few months to get going, business at the studio doubled each month through November, December, and January.

"We're starting to develop a Langley scene," said Kliem, an R.E. Mountain Secondary School grad who recognized that most rehearsal studios and live venues are located north of the Fraser River.

Langley is home to many musicians - and potential audience members - and Kliem felt the community should have its own facility.

Kliem has built two large, bright rehearsal rooms in the warehouse, set up a stage, and is now offering all-ages concerts spotlighting local bands such as Beer for Breakfast, Lithium, Dysfunctional, Satchmo and Devious.

As well, Sean Kennedy tapes his counter-culture rants for his Internet TV show at Endoplasmic, which last year hosted a clinic with guitar legend Jennifer Batten.

Kliem, an audio engineer who works for Sportsnet, TSN, and ESPN, also hopes to build a recording studio at his facility.

"We're getting a ton of referrals from Tom Lee and Long and McQuade," said Kliem, who has given his clients the convenience of booking rehearsal space on-line at http://www.endoplasmic.com/.

It's all part of his plan to meet the needs of local musicians, some of whom are gaining attention on an international scale.

Default, which is touring with Evanescence and recently taped an episode of the Carson Daly show, has been rehearsing in Endoplasmic. Members of the band attended Walnut Grove Secondary School, and knew Kliem from their days of playing football as teenagers.

A Beatles tribute band, a U2 cover band, and death metal musicians all rehearse at the studio, which Kliem said is open to all kinds of music, from country to pop.

Kliem, who has a master's degree in Recording Arts, also wants to start recording live shows by the end of the year.

Later this month, Endoplasmic will help musicians and public speakers gain more confidence on stage when it hosts a microphone and speech seminar.

The event will be held Saturday, Feb. 28, at 1 p.m.

Call 604-534-1098.