PROFILE
Andre Kaden Black
By Andrew King
A
ndre Kaden Black considers
himself lucky to be able to guide
talented artists and musicians
to success in one of the most
difficult industries to find it. “I’m
constantly reminded of the people who saw
potential in me as a young artist trying to fol-
low my dreams and aspirations,” he says, “and
love being able to pay that forward.”
Black has encountered many of those
types of figures throughout his varied music
career thus far. Born in Hamilton, ON and
raised between Negril, Jamaica and several
communities in Canada, Black recalls that,
following his parents’ divorce, “There were
times at home that weren’t great and times
that were downright awful.”
He found solace in music as a teenager,
totally immersing himself in Hamilton and
Burlington’s thriving scenes and observing
and learning from those around him. “Music
was essentially a safe escape for me grow-
ing up,” he says candidly. “I don’t know who
I would be if it hadn’t been for my challeng-
ing upbringing. The hardship has definitely
played a large role in making me who I am
that nothing else ever could – in a very posi-
tive and constructive way.”
At 16, he auditioned for an established
band with more experienced musicians.
“Less than a year later, we signed with the
prestigious Chris Smith Management agency
that led to heavy artist development. Balanc-
ing school and a tight touring and recording
schedule, being at home became an increas-
ingly rare occurrence.”
He spent the majority of his 20s touring
globally with various major label bands, in-
cluding the likes of Alicia Keys, One Republic,
Jason Mraz, and Simple Plan. Following his
stint performing with platinum-selling Cana-
dian artist Fefe Dobson in 2009, though, he
started shifting his focus towards music pro-
duction, songwriting, and artist development.
Joining an elite group of peers like
Drake’s main collaborator, Noah “40” Shebib,
and artist/producer Saukrates, he benefitted
from the direct mentorship of Noel “Gadget”
Campbell, with whom he worked closely
developing new artists for Chris Smith Man-
agement’s 21 Entertainment Group imprint.
Next, he joined forces with songwriter
Frankie Whyte and Our Lady Peace bassist
Duncan Coutts to form a writing team that
collaborates regularly with Sony/ATV Music
Publishing Canada – an arrangement that
continues to this day. He’s also been working
alongside friend and fellow producer/mix
engineer Tal “Dr. V” Vaisman of late, output-
ting nearly 20 records and dozens of singles
while propelling artists along in their careers.
Boasting such a varied career and list of
accomplishments, Black has no shortage of
professional highlights to share from over
the years. Arguably the most significant,
though, is also one of the most recent: his trip
to London for sessions at the iconic Abbey
Road Studios with Ontario rock outfit IOV
(as chronicled in the October 2017 issue of
Professional Sound).
“What really keeps me interested in and
enthusiastic about my career are the incred-
ibly talented people I’m fortunate to work
alongside,” he says, sharing some credit.
“Surrounding myself with likeminded, posi-
tive people is very important to me and the
work we put out.”
Black currently resides in Toronto’s Distill-
ery District with his fiancée, Elizabeth April.
While work takes up the majority of both of
their time, when they’re off the clock and
together, they like to keep active. “Whether
it’s snowboarding, hiking, or yoga, physical
Andrew King is the Editor-in-Chief of Professional Sound.
20 PROFESSIONAL SOUND
activity is important to both of us,” he says.
“I’m also a big fan of basketball and follow
the NBA closely each season.” The two also
have their hands full with wedding planning,
expecting to tie the knot sometime in 2019.
When he finds mental stimulation is
at its peak, he strives to keep his chakras
aligned by practicing meditation – ideally
every other day.
So far, maintaining a positive attitude and
optimistic outlook has been critical to his
success in the studio and the music industry
in general. While that can sometimes be a
challenge, often, all he has to do is remind
himself that he’s lucky enough to get to cre-
ate and enhance art for a living.
And while he enjoys collaborating closely
with specific artists, helping them along to
the next stages of their careers, lately, he’s
also relished in the opportunity to share his
knowledge with a wider range of budding
musicians and industry professionals at
conferences and workshops.
“To me, it’s less about calculating an an-
swer and more about exploring a feeling or
overall vibration,” he says about his approach
to his work. “I’m privileged to help other fel-
low songwriters and musicians follow their
passion on their path to success.”
Call it a matter of returning the favour.