A CANADIAN PRODUCER ’ S Perspective on Working in the Iconic U . K . Recording Facility
By Andrew King
PHOTO : JADEN D . the summer of 2017 , I ’ m of Vintage – commonly abbreviated IOV – added its name to an impressive and extensive list of artists that includes more than its fair share of musical luminaries and legends .
To cut their upcoming sophomore full-length release , the bluesy Brantford , ON-based rock outfit and a team of collaborators travelled across the Atlantic to the iconic Abbey Road Studios . Even being granted the opportunity to record in the hallowed facility is a feat unto itself , considering the competitive and nearly six-month application process .
Once accepted , the band embarked on a journey of raising money and generating support from its local community through fundraising concerts , crowdfunding campaigns , and a lot more . Much of this work , plus the subsequent trip to and time at the studio , was captured in filmmaker Joshua Furman ’ s documentary , Long Road to Abbey Road .
Along for the ride was Canadian producer , songwriter , and musician Andre Kaden Black , who was tapped to produce the forthcoming collection . With nearly 20 years in the music industry , Black has racked up an impressive résumé . He ’ s performed internationally with the likes of Alicia Keys and OneRepublic , recorded with platinum-selling artist Fefe Dobson , developed artists including breakout star Francesco Yates , and is part of a songwriting team that also includes Our Lady Peace ’ s Duncan Coutts and Frankie Whyte and submits top lines for Sony / ATV while also specializing in artist development .
Professional Sound had the chance to sit down with Black and get his unique perspective as a producer working at the most important and revered recording studio in the world .
Andre Kaden Black
PS : First off , tell me about how you first hooked up with IOV , and what initially drew you to the band and this project .
AKB : It all began during a phone conversation with a good friend of mine , Joshua Furman . Josh is an avid and talented filmmaker and photographer who has worked on set with many artists , such as Muse and Hillary Duff . He told me the news that he was hired to shoot a documentary for a band called IOV from Brantford , Ontario , recoding their second release . He explained to me about the band ’ s journey to record at the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London . After congratulating him on landing this once-in-a-lifetime project , I asked him who was producing the record , and that ’ s when he told me that they were in the middle of shopping for one . Josh mentioned that I would be a perfect fit for their sound and asked me to listen to their demos and get back to the band ’ s vocalist , Darren [ Gooder ], if I was interested in booking a meeting .
After listening to their raw demo tracks , I decided to book a meeting to see if the band and I clicked creatively . What I enjoyed about this project was the fact that the group wasn ’ t trying to follow any particular popular music trends ; they just write and play music that inspires them . I also felt that they needed some sort of guidance preparing for this recording , being the band ’ s first major investment in their music .
PS : What informed the decision to try and cut this record at Abbey Road ? Considering the lengthy approval process , I ’ d have to think you were all particularly dedicated to making this work .
AKB : I actually wasn ’ t involved in the decision process . I was hired to work with the band only after they were approved and made the choice to track at Abbey Road Studios – which is even more impressive . They worked very hard to make this happen . Several local restaurants and bars were sponsoring them financially and helping in any way they could to make the process easier on the band . They also put on a few “ Road to Abbey Road ” [ fundraising ] shows , selling tickets along with giveaways to help entice the community ’ s support to be a part of this journey with them . Working with as many bands as I do every year , it was really inspiring to see all the time , commitment , and hard work the band put in to making their dream become a reality . Any type of obstacle we ran into as a team , the band handled it professionally .
PS : Between the band members themselves and other collaborators , how many were you that travelled to the U . K . for this project ?
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