IN STUDIO: Brett Humber and Sound Foundry Studios

Here's our final entry on this little "In-Studio" series. There are other producers and studios, but these are the ones who got back to me in time. It's received some tremendous feedback and I'm looking to republish a variant version in next month's WAMM, so look out for that too!

Brett Humber
Sound Foundry Studios
1567 McCain Sd. Rd.
(519) 566-4376
soundfoundrystudios@hotmail.com

As a long time member of one of Windsor's earliest alternative rock bands, Area 51, Brett Humber has seen trends come and go and used that knowledge to become one of the area's most sought after producers. With his Sound Foundry Studios (co-founded with partner Chris Pistagnesi), Humber has carved out a reputation as a producer who is unafraid to work on new challenges, be it the raw metal power of bands like Arkayic Revolt or Lunacy, to the punk of Blurt or Windsor's legendary Sewing With Nancie (who went on to become The Reason). But he's also spread his diversity with bands like Windsor's Celtic mainstays Tartan Army, the roots and twang of The Silvertones and the fiery angst of Explode When They Bloom, easily one of Windsor's fastest rising stars in not only the local music scene, but beyond.

What prompted you to start recording bands?
Brett: My love of music and the creative process that goes into recording. Also my

love of technology and being a "gear geek".

What is your niche? By that I mean, what do you specialize that sets you apart from the other producers?
Brett: I approach every project as a unique situation. I attempt to stay out of the way and capture the sound the artist is creating. I only influence the sound when I feel a suggested change can improve the overall sound/style/vibe that the artist is trying to communicate.
Who are you working with right now?
Brett: The Rowley Estate, Blurt, A Point in 7, and Explode When They Bloom

Is there anyone locally right now that you'd love to work with but haven't yet?
Brett: Monolith and StereoGoesStellar

How do you see the recording industry surviving with the increasing DIY recording that seems to be emerging of late?
Brett: The commercial recording studio has become an endangered species. I believe the days are over for a pure music recording studio. In my opinion it is all about being a valuable asset as a creative collaborator. It’s about managing low overhead and owning some great tools that allow you to assist the artist in achieving their vision. It’s about being open to the new technologies, and offering your trained ears to the DIY. Protools may have replaced the mega recording studios of the past, but a Qualified Producer can never be replaced.

A Sample of Sound Foundry's Discography

• Arkayic Revolt Undead Man Walking EP (2009)
• Blurt Winter EP (2008)
  
• Bombs Bombs Over Windsor EP (2009)
  
• Explode When They Bloom As The Animals Make Their Way Through The Crowds (2008)
  
• Focal Point What You Control (2005)
  
• Lunacy Time Is The Enemy (2007)
  
• My Son My Son Sounds Like An Adventure (2008)
• The Run Atlantic Somewhere in Autumn (2006)
  
• Sewing With Nancie Take A Look At Yourself (2002)
  
• The Silvertones New Hi-Fi Westernbilly Styles, Vol. 1 (2006)
  
• Tartan Army Tartan Army (1999)
  
• Tyburn Tree Parliament of Trees (2009)
  

What Other Local Musicians Have Said:

Jay Ouellette, Explode When They Bloom:

Brett Humber has been one of the main reasons our band has accomplished anything. His ability to take even the most extreme sounds and make them listenable, even radio ready is incredible. Not only is his knowledge of production, of the gear he uses and just the recording process altogether untouchable, his connections he makes with the artist he works with really allows a new musician to feel comfortable. Very quickly I felt empowered and able to take on bolder ideas just because of the positive atmosphere he sets. I would not be the musician I am today without him.

Joey Acott, Blurt:

Brett is a great dude. He isn't just the guy who runs the control board and tells you 'you guys suck', but he's also a friend. He'll hangout and tell you dirty stories, show you his balls and go out to eat with you (in that order). He makes going to the studio way more fun than it should be. One time, he let me record a bass track completely naked. His sister then showed up and walked into the room and everyone laughed at me. She was real cool with it because she knows what goes on in the studio. She said it wasn't the first time she's seen a naked boy in Brett's studio, but it was the first time recording was in session.