IN STUDIO: Martin Bak and SLR Studios

Every day this week, I'm going to try and profile a different locally owned and operated studio and producer and show you some of the work they've done. This is just a tidbit of info to point you in a direction if you're planning on recording something this year and aren't sure who to turn to!

Martin Bak
SLR (Sound Labs Recording) Studio
5959 Roosevelt St.
Windsor, Ontario
(519) 890-7577
info@slr-studios.com

If Windsor had one producer to wear the label "hit-maker", Martin Bak would probably be it. He's managed to corner the market on slick, radio-friendly production that tightens up the edges of any genre and delivers a package that's ready to hit rock radio, the hottest hip-hop joints, or the charts of new rock alternative. He's worked with arguably the most successful bands to emerge from Windsor's alternative rock scene in the past few years, first with break-outs like Ashes of Soma and One Man's Opinion (who are both now in steady rotation both in Canada and across in the U.S.), as well as other powerhouse local staples as Inoke Errati, MicLordz & Sauce Funky, Credible Witness (who are on the reality show DisBAND on MuchMusic), and the transformed Richy Nix. But he's not just limited to solidfying solid production and big hooks for the alt. rock crowd - he's worked such diversity as the introspective, layered lushness of Foreign Film Star to local hip-hop stars like Jae Cyphe and Krimson. And to top it all off, he's also an active member of the local alternative rock community, playing drums in such scene favourites as PlusMinus-X.

What prompted you to start recording bands?
Martin: Well I first started off recording hip-hop when I was in high school. Popularity grew and more and more new clients started appearing and loving the work I do. Word got out and bands started calling me off the hook and booking in sessions. Working with bands is very hands on and a lot of fun. There is so much creativity that can go into each song and every project/song is different! I guess that is what makes my job so exciting and attracts me even more to it, especially working with bands. A lot of the people I work with don't just love the sound I give them, but the input on their material I give. I try to be a musical coach to all of my clients and guide them in the right direction for what they're trying to accomplish musically whether they want to get on the radio and play music for a living, or just do it for fun of it.

What is your niche? By that I mean, what do you specialize that sets you apart from the other producers?
Martin: I work with many genres of music from hip-hop to heavy metal, and having that knowledge and years of experience gives me an edge. I can combine certain aspects from different styles of music and make it something new, modern, and fresh. My most basic duty here at SLR Studios is being a producer/engineer/mixer. This is what most bands expect out of me. I also have 10 years experience playing the drums and guitar which helps when guiding musicians in the studio on drum patterns/fills, guitar playing and song structure.

Who are you working with right now?
Martin: Credible Witness, The Pounds, Johnny Rocca, Richy Nix, Citizen Erased, Contagious, Kai Marcus (Methods of Mayhem, Econoline Crush), Sincerely Beloved, I Am The Vine, Tom Brough

Is there anyone locally right now that you'd love to work with but haven't yet?
Martin: I would just love to work with anyone else who has not worked with me before who has talent and is serious about making music. I love all styles of music. Good music is good music.

How do you see the recording industry surviving with the increasing DIY recording that seems to be emerging of late?
Martin: Well our studio is not affected by that in a bad way. The artists who are serious about music and want a professionally recorded CD, want to get on the radio, want to make a career out of their music, etc.... they will come to a professional facility such as ours. It's ok to do demo yourself at home, but in the end when you're shopping around to A&R Excutives and record labels, woudn't you want your musical art to shine at it's best with the help of engineers and producers who have their plethora of vintage studio gear, guitar amps, drums, etc.. . We are professionals here at the studio, we do this for a living. Anyone can buy a microphone, M-box and plug it into their computer and get some decent sounds, but the thing these people don't have is the years of experience and a trained ear!!! and of course the gear helps :) A $200 microphone compared to a $4000 microphone is a pretty big jump both in quality and price.

A Sample of Martin Bak's Discography

• Ashes of Soma Exit 674 (2005)
  
• Credible Witness TBA (2009)
  
• Foreign Film Star Dim The Lights and Leave for a Better Place (2007)
• Inoke Errati The Wink and The Gun (2007)
• Intra Meridian TBA (2009)
  
• Living in Armor Dressed in Lies (2009)
  
• MicLordz & Sauce Funky Sunset Ammunition (2008)
  
• Richy Nix TBA (2009)
  
• One Man's Opinion One Man's Opinion (2007)
  
• Shot Down Stars Demos (2008)
  
• Time Time EP (2009)

What Other Local Musicians Have Said:

Jake Van Dongen, Inoke Errati:

Marty was a wizard when it came to manipulating the sound.We were able to go in, and just tell him, "we want THIS sound" or "more like THAT" and he tweaked knobs, repositioned mics, researched albums that we had told him we like the way they sounded. And he got what we needed to be happy. We enjoyed every moment of recording The Wink and the Gun, and even learned alot about the whole process. I would highly recommend Marty and SLR. Marty is fast and precise, most likely it'll be you who slows the process. So: KNOW YOUR SHIT AND PRACTICE TO A CLICK BEFORE you go in to record. It'll save time, money and headaches. But hell, if you go in sloppy, you'll get just that. And I'm sure Marty will still gladly take your money haha.

Tyrone Buccione, Time:

"Marty is only 22 and he's one of the most disciplined and professional guys i've ever met, we all thought he was at least 27. He's extremely easy to work with and suggests very good input. He's got like 4 bands on the radio because his end product is exactly what the big wigs like Universal are pumping out. Marty's also a really cool dude, shoots the shit, parties etc. He'll come out to see his bands, he'll come to a practice to your house and talk to you about what he sees... really makes you feel important and that he's going to work very hard for you at a reasonable price. I know he's been working with the producer who did Breaking Benjaman's stuff in New Jersey and he's supposed to go back and work with him again, but he's literally always booked 3 months in advance so it's difficult for him... he's definitely headed for the big leagues man."