Trina Nadeau, cellist for Ophelia Syndrome, is featured in the current issue of Canadian Musician magazine. The article examines the importance of music education, and the positive impact it can have in a person’s life. Congratulations Trina!

In related news, Ophelia Syndrome is raising funds to promote their latest release, All Things Forgotten. The band will be recording and filming an intimate concert at Catherine North in March. The full-length video will be shared exclusively with fans who support this fund raising effort. The band is also in the process of booking a European tour this summer.

Big Wreck’s video for “Albatross” is out now. The video was shot here at Catherine North during the week between Christmas and New Year’s. That meant we had to take down all our holiday decorations (including the tree) on Boxing Day. Apparently, the Christmas theme wasn’t right for “Albatross.” I will admit, the mirrors are much cooler than the fake holly, garland and multi-coloured lights we had around the studio.

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Our very own Michael Chambers (aka moon:and:6) received the 2011 Studio Engineer of the Year awards at the Hamilton Music Awards.

We’ve had a great year at Catherine North recording and mixing records with Whitehorse, The Coppertone, Ophelia Syndrome, Mike Vial, and more. It feels great to have our work recognized by the music community here in Hamilton.

Congratulations to all the other winners and nominees at this year’s Hamilton Music Awards. Thank you to the organizers and all the volunteers who helped make this year’s event a success.

Mike Vial was back at Catherine North this fall to record a new four song EP. Where the Sand Meets the Tide is now available as a free download from mikevial.com/free.

I had over 100 downloads in the first few hours of my Facebook announcement Tuesday, and I’m excited to get this music out there! —Mike Vial

We’re excited to get this music out there too! Marcone and I had a great time working on this one.

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Count to Fire recorded their album In Another Life at Catherine North Studios with Colin Cripps, Michael Chambers (me) and Dan Hosh. “I’m The Man You Need” was my favourite song during the tracking sessions. There was just something about the feel or the melody or the combination that made this track stand out. Enjoy.

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Today The Coppertone released the official video for “You’re The One” from the new EP, Hymns for the Hollow. The EP was recorded and mixed here at Catherine North. The MCI JH-24 2-inch analogue tape machine was used again for this record. Recorded at 15-ips (with no noise reduction) the sound is thick and dirty. The EP was engineered and co-produced by moon:and:6.

Available on blue vinyl from Dine Alone Records, or digitally via iTunes.

Whitehorse is Luke Doucet and Melissa McClelland’s new musical project. We had the pleasure of working with them recording and mixing the EP here at Catherine North. The EP was mixed by Michael Chambers (credited as moon:and:6). Also, Dan Hosh worked with Luke and Melissa tracking at their home studio. Take a listen to the tracks featured in the trailer for a taste of the record.

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From the band’s website:

Six Shooter Records’ Melissa McClelland and Luke Doucet tie the musical knot with the debut of their new band, Whitehorse, marrying their talent and chemistry on stage as an undeniably smoldering duo.

Individually, they have been recognized with awards and nominations from the Juno Awards, the Canadian Folk Music Awards, the Hamilton Music Awards, the Independent Music Awards and the Polaris Prize.

On Thursday, May 26 we started container gardening at the studio. It’s mostly hot peppers and herbs, and it’s going to be yummy (and spicy). Kathleen and Tristan did most of the work, and I took the photos.

With the release of City and Colour’s new album “Little Hell” on June 7, the internet has been buzzing with teaser videos and song previews. Here’s what’s out there right now. Hopefully this will hold everyone over until June.

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City and Colour – Fragile Bird features Spirits’ Nick Skalkos on drums.

City and Colour – Northern Wind features The Rest’s Anna Jarvis on cello.

Little Jackie Wright has released their first “official music video.” Long Ride is the title track of the band’s debut EP that was released last year. Parts of the video were shot at Catherine North. Enjoy.

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