WELCOME
Chemical Sound is a professional recording studio located in downtown Toronto known for its cool, vintage analog sound. We offer a warm and relaxed vibe with a spacious live room that has 20' ceilings, a rare collection of vintage condenser and ribbon microphones, tons of outboard gear, vintage tube amps & keyboards, EMT plate reverb, as well as an original first-generation API console.
UPDATES . . .
SUMMER 2011 :: THE MILLWINDERS, CHRIST VS.
KRISHNA, MODERN SUPERSTITIONS, and more.
The Millwinders came to us with a vision, they wanted a classic rockabilly sound with just a hint of newness. So we took a focused, minimal approach. We had a single mic on each member (even drums!) and kept everything analog. The album takes full advantage of our old ribbon microphones, tape deck, and console, to create a punchy, grainy sound. This record is some of Jay's best production work to date.
A big project we wrapped up this year was Pank Baggas' (aka "Christ Vs. Krishna" ) full length. This project was done in parts over many sessions. Pank had a specific vision for his songs, and we helped by playing and arranging things when needed. You can hear Dean and Jay's guitar playing, drumming, and other skills on this release.
This season we got to work with producer Brian Borcherdt on the new Modern Superstitions record. These guys (and girl) were great to work with. We had a lot of fun, and you can check out a preview of the awesome new record on their website!
Mike Legere is a talented multi-instrumentalist that plays in a number of bands with his friends. We worked on his record over a number of months this past year. The ensuing record is a thoughtful collection of songs.
Pkew, Pkew, Pkew worked on their latest here at the studio. We think this video sums it up best.
We have also been working with a bunch of local talent like The Hypnotics, Cheap Speakers, From East to Exit, The Big Ups, and Wendy Leung, to name a few.
WINTER 2010 / 11 :: VISTAVISION, YUKON CIGAR,
EIGHT BIT TIGER, IAN BLURTON, and more.
Even though Vistavision have yet to release their first recording we have a long history with these three guys. We know JM from Key Witness; Andrew from Wendy Leung; and Dave from Key Witness, Wendy Leung, & Boys Who Say No. So it was no surprise that Vistavision came into the studio and did an excellent job. As producer, Dean was so confident about the band that he had them play live together on tape. The result is a really unique and organic record, watch for it.
The second Yukon Cigar record was finished recently as well. Craig has a distinct voice, and it's exciting to hear his songs get a little more upbeat. Also, the production on this one has gotten bigger, with a lot of sounds in there to enjoy.
Our friends Erik and Kent made the trip from Chicago again. This time we focused on getting that perfect, acoustic, dance groove that they have been promoting under the name Eight Bit Tiger. We're really looking forward the official release of this one. These guys are great musicians, and cool to work with.
Of course, we also spent many days with our favorite producer Ian Blurton. We added the signature (heavy) Blurton sound to new songs by Little Foot Long Foot, Bella Clava, Swords, and others. On top of that is a recording of Ians' band C'mon where we used ribbon microphones placed at a distance from the drum kit. The result is so awesomely vintage heavy you'll flip!
The Russian band Everything Is Made In China can't always travel to Canada every time they need a recording, but they were able to send us a new song to mix. It's the first time we've heard them sing in Russian, and it sounds totally cool.
Furthermore, we worked with a bunch of local talent. Of note, a track by Will Currie & The Country French, now available for free on their web site.
SUMMER 2010 :: SHARON JONES & THE DAP-KINGS,
THE BLACK KEYS, TOKYO POLICE CLUB,
DILLY DALLY, RIVAL BOYS
It was a pleasure to have Gabriel Roth and his crew in the studio. Of course, we here are big fans of the Dap-Tone sound. They print vinyl and they make records like they did back the heyday of Mowtown. Needless to say, Gabriel fit right in at Chemical, and we had a blast.
The Black Keys were awesome. They came in and tracked a slew of songs in a single day, straight to tape, live! Their Chemical sessions may go down in history as the heaviest thing they've ever done.
Our friends Tokyo Police Club took time out of their busy tour schedule to record a live acoustic session at the studio.
And TPC singer, Dave Monks, also came in to help produce the first EP by his sisters' new band Dilly Dally. Katie Monks and her band sound as fresh as can be. Dilly Dally is sure to turn your ear.
We've also continued our work with Rival Boys, they now have a wonderfully warm full length record taped.
