I have some special thank yous I need to say after receiving Studio Engineer of the Year at the Hamilton Music Awards.
Dan Achen taught me that every tracking session, every overdub, and every mix is a learning experience. Dan showed me how to listen to an artist’s needs, and to put those needs ahead of my own.
Ed Hutchison gave me my first real studio job. Ed ran a studio and was the electronics instructor at Harris Institute when I was there. Early in my career Ed handed me a mixing job with a very demanding client. He challenged my skills and made me a better engineer.
My parents, Bill and Nancy Chambers, helped me buy my first 4-track cassette recorder when I was 16. My mom took time off work to drive me to piano lessons every week. My dad taught me “sound-on-sound” recording on a reel-to-reel tape machine. He let me play his vintage Telecaster at high school gigs. They let me make a lot of noise and record a lot of music in their basement.
Kathleen Farley met me the summer I got my 4-track and she’s still with me today. Kathleen is my best friend, and I can always trust her to give me honest feedback. Kathleen made it possible for me to devote so much of my time to recording music without having to worry about paying the bills.
Thanks to all the musicians who have filled my life with great music.
