www.richardchycki.net

Rush in Hollywood, Trivium

2008-06-29T21:27:00.008-04:00

Hi all,

Finally, Rush is getting their spot recognized in entertainment history with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! Pretty cool stuff but uuuhhh, no Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame?? Hmmm ....

As well, I was mixing a track for Roadrunner Records' artist Trivium. Their version of 'Iron Maiden' will be appearing on an upcoming Iron Maiden tribute CD as a dedication to Maiden's huge industry success.

More news to follow soon!

Be well,

R.

Foo Fighters w/ Page & Jones

2008-06-14T18:15:00.010-04:00

Hi all,

So my good friend Nick Raskulinecz calls me up and insists that I whip over to London to hop in the recording truck with him 'cause there's a 'small' gig happening June 7 .... in fact, it was the Foo Fighters rockin' out to +87,000 fans in Wembley Stadium. If that wasn't awesome enough, Jimmy Page and JP Jones get up with the Foos and do a smokin' version of Rock n Roll and Ramble On. A lot of flying but man, what a wicked show to experience!

After three weeks at #1, Needtobreathe is still charting very well, holding in the top 5 of both the Christian CHR and AC charts.

That's all for now.

Be well,

R.

Catch Up Time!

2008-05-24T15:44:00.015-04:00

Hi all,

It has been soooooo busy that I've been remiss in posting here regularly. So, contrary to rumors of my being abducted by aliens, here's what's been going on ...

Atlantic's Needtobreathe is sitting at #1 again this week. As well, Skillet made it all the way to #2 with Live Free, a song I recorded and mixed for them in Chicago some time ago. I do love seeing bands chart and chart well! Congrats guys!

The Junos were a blast! It's always nice to pick up a nod for thousands of hours of work ;-) Of course, it was great to hang out with friends, including Kevin Churko who won the Juno for best engineer for his outstanding work with Ozzy.

Back in the land we call Rush, the double CD of Snakes & Arrows Live has been completed and released with the DVD audio of the same currently in production. As well, I've also completed a live mix of Limelight for a cameo appearance Rush is making in an upcoming film production.

Remember Scarlet Sins? I produced their CD a while back -- kinda metal, kinda heavy rock but definitely not a typical 'chick-rock' band. Well lo and behold, the buzz around the band has been impressive and they're moving on to the next level. I'll update you asap but rest assured, it's a very cool 'hard work brings rewards' success story.

There aren't a whole lot of products I endorse. But one of the workhorse pieces of audio software I use is from McDSP. They've posted a blurb about yours truly here with corresponding ads placed in several international audio publications starting in June.

In March, the music world lost an amazing talent. After a lifelong battle with cancer, 41 year old Jeff Healey passed away. He was reputed as an acclaimed jazz and rock guitarist of rare ability who had a wicked sense of humor and a generous nature. I recorded several CD's with Jeff and can say without hesitation that he was an unbelievable talent. Once again, it's time to count blessings.

Be well!

R.

Juno Awards, Grammy nod for Rush

2008-02-07T11:40:00.003-05:00

Hi all,

A while ago, I was in Chicago working with a talented artist on Atlantic Records called Skillet. 'Live Free' is a song I recorded and mixed for them and has broken the top 10 on the RR Christian rock chart in a scant 4 weeks, sitting comfortably at #6. Will they go to #1??? Stay tuned. They're an amazing bunch of people, Skillet is endlessly touring and seeing some great success, including Grammy nominations. You can learn more about Skillet here.

Once again, Rush is nominated for a Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental Performance, this time for the song Malnar (Malignant Narcissism) from Snakes & Arrows. This is their fifth nomination in this category.

I'm honored to be nominated for a Juno Award here in Canada for Engineer of the Year for my work on Rush's Snakes & Arrows and Dolores O'Riordan's Are You Listening?. The Junos are televised live from Calgary, Alberta on April 6.

Bravewords.com has posted a blurb about the Juno nod here. Thanks Carl!

Be well,

R.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T23:55:00.003-05:00

Hi all,

Well, another year is upon us. Looking back, 2007 was simply tremendous! Projects to pass through the mix room here include an MVI from Rush, plus releases from Dolores O'Riordan, Simple Plan, Needtobreathe, remixes of Skillet & Funeral For a Friend and more. We had an Icon console installed, thanks to your continued belief and support plus our dedication to good sound! Keep spreading the word -- over 35,000 hits on the richardchycki.com website. You're all awesome!!

We had the opportunity to mix Simple Plan's live New Year's performance in New York which was broadcast internationally on YouTube. If you missed it, here's a link to the show:

2008 is already shaping up to be killer! We have exciting projects in queue that we'll update you with as soon as we can and some expansion plans to serve more clients even better! Have an amazing New Year!

Be well,

R.

New Rush DVD and more ...

2007-11-27T08:47:00.000-05:00

Hi all,

As mentioned by Neil Peart and reiterated by countless Rush-fan blogs, a new Rush DVD is in the works chronicling the latest Snakes & Arrows tour. I'm excited to be part of the team once again and hope you all enjoy the final result! Pic attached of the audio crew aboard the mobile studio in Rotterdam earlier this fall:

After 21 weeks on the charts, rockers Needtobreathe are still burning it up with their first single 'Signature of Divine' in the top 3 at Christian CHR radio!

The Deluxe edition of Skillet's Comatose CD will include a song I recorded and mixed called 'Live Free'. I've also remixed a track from the Comatose CD for their next single release.

Other current mixes on the desk here at the studio include acoustic remixes for the increasingly popular Simple Plan.

The renowned metalzine Brave Words did a piece about the production and mixing work done here at the studio and my guitaring past. It will be featured in the January 2008 issue of Brave Words magazine. You can read the article online here.

Finally, today is a day to celebrate a great life. Friend Ray Wallace passed away early this morning from complications resulting from a brain aneurysm he suffered on November 15. A fixture in the Toronto music scene for as many years as I can remember, Ray's perma-smile and selflessness will live on in the memories of those who cherished his friendship and good nature. If we could all live so well .... RIP Ray. Thanks to Brave Words for the photo.

Be well, be thankful!

R.

Needtobreathe is #1

2007-10-04T13:22:00.000-04:00

Hi all,

I mixed Needtobreathe for Atlantic Records earlier this year. They are currently enjoying much success, with their single 'Yahweh' reaching #1 on the RR Christian AC chart this week! You can learn more about NTB on their website at www.needtobreathe.net.

As well, I've wrapped up production and mixing for Libra Records' Eldorado. Keep an eye out for it in the Spanish and Latin American markets. More news soon!

Be well!

R.

Spain, Icon

2007-09-20T15:18:00.000-04:00

Hi all,

I just got back from Madrid after a whirlwind 3 weeks of producing and recording Spain's renowned Eldorado. I brought the masters back to Canada for mixing at my facility, to be completed shortly.

The Icon console is fully installed (except for some patchbay work) and rocking nicely. Much more music in the pipe so stay tuned for more updates soon!

Be well!

R.

Rush in Atlanta, Dolores Singles

2007-06-17T09:34:00.000-04:00

Hi all,

After completing single remixes and edits for Dolores O'Riordan and some mix work for Funeral For A Friend, it was time to get away for a few days so I took a quick trip to Atlanta to see the final stage rehearsal and the inaugural show for Rush's world tour.

The guys played and sounded great! It was so gratifying to see the songs that started as simple demos come to life complete with huge videos and Hearns' intense lighting. Amazing! Here's a side stage shot I took during the second set:

The Rush surround MVI is due out any time. I'm anxious to see the final product.

More to come soon -- stay tuned!

Be well.

R.

Rush's Snakes & Arrows on Billboard

2007-05-13T20:04:00.000-04:00

Hi all,

I've been receiving kind emails from around the world regarding the recording and mixing of Snakes & Arrows. Thanks so much ....

First week out, S&A has entered at #1 on the Rock and Alt charts on Billboard, #2 on the internet chart and #3 on the venerable Billboard Top 200 chart.

Producer Nick Raskulinecz came up to my studio to oversee the finals of the 5.1 mix of Snakes & Arrows, which I understand is due for release in June. Aside from the obvious benefits of hearing the album in surround, audiophiles will enjoy the 96k PCM audio for the stereo portion, taken from the one inch analog stereo mix masters.

Some studio expansion news is in the making as well as a number of new projects, details of which to follow soon.

Be well!

R.

Impending Rush, Dolores O'Riordan Releases

2007-02-18T01:49:00.000-05:00

Since the late fall, I've been in the studio recording and mixing a new CD for Rush with Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Stone Sour) producing. Recording was completed at Allaire Studios in Shokan, New York during November/December 2006. I mixed the CD in the Neve 88R room (Studio D) at Ocean Way Studios in Los Angeles.

Experiencing their immense musical talent and personal integrity over the course of an entire CD was truly inspirational. And Nick is such an enthusiastic, focused talent as well -- a rocker through and through! A small snippet of the first single 'Far Cry' is posted at rush.com .... enjoy the 'hemispheres chord' ... heh heh heh.

As a side note, Rush's R30 DVD has been nominated for a Juno Award for DVD of the Year.

Dolores O'Riordan (ex- singer/songwriter for The Cranberries) is scheduled to release her first solo effort, titled 'Are You Listening?' on Sanctuary Records.

The first single 'Ordinary Day' was produced by Dolores and me with some additional production and recording from UK's Youth.

I mixed the CD in its entirety at Mixland - Music & DVD and recorded a number of tracks at studios in Canada and Ireland. Along with Dolores, my good friend Dan Brodbeck produced most of the CD and did a chunk of recording as well.

Many, many more things up and coming. Stay tuned for more ....

Be well.

R.

The Big Dirty Band

2006-09-15T20:00:00.000-04:00

The Trailer Park Boys movie drops early in October. The movie soundtrack song Liquor & Whores is being previewed on the Big Dirty Band Myspace site.

Check it out!!

Be well!

R.

Summer Update

2006-08-31T15:22:00.000-04:00

Hi all,

My site was down for a bit as a result of a duluge of hits to my site via a number of Rush fan sites. There seems to be the notion that I am confirmed to record and/or mix a new Rush CD (!?) Where do these rumors start?! Please ease up on the repeated hits a bit, k? Thanks.

Now, moving on ....

Canadians all know the ubiquitous Trailer Park Boys, Finally, a movie is in the works. Al Lifeson of Rush fame produced an amazing version of 'I Fought The Law', which I had the opportunity of recording and mixing. The track features Al and Geddy, Adam from Three Days Grace, ex- Tea Party Jeff Burrows, Ian Thornley and a young promising talent from Die Mannequin named Care -- she really tore up her parts in the vocal track. Also, Bubbles was in the studio to record an absolutely hilarious track called 'Liquor & Whores'.

As well, I was out in Chicago recently, recording with Atlantic's Skillet. Great people and great talent, we crammed loads of heavy sonics and fun in to a short time. The recording was done at Rax Trax in Chicago and the tracks were brought back to Mixland for mixing. Skillet's Comatose CD drops October 3. For more information, go to www.skillet.com.

Dream Theater's James Labrie dropped by to lay down a vocal track for John Macaluso's solo project currently in the works. Keep an eye on James' website for updates. Dream Theater's Score DVD should be in stores now. It smokes!

I've just finished mixing the followup CD for High Holy Days. This new CD slams hard, a solid progression from their first release on Roadrunner Records.

More news as it comes in ...

Be well.

R.

Spring Update

2006-05-05T09:13:00.000-04:00

James Labrie came by to work through some post-production for the Dream Theater 20th anniversary DVD shot during DT's performance at Radio City Music Hall in New York last month. As well, plans are underway for the follow-up to Labrie's critically-acclaimed Elements of Persuasion CD.

For Canadian radio listeners, the rock radio mix of Stabilo's 'Flawed Design' was done here at MMDVD for EMI Records.

On a solemn note, I received news of the sudden passing of engineer Paul Caruso on Wednesday, May 3rd. As well as being an accomplished drummer, Paul was the house engineer for Joe Perry at Perry's Boneyard Studio where I had the opportunity of working with him on Aerosmith's Just Push Play CD and various related Aerosmith projects. A true loss to those around him, Paul's unexpected passing serves as a reminder of the fragility and volatility of life, the importance of family/relationships/friends and the reality of true perspective. More info on the late Paul Caruso and his accomplishments are detailed in this obituary found in The Boston Globe.

Be well.

R.

DVD Association Excellence Awards

2006-03-30T02:32:00.000-05:00

Hey, here's a piece of great news ....

The Rush R30 DVD has won the coveted DVD Association Excellence Award for the following categories:

Audio Presentation Excellence
From recording to mixing, mastering and encoding.

Navigation & Design Excellence
From conception to design, sound design, programming and encoding.

Truly an honor, with thanks to Pierre at Enliven and Francois at Fogo and of course, my co-pilot Mr. Lifeson.

Be well

R.

Rush R30 Feedback

2006-03-15T14:16:00.000-05:00

Hi!

Well, Rush R30 is outpacing its predecessor, Rush in Rio, sales-wise in the same period of time. Here is a quote from digitalbits.com (http://www.thedigitalbits.com/articles/bitsy/7th/page1a.html) concerning the DVD ...

Rush - R30: 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition

(Anthem/Zoë)

"You've really got to hand it to Rush. When they were spanked by critics for releasing their Rush in Rio concert DVD sans anamorphic widescreen enhancement, they learned their lesson well. The DVD team at Anthem and Zoë went back to the drawing board and assembled R30... one of the most rock solid, ground-up music DVD releases we've seen to date. You get the very best looking anamorphic widescreen concert video we've ever seen and enveloping Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. A second DVD offers vintage band interviews and music videos. You get a booklet packed with photos. You even get the complete concert in 2-disc CD format as well. Finally, the packaging is slick and includes an actual backstage pass from the tour, along with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson's guitar picks. All that's missing is Neil Pert's signed drumstick and somebody's first-born child. Hands down, any way you slice it, this is THE concert DVD of the year."

C ya!

R.

Snow and More Snow

2006-03-08T03:55:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone,

The snow has been pummeling this last while .... a skiier I am not so I'm looking forward to spring and some beach jogging ....

Meanwhile, the studio has been kept busy while I mix some live Simple Plan for an upcoming broadcast and release for Nickelodeon. As well, I spent some time with Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson at his Lerxst Studio recording guitars for an appearance he is making on Dave 'Rave' Ogilvie's Jackalope project.

Be well!

R.

2005 - A Quick Review

2005-12-25T12:23:00.000-05:00

Hi all,

First - many, many thanks to all for what has surely been one of the best years ever here at MMDVD. Rush's R30 DVD, several Simple Plan projects, the Dolores O'Riordan project, as well as James Labrie's critically acclaimed release and of course Our Lady Peace plus all the others ... the incredible response and amazing support from you for our work here at the new surround+stereo mix facility at the Beach has been truly overwhelming.

To our expanding list of talented gracious clients, we are very much looking forward to continuing to fulfill your innovative sonic vision in 2006.

And to everyone .... We have exciting projects in queue that we'll update you with as soon as we can! Please have the merriest Christmas and a safe, prosperous New Year.

Best,

R.

PS. My New Year's resolution is to keep the blog up to date more [doh!]

Simple Plan CD & DVD

2005-08-10T22:31:00.001-04:00

Hi all,

This summer has been so awesome at the beach. Mixing is currently underway for a live CD and DVD for Simple Plan, which is a follow up to their hot multi-platinum selling 'Still Not Getting Any' CD. This is the fourth project I've mixed for the band and every performance handed to me to mix is super-energetic.

The mixing phase of Rush's R30 double CD and DVD has all but completed. Fans are in for a big treat.

Healthy In Paranoid Times is the title of the new Bob Rock-produced Our Lady Peace CD slated for release August 30. The single Where Are You has gone to radio. It was mondo fun working with Bob Rock and the band on a portion of the project!

Have a great summer (what's left of it) .... more news to follow soon!

Best,

R.

Rush R30 CD & DVD, New Website

2005-06-17T18:12:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone!

First, apologies for the languid updates of late. I've been remiss on posting new blog items until the Mixland website re-design was completed. Please drop by and have a look around; I hope you enjoy the new virtual crib!

Onto music things ....

The past few months have been incredibly busy with the mixing of Rush's 30th Anniversary double CD and DVD. Recorded in 2004 in Germany during their R30 tour with the video portion spectacularly shot in HD, the performance is a chronicle of Rush's prodigious musical past. Right now, a few more songs are being added to the show to better cover all the decades (!) of music, well passing the two hour mark in program material.

James LaBrie recently finished a mini-tour across Europe in support of his latest CD 'Elements of Persuasion'. The CD has met with critical acclaim in the prog rock community. James has now joined his Dream Theater bandmates to tour in support of their latest release 'Octavarium'. Good luck on the tour, James!

Lots, lots more to come. Will update soon!

Cheers,

R.

Labrie, Hit Factory

2005-02-06T11:22:00.000-05:00

Well, finally the James Labrie CD is recorded, mixed and mastered. It turned out very well. I was in New York last week mastering the project with Scott Hull at the venerable Hit Factory Studio in New York City. Sadly, given the downturn in the industry in the large facility area I was one of the last mastering clients as the Hit Factory announced last week that the studio is being de-commissioned and the [valuable] real estate was to be sold off -- likely for condos.

It's a sad moment in music industry history when a studio with such a legacy passes on.

R.

LaBrie Status

2005-01-18T22:14:00.000-05:00

Well, James' mixes are going very well. A lot of little tweaks here and there ... mixing should be wrapped up by early next week give or take a few days. His voice has never sounded better ... fans are in for a treat!!

Cheers,

R.

Rush Tonight

2005-01-13T18:08:00.000-05:00

The CBC Tsunami Benefit airs tonight starting at 7PM EST. I've attached a photo from Richard Beland of the guys rehearsing with Ed from the Barenaked Ladies and Bubbles from the Trailer Park Boys.

Enjoy.

R.

Rush Session

2005-01-11T15:02:00.000-05:00

Well, the Rush gig went very well. Piles of video and audio going on at the same time. Starting with a 10 AM call, I wrapped up the mix at 5 AM this morning (whew!). Kind of tiring but it's really a thrill working with a band that has such an enormous legacy. No pics right now as the session pace was just a tad maxxed out ;-)

CBC is airing a 3 hour Tsunami Relief special across Canada starting at 7 PM EST on Thursday, January 13 that will have this footage. Check it out if you can!

C-ya!

R.

Recent Stuff

2005-01-07T23:20:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a great holiday.

So, seeing as the blog is so fresh, let me bring you up to date on recent happenings:

OUR LADY PEACE

I spent much of December doing a whack of recording and ProTools work with Bob Rock for the next Our Lady Peace CD. This is the fourth project I've worked on with the band and they just keep getting better and better. Raine's songwriting is awesome.

SIMPLE PLAN

As well, I just finished mixing a 75 minute live broadcast/release for Simple Plan that they recorded on their last Japanese tour in November 2004. It's airing on a show called WOWOW in Japan in January. Hey, if somebody records the actual broadcast in Japan on to a DVD, let me know.

JAMES LaBRIE

I started recording this project at the end of September, doing drums with Mike Mangini. Mike, like the rest of the James LaBrie Band, is an insanely talented player. Since then, we've been convening in between James' writing sessions for the next Dream Theater CD. Finally, I'm at the mixing stage and it's going very well. I think both LaBrie and DT fans are going to enjoy his evolution.

RUSH

I'm in the studio with Rush on Monday recording and mixing a track for their contribution to the Canadian Tsunami Relief.

There is also some quasi-old news at the RPM Direct website.

That's all for now.

C-ya

R.