Lakewind Sound Studios: Passion, Talent and Award-winning Music in Cape Breton

NOTE: The following feature story was written by Michelle Lucas for the Nova Scotia "Come to life" initiative. "Come to life" is a public-private sector initiative that markets Nova Scotia as an excellent place in which to live, work, invest, play, and visit.

When Fred Lavery and Gordie Sampson performed together in the 1995 Cape Breton Summertime Revue, they had no idea it would result in an award-winning partnership. What they did know is that they both had a passion for music and it was an important part of their lives and careers.

Lavery and Sampson discovered they shared similar interests where their careers were concerned. As accomplished songwriters, they wanted to get their music to a larger market. That vision was realized in Lakewind Sound Studios, which was co-founded by the pair in 1996.

The combination of the latest technology, and love of the product, has put Lakewind on the map. "Aside from the practical concerns of running a business, we try never to forget that the reason we are in this business is because we love music," Lavery says. "I think that comes across to our clientele so they know that we always have their best interests at heart, which, when you think about it, are our best interests, too.

"In this business, you can't buy integrity; you just have to maintain it. That's the way we run Lakewind."

Since Lakewind opened in Point Aconi, Cape Breton, the team has worked with performers from across the country and some of the best Nova Scotia talent, including Natalie MacMaster, Dave Gunning, The Rankins, Matt Minglewood and Slowcoaster. They have also worked with artists from the United States and the United Kingdom.

But working with Nova Scotian artists has always been close to Lavery's heart.

"We're proud of the fact that we have been able to give our own artists the opportunity to make world-class recordings right here at home," he says. "A large number of CDs we have worked on have won awards, which just means everybody wins."

The achievements don't stop with the artists. The studio has won the last seven East Coast Music Awards in the Studio of the Year category in addition to multiple Music Industry Association of Nova Scotia Awards.

As a full-service recording studio, Lakewind records, edits, mixes and masters music for CD production. They are also equipped for pre- and post-production for television and film, commercial jingles, audio restoration, re-mastering and compilation of archived recordings. Recently, the studio expanded to include an orchestra-sized recording room.

"From a technical perspective, we have always stayed on top of the latest technological developments and upgrades in the recording field," Lavery says. "For example, we are one of a handful of facilities in Eastern Canada to run the ProTools HD 3 recording program, so we can work with any studio in the world."

It's not just technology that makes the company so successful. Lavery believes it is the people that make Lakewind truly unique. The team includes award-winning record producers, session musicians, graphic design artists and manufacturers.

And then there is Sampson, whose career is on the fast-track leading to more attention for the studio. Along with being an accomplished writer and producer, Sampson's solo album Sunburn, has been highly successful. Recently, he won several awards for writing the song Jesus take the Wheel, including the Nashville Songwriters Association International Song of the Year and American Country Music awards' Single of the Year.

"People want to be around that kind of success because they realize how rare his talent really is as a musician, writer and producer," Lavery says. "He brings something unique to every project he is involved in."

Lavery also speaks highly of studio engineer Michael Shepherd, who won the Studio Engineer of the Year award this year from the Music Industry Association of Nova Scotia. "He combines his knowledge of this area and its traditions with a grasp of the latest technology and music, and uses all these skills to create great recordings," Lavery says.

As for himself, Lavery toured extensively with his band Road before a rare vocal condition cut short his singing career. But that didn't steer him away from the industry. He has written more than 100 songs and won the Music Industry Association of Nova Scotia Producer of the Year award in 2005.

"Being a musician and performer has allowed me to travel and experience many other parts of the world. It gives you a broader perspective on what we have to offer here, a clearer identity and sense of place," he says.

Lavery has always called Nova Scotia home, and realizes its benefits for business.

"We have the technology, combined with highly skilled and educated professionals and great value for the dollar, all situated in what is recognized as one of the most beautiful locations in the world, with the friendliest people. What better environment could there be for doing business?"

Lavery also wants more people to know about Nova Scotia's benefits.

"I think we need to continue to get the message out to the rest of the world that Nova Scotia is a vibrant province which values its arts, traditions and sense of place, and embraces the good life," he says. "We value healthy living, clean environment, respect and compassion for all people, a strong economy, and unlimited potential."

Lavery would like to see Lakewind Sound Studios become a recording destination for performers across the country and to continue to expand into international markets. The company is certainly headed in the right direction.

"We believe everything starts with a good feeling -- if you feel inspired, it will translate in your work," he says. "My job as musician, writer, and producer is my passion. I don't define it as work in the traditional sense.

"My lifestyle and work are so intertwined that I walk in and out of each one without really even thinking about it. It's why I love what I do. My work is my play."

And it's clear that Lavery has no intention of moving Lakewind out of Nova Scotia.

"I think the business principles that make Lakewind successful can exist anywhere; what is unique is the people and the place," he says. "I have travelled and worked in many parts of the world and I believe we have our own special gifts. People notice our attributes as very desirable. It's what makes them come back and sometimes never leave."