On episode 4, I speak with mastering engineer, Kristian Montano on his journey through songwriting, performing and touring with various musical groups including Sun K and Jeremie Albino, to how he began operating his full time mastering business, Montano Mastering, based in Toronto, Ontario. 

Kristian’s client base includes Sam Roberts, The Strumbellas, Dear Rouge, Don River, Jeremie Albino, The Royal Foundry, New City, and many more.

In this episode, we will cover:

• The art of mastering. 
• How your mixing and mastering process work in tandem. 
• How Kristian’s songwriting background influences his approach to mastering. 
• How to properly present your final mix to a mastering engineer. Click here for resource.
• His experience working with Lacquer Channel, one of Toronto’s top mastering facilities, alongside Joao Carvalho.
• His experience with schooling at Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology in London, Ontario.
• The importance and individuality of “tonality”.
• Mastering Audio by Bob Katts (book)
• The Attack and Release Show (podcast)

Reach out to Kristian:
W: www.montanomastering.com
I: @Montanomastering
F: www.facebook.com/MontanoMastering

Thank you for listening! 

In episode 3, I speak with songwriter, Cassie Noble, who is currently on tour with Gamekeeper throughout eastern Canada and the U.S. She has some Ontario tour dates coming up, including one in Waterloo that I will be joining. Details and ticket link below! Cassie has a new album in the works, so we also spoke about the inspiration and process behind it, while digging into the what drives your creative process.

Ticket Link & Show Details to July 14th in Waterloo, Ontario with Cassie Noble, Hunter Sheridan, and Gamekeeper.

Mentions in this Episode:

• Music Promoter, Eddie Young 
• Side Door Access
• North Brothers Films
• Cassie Noble Tour Dates
• Music Producer, Brandon Patitucci
• Free Music Playlist Submission Platforms

Find all of Cassie Noble's music online, wherever you stream! 

Thank you for listening! 

In episode 2, I speak with songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, Ty Callan, who plays drums and bass on my music and he helps me with production and arrangements, but he is also gearing up to start his own solo project where he records, writes, performs and mixes everything by himself in his studio. In this episode we will get a teaser of one of his upcoming releases, 'For You', and we'll talk about the world of self-recording, mixing, and home studios.

In this episode, we will cover:

• Helpful Youtube videos and mixing tips.
• Affordable gear for beginners.
• Ty's approach to midi drums.
• Youtube channels mentioned in episode:
  House of Kush
  Kenny Beats
• Gear recommended in episode:
  Steinburg UR22mkII
  Focusrite Scarlett

Ty runs a home studio where he offers audio services for producing and session work with instrumentation including drums, bass, and guitar. Ty can help prepare your audio recordings for grant applications or for expanding on your ideas. Reach out to Ty Callan on Instagram at @Pad_Ty
Ty was generous to share a clip of one of his upcoming singles called, “For You”. Ty wrote, recorded, and mixed the whole song by himself in his home studio, so it’s also a good comparison to show you how he applied what he’s learned. 

Thank you for listening! 

Welcome to Before the Tour, a podcast where I talk to people from all corners of the music industry. From songwriters to managers, and booking agents to grant writers, I want this podcast to resonate with your passion for music, whether you are a professional, beginner, or just have an appreciation. Check out the first episode of the show right now, wherever you listen to podcasts! Episode 1 features my long time friend and music collaborator, Ty Callan. Ty has produced and performed on the majority of my music, however he also runs a home studio where he produces, mixes, masters, and records all of his own material. Ty also helps musicians grow their demos for grant submissions, and more. Episodes are released on Mondays.