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Young Artists Wave Flag for Haiti Recorded at the Warehouse Studios in Vancouver, Produced by Bob Ezrin and Recorded by Mike Fraser - More than 50 of Canada's brightest, emerging young stars gathered to record a new rendition of K'Naan's single Wavin' Flag in an effort to help Haiti. Upon release, the song is available for purchase wherever digital music is sold. All proceeds from the sale of the single go to Free The Children, War Child Canada, and World Vision Canada in support of their on-the-ground efforts in Haiti.
Australian rockers Airbourne's sophomore album "No Guts, No Glory" is set for release March 9th 2010 - UK, Europe, Canada, Japan, Australia & New Zealand and April 20th 2010 - USA via Roadrunner Records. www.airbournerock.com Recorded in Chicago and mixed by Fraze at Warehouse Studios in Vancouver, the album will be released in a special digipack edition that comes with five bonus tracks and a custom Airbourne bottle opener. Airbourne recently shot a video for the first single from the set, called "No Way But The Hard Way." (Blabbermouth) It's currently #28 on CFOX. During Airbourne's recent jaunt through Vancouver (on tour with Motley Crue and The Joe Perry Project,) Mike, Joel & Ryan O'Keeffe hang out and take a ride - 'rocker style' - in a Rickshaw.
Mike Fraser, Joel O'Keeffe, Ryan O'Keeffe
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AC/DC IRON MAN 2 ALBUM MIXED BY MIKE FRASER Band to Release AC/DC: Iron Man 2 Album on Monday April 19, 2010
Los Angeles, CA. January 26, 2010 - Through a unique collaboration between Marvel Studios and Columbia Records, AC/DC's music will be featured in Marvel Studios' "IRON MAN 2," the sequel to the 2008 blockbuster film. In addition, Columbia Records will release the album AC/DC: Iron Man 2 on Monday, April 19, 2010. AC/DC: Iron Man 2, features 15 classic AC/DC songs selected from ten of the band's studio albums, ranging from 1976 to 2008. The complete track listing can be found below (follow link to www.ac/dc.com). Pre-orders begin today, January 26th at Amazon.com for the deluxe version of AC/DC: Iron Man 2 - CD+DVD and two LP vinyl packages - and at Walmart.com for the AC/DC: Iron Man 2 CD. The film opens internationally beginning on April 28, 2010. In the U.S., the film will be distributed by Paramount Pictures and is scheduled for release on May 7, 2010. The debut video from AC/DC: Iron Man 2 is AC/DC's classic album cut "Shoot To Thrill," which was filmed live last month in Buenos Aires during the band's highly acclaimed Black Ice World Tour, the second highest grossing world tour of 2009 according to concert industry trade publication Pollstar. The video also incorporates exclusive footage from "IRON MAN 2" and debuts worldwide today. Check www.acdc.com and www.marvel.com for more information. "Shoot To Thrill" was originally recorded for the band's 50-million selling album Back In Black, one of the best selling albums of all time. Click here to read the full article
One of Fraze's favourite mix projects in the last couple years, Calgary's The Fast Romantics were selected as one of three finalists from across the globe in Spin Magazine and John Varvatos's "Free the Noise" contest... check out this great interview. 
Fast Romantics' Honesty Gets Them Drinks With Perry Farrell 10/19/09 5:40pm Calgary's The Fast Romantics' first foray into the American music market was definitely a memorable one. "To be perfectly honest, once we entered it, we forgot all about it," admits guitarist Matthew Kliewer. "There are so many of these contests out there for indie bands and we've entered many of them, almost always hearing that we didn't make the final cut." This time was obviously different. After their plane landed, their driver (who had just dropped off Jay-Z at the airport) took them to their posh hotel. They checked in and then headed out for a night of food and drink with Perry Farrell, music photographer Mick Rock and Varvatos. The Free The Noise showcase gig took place at John Varvatos 315 Bowery (the former space for famed live venue CBGB). A trailer stocked with beverages was placed outside the boutique for the groups to use to prepare for their live performances. "The band played incredible that night," says Kliewer. "When they introduced us, they claimed that we were one of the 'top three' unsigned bands in the world, so immediately we felt good. Although Reckless Sons were awarded the grand prize of a development deal with Island Records and involvement in Varvatos' next international advertising campaign, The Fast Romantics didn't leave totally empty handed. "It wasn't really about winning this contest for us," explains Kliewer. "It was about the experience and just playing a good set to a good crowd in a great city. "I didn't realize that they were going to set it up like American Idol with a judging panel right off the side of the stage prepared to give feedback. Thankfully, they were all pretty into our set and for the most part we were praised. John Varvatos said, 'Now I know why there is so much buzz north of the border about you guys. Now you have to bring it down south.' Mick Rock's microphone wasn't working so he stood up and gave us two thumbs up." The Fast Romantics issued their debut eponymous full-length at the end of the summer. The album is filled with post-punk accented indie pop and was mixed by Mike Fraser (Sam Roberts, AC/DC, Franz Ferdinand) and mastered by Adam Ayan (Sarah McLachlan, Foo Fighters). "I think my most favourite thing about this record is that it's honest," offers vocalist Matthew Angus. "In our past bands, or I think most bands in general, it's often about posturing. People want to sound like this, or look like that, or fill this role. "On this record, we let loose. So no matter what happens, we win. Four million people could buy it, or maybe just 1,000, but either way, we've got this thing on our shelf now, and every time we look at it, we get to smile."
VANCOUVER MUSIC INDUSTRY FOURTH ANNUAL GALA AND GOLF EVENT TO HONOR BRYAN ADAMS AND JIM VALLANCE June 16, 2009 Vancouver, BC – The Vancouver Music Industry (VMI) is pleased to announce this years’ recipient for the Bruce Allen/Sam Feldman Legend Award, presented to those who have made great contributions to the local music scene for many years. This year the Bruce Allen/ Sam Feldman Legend Award will be presented to Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, a songwriting duo who have significantly contributed to the local music industry for many years. This year the VMI will also recognize an individual who has comprehensively contributed to the technical aspect of music. John Vrtacic will receive the award this year in recognition of his work in developing recording studios for over 30 years. During this time he has worked with the top recording studios and producers in Canada and the USA. John was the technical director of the famous Little Mountain Sound Studios. He is also technical director of Armoury Studio and Warehouse Studios in Vancouver, Canada. In addition to acoustical designs, he also designs custom audio equipment for producers and recording engineers. The fourth annual VMI Gala will take place on Tuesday July 28, 2009 at the Villa Amato ballroom in Vancouver. This event is organized by individuals who are involved in the local music scene and provides funds for several charitable organizations including the Sarah McLachlan Music Outreach. Several local artists will also perform live at this event and the evening will include both a silent and live auction. On Wednesday July 29, 2009 The VMI will host a golf tournament at the University Golf Club. This tournament is always well attended by many members of the local music industry and proceeds from this day are also distributed to many charities including the Sarah McLachlan Music Outreach. This two- day event has raised over $70,000 for the Sarah McLachlan Music Outreach program since it began in 2006. “This has become a great event to bring the Vancouver Music community together and to raise some money for a good cause,” said Jeff Dawson, VMI founder. “Honoring Bryan Adams, Jim Vallance and John Vrtacic was something the entire committee felt was important, these individuals have done so much for the local music industry that we wanted a chance to acknowledge their contributions.” Tickets for this event can be purchased through the VMI website @ www.vancouvermusicindustry.com. Order your tickets today as the Gala and Golf Tourney are expected to sell out. About the Vancouver Music Industry
Franz Ferdinand new album released Jan. 26th 2009
BIG CD: FRANZ FERDINAND Tonight (Domino) Album No. 3 from Scotland's top-rated indie dance/rock quartet does a number of things to the band's pulsing pop. First, the tracks -- mostly mixed right here in Vancouver at the Warehouse Studios -- sound absolutely pristine. This is by far the cleanest and most produced disc the group has ever released and kudos to sonic magician Mike Fraser for his part in bringing every aspect of the combo's style to the forefront. Those who preferred the jagged edges of "Take Me Out" may have some reservations about how razor-sharp the guitars are, or how much greater part the keyboards play in actually developing the hooks in the songs. But it is a dance band and the robotic and bubbling bass runs in a funked-up track such as "What She Came For" strike my ears as the right fit. The parts of the earlier sound that stick are the rave-up choruses and angular licks that drive them. But this is a band that can groove with a lot more feel than it could at the onset. If you preferred the awkwardness of the earlier albums' changes, something as tight as the first single and album opener, "Ulysses," probably won't work. But give it another few spins before deciding for sure. Because what exists in this dozen-track disc are some very catchy and mature songs from a band that has finally brought all of its strengths together in one recording session. Particularly refreshing is that Alex Kaprano's vocals have grown assured to the point that he goes beyond the whole jaded but eager thing into nuanced performances such as the cheeky and sexy "No You Girls," perhaps the most Bowie-esque track the band has recorded. All in all, it's a winning third effort. Grade: B+ Download this: "Katherine Kiss Me" is unlike anything the band has ever released. — Stuart Derdeyn
AC/DC's Black Ice debuts at #1 in 29 countries! Released globally on Monday October 20th 2008, Black Ice has topped the Canadian charts with the biggest sales week for any album in five years with 119,000 units sold, marking the band's first ever debut entry at #1 on the album charts. In the US, Wal-Mart had reported 193,000 units sold its first day of release, while first US week sales are estimated in the range of 700,000 to 800,000 units. Black Ice has topped sales charts in over 29 countries including the US, UK, Germany, Canada, France, Argentina, Japan, Australia, Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and more. Black Ice was recorded and mixed at The Warehouse Studio in Vancouver, British Columbia and is Mike Fraser's 4th album with AC/DC. Black Ice is available for purchase everywhere in Canada, in the US - exclusively at Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and at http://www.acdc.com. Also mixed by Mike Fraser is "AC/DC Live: Rockband Track Pack," an expansion to the popular music game that will be sold exclusively at Wal-Mart for PS2, PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii.
Alex Kapranos Talks “Sinister” New Franz Ferdinand Album When Rolling Stone checked in with Franz Ferdinand last December, the band was testing out new material at small overseas shows and heading in a direction that was more dance than rock. Now the band’s frontman, Alex Kapranos, tells us their long-awaited third album may be released in January. “The album is finished but there is a little bit of mixing left, a lot of which is being done by Mike Fraser who’s known for doing a lot of heavier rock stuff like Aerosmith and AC/DC,” Kapranos says. “All those sweaty little gigs really helped shape the character of this record a lot and we might even do some more of those smaller shows in America because they were really enjoyable for us.”....... more
Various news clips
I'm sitting here at Shutters listening to the new AC/DC album on Steve Barnett's MacBook Air. To tell you the truth, I usually avoid this. What are you going to say as the label head watches you listen to his baby. But after discussing the Wal-Mart deal at lunch, hearing all about the plans for release, I was eager, the same way you are after school, when you ride your bike to the record store to buy the album the day it comes out. You rush home, rip off the shrinkwrap, drop the platter on the turntable, lay the needle down and you hear... ANGUS' GUITAR! Now this isn't far from the master, THIS IS THE MASTER! And suddenly, my whole body starts to throb, THIS IS THE SOUND! Oh, Phill Rudd's bass drum. You know that "Back In Black" sound, kicking you in the gut, so powerful, yet so pure! Every AC/DC album sounds the same. Only the songs are different. "Black Ice" continues the tradition. I could sit here and digest the 55.5 minutes over and over again. But not having all day, I've played the single, "Rock N' Roll Train", a few times, and am now sampling... I'm gripped by "Smash N' Grab". This ain't Crocs music. This ain't made for Sephora. This is the sound that drove your parents away, that they didn't only tell you to turn down, BUT THROW OUT! It's a rough tough tumble world we live in. Where sold-out whores tell us what to like and try to make us believe we're losers. What are we supposed to do? Listen to AC/DC. Turn it up and nothing else seems to matter. The sound obscures the rest of the world, it's just you, equal to everyone you hate, who's got you down, your dad, your principal, the President... Wow, you should hear the intro to "Spolin' For A Fight"! This is "Shoot To Thrill"! Dressed to kill! The groove to "Decibel"... Like you've just stripped naked and are sauntering to the bed to stick your rod into a woman who's BEYOND FANTASY! Wow, this is too much, PURE SEX! There's a slide on "Stormy May Day" straight off a sixties English blues record, followed by another guitar in the other ear with a stinging report. There's a FULL MINUTE INTRO! I don't remember any other AC/DC track sounding like "Rock N' Roll Dream", it's positively SENSITIVE! Kind of like something off "Straight Shooter", the second Bad Company album... Wow, this is my favorite so far, at least until the freight train/explosive chorus. I love the intimacy, like you've stayed up all night drinking after you've been dumped. This ain't no "Ballbreaker", no "Stiff Upper Lip"... It's like the band believes, it's the best thing they've done in EONS! How good is it? WHO GIVES A FUCK! I'm sitting here, with the headphones cranked, listening to NEW AC/DC! Doesn't matter how many stars the album gets in "Rolling Stone", what the "New York Times" says, never mind Pitchfork or Stereogum. If you're a fan of a band, in this case one of the most legendary in the business, only eclipsed by the Beatles in sales, you're EAGER! It's like Moses, it's like JESUS has come back to Earth... You want to hear what he's got to say! Maybe AC/DC is the band at the second coming. That's what it sounds like, THUNDER! Drowning out all that's irrelevant. All that matters is the music. I'm in hog heaven. --
Vancouver Music Industry Raises 60K for Sarah McLauchlan
Left to Right: Terry David Mulligan, Jeff Dawson, Red Robinson, Sarah McLachlan, Bruce Allen, Mike Fraser Vancouver, B.C. - July 29, 2008 - The Vancouver Music Industry held it's 3rd annual non-profit gala and golf event at the Canvas Lounge on July 29th and the UBC Golf Course on July 30th. The goal of this annual event is to raise money for several charitable organizations including the Sarah McLachlan Foundation’s Music Outreach Program, while bringing together members from the local music industry. Thanks to the dedication of the Vancouver Music Industry Committee, and this year's fabulous turn out, $60,000 was raised, surpassing last year's total by $10,000.
Live and silent auctions were held at the gala, bringing in a pretty penny with items such as a signed Avril Lavigne guitar, a signed Alanis Morissette acoustic guitar, and a signed telecaster from Rock n’ Roll Hall of Famer Bruce Springsteen. The evening was hosted by Terry David Mulligan, and featured the Bruce Allen / Sam Feldman Legend Award, which was presented by Bruce Allen to Red Robinson for being an individual who has significantly contributed to the local music industry for many years. Several local artists performed live in the intimate setting of the Canvas Lounge including Art of Dying, Aliqua, Ryan McMahon, Christina Maria, and Sherry St Germain.
Founded in 2005 by producer Jeff Dawson (State of Shock, Daniel Powter, Kelly Rowland), the Vancouver Music Industry Committee focuses on creating unity, and ensuring continued growth among members of Vancouver’s local industry. Also on the committee are mix engineer Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Metallica , Aerosmith), and from Hipjoint Productions, Mike James, Troy Samson, and Jordan Thorsteinson.
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