Vancouver Music Industry's Annual Charity Gala & Golf Tournament wrapped up it's 5th year raising funds towards supporting the Sarah McLachlan Music Out Reach and Music BC, two well deserving charities that support the grow of the local music scene in Vancouver.
VMI founders Mike Fraser and Jeff Dawson would like to thank the hard working VMI board members, event volunteers, local media, sponsors and all the guests of this years event for their hard work, dedication and support.

With your help we delivered the best VMI event to date and it was a good time had by all! Photos of the event will be up-loaded shortly to the VMI Facebook page and website so be sure to check back soon!

Billy Ray Cyrus

Mike recently completed 4 mixes including the single "Lately" off Billy Ray Cyrus's new project, 'Brother Clyde' - Released Aug 10, 2010.

Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 – May 16, 2010)

The rock world just lost an Icon. Ronnie ... you were loved and we will miss you.

 

VMI, Vancouver Music Industry Award Gala & Charity Golf Tournament

Iron Man 2 Album Debuts At #1 In 6 Countries!

The new AC/DC album "Iron Man 2" (mixed by Mike Fraser) has debuted at the #1 chart position in 6 countries in its first week of release! The album charted at #1 in the UK, Ireland, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and New Zealand. "Iron Man 2" has also debuted at #4 in Spain, Norway, Denmark, and the USA, #5 in Holland and France, and at #9 in Portugal. 

Visit www.acdc.com for more...

Melissa Auf Der Maur performing at SXSW 2010

Courtesy of Spin.com - here's a picture of one of our favorite people and SXSW darling Melissa Auf Der Maur - Photo by Kathryn Yu.

Mike mixed several tracks for MAdM's newest release "Out Of Our Minds" - set for release March 30th 2010.

Visit Melissa's website at http://xmadmx.com/

 

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 and Airbourne in Vancouver BC

Mike Fraser, Joel O'Keeffe, Ryan O'Keeffe

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.

Mike Fraser Mix Engineer for The Fast Romantics

 

Fast Romantics' Honesty Gets Them Drinks With Perry Farrell

10/19/09 5:40pm
by Shawn Despres (CHARTattack)

Calgary's The Fast Romantics' first foray into the American music market was definitely a memorable one.
They were selectd as finalists for Free The Noise, a global battle of the bands contest sponsored by fashion designer John Varvatos, SPIN Earth and Island Records. They traveled to New York in mid-September to compete against Chile's Howlers and American group Reckless Sons.

"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.
"There were apparently 950 people there. I heard that Dennis Quaid was there, but I couldn't see if he was jumping up and down, checking his watch, or trying to save the planet."

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.
All the members were given a $1,000 shopping spree at the John Varvatos 315 Bowery shop and a bottle of cologne. They also received some great comments from the event's judges that should help build a buzz for their next appearance in New York on October 24 at the Bowery Poetry Club as part of the CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival.

"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."

Visit CHARTattack.com

 

Franz Ferdinand new album released Jan. 26th 2009

Franz Ferdinand - Tonight: Franz Ferdinand, Mixed by Mike Fraser

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

Visit The Province.Com


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.

 

Various news clips



Vancouver Music Industry Raises 60K for Sarah McLauchlan

Terry David Mulligan, Jeff Dawson, Red Robinson, Sarah McLachlan, Bruce Allen, VMI Gala, Vancouver Music Industry Gala, Mike Fraser

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.

 

State of Shock and Mike Fraser holding SOS's Platinum Album

State of Shock Goes Platinum

Vancouver’s own State of Shock has just reached digital platinum sales mark in Canada with the first single “Money Honey” from their sophomore album Life, Love and Lies (Cordova Bay/Fierce Panda).

This morning lead singer Cameron Melnyk stopped by the Warehouse Studio to give Mike his plaque.


Matt Mays having a cold one on the Canadian Recording Services electric beer cooler scooter between mixes at the Warehouse Studio. Matt and drummer Tim (above) came to Vancouver to have Mike mix their new record.

Matt Mays riding the  Cooter at The Warehouse Studio in Vancouver BC



Billy Duffy and Mike at the 2008 Juno's in Calgary

Billy Duffy and Mike Fraser




Elvis Costello and Mike Fraser

Elvis Costello

Elvis Costello connected with Mike to have him engineer and mix Elvis’ new iTunes Original release. Mike also worked with Elvis and his wife Diana Krall at the taping of their special Christmas performance on CBC’s The Hour.




Sam Roberts

Juno award winning singer-songwriter Sam Roberts made the trip out west to work with Mike on his latest release in Mike’s famous mix room in Vancouver. The yet to be named record will be Sam’s 4th studio album and his first with mixer Mike Fraser. The new album will be released on Universal Records in 2008.
Sam Roberts & Mike Fraser



Mike Fraser Camping With Son
Mike keeping it Canadian as he rocks out at the campfire with his son Cody (left) and one of Cody's friends.



Jacob of Hedley, Mike Fraser and Jeff of Simple Plan
Mike Fraser with Hedley & Simple Plan



Mike Fraser & Theory of a Deadman
Mike and Dave Brenner of Theory of a Deadman working on a mix at the Warehouse studio in Vancouver



Grass City

Vancouver based Grass City was recently in studio working with Mike on a few songs. The band has been relentlessly touring the Northwest and has begun to receive spins on rock radio with Mike’s production and mix of “The Crown”. In the picture above is Dave Brenner of Theory of a Deadman, the boys from Grass City, Mike Fraser and Mike's manager Mimi Northcott.
Mike Fraser - Grass City



Mike Frazer - Bob
Bob Clearmountain, Mike Fraser and Bryan Adams




Mike Fraser - reading
Mike reading up on the world of mixing



Mike with grandma and grandpa
Mike Fraser as a baby



Mike Fraser with Family
Big brother Mike watching over his younger siblings. Mike didn't play with dolls or little red wagons - he was a rocker!