Producing a dream

A Windsor man has left his government-based job to fulfill his dream of becoming a music producer.

Luc Michaud, 29, is a local musician who recently took a one year leave of absence from Canada Revenue Agency to launch his home-based recording facility Highland Studios.

Preparing for the release of his first production – Windsor band Salt Shaker’s album Rebirth – Michaud said he is confident he will be more successful in the music industry.

“[Launching Highland Studios] was just an idea that was born and eight months later I got so busy I couldn’t work my day job anymore,” said Michaud. “Making it to me is achieving your life goals and putting it into practice. I definitely feel like I’ve made it to some degree. Sustaining it is going to be my next ‘make it’ and there will be another ‘make it’ after that. You always need to set another goal to challenge and better yourself.”

Michaud, who still performs regular gigs enjoyed early success with his band One Man’s Opinion, having two singles in rotation on 89X. It seems these experiences are helping him move forward.

“One Man’s Opinion launched my career,” said Michaud. “I think it helps legitimize the product because I’ve been there and I’ve been on the road and I’ve experienced life as a touring musician. There’s been a lot of hardships along the way that taught me about the industry. That kind of information is invaluable.”

Michaud’s background includes being a radio producer and engineer as well as training at Specs Howard School of Media Arts in Detroit. He later worked in production at CHUM Radio and has recording studio experience as a musician and engineer. His history in the industry has made him an asset to clients like Salt Shaker, Spencer Rice from Kenny and Spenny, Jake Van Dongen from Inoke Errati and Jamie Greer from the Vaudevillionaires.

“It was obvious that he was the perfect choice to do the whole record.” said Salt Shaker’s lead singer and rhythm guitarist Billy Myskow. “He was an experienced professional on the cusp of really breaking out in a big way.”

Lately, Michaud has been working with his friend Martin Bak, owner of Windor’s SLR Studios. Here he subcontracts services for mixing and mastering his productions.

“Luc builds a band behind you while you’re a single musician,” said Bak. “His main skill is track and recording. He delegates work my way for mixing whenever the budget allows. I take the tracks he sends me and mix it to make it something as professional and radio ready as possible.”

Michaud will perform with his solo group El Mi Sho in support of Salt Shaker at their album release concert on Nov. 14 at the Walkerville Theatre.

“I don’t really have any means to move up there (CRA), and I’m not the type of person who wants to stay where they’re at. If I end up back there at least I can say I tried.” said Michaud. “This is a move I had to make based on my passion.”