Making Tracks
In the studio with Brian (’08) and Caleb Chan (’09)
It is one thing to be creative; it is another to cultivate creativity in others. To do both, however, is extraordinary. To Brian Chan (’08) and his brother Caleb (’09), composing or performing a piece of music is as natural as drawing breath. But instead of seeking the spotlight themselves, these young artists labour to fulfil the visions of other budding musicians, using their expertise in digital recording.
“I like to take a song to new heights, to see what it can potentially be.”
Setting foot in the Chans’ home-based recording studio in Richmond, BC, is like stepping into music heaven. Multiple keyboards, guitars, drum sets, horns, and string instruments clutter the room alongside recording and audio engineering equipment that could rival a professional studio. Amidst the paraphernalia sit Brian’s cello, dating back to 1858, and Caleb’s violin, crafted in 1728. Needless to say, such an impressive collection has required a lifetime of musical pursuits to accumulate.
As music majors, the brothers’ involvement at Trinity Western was extensive, performing regularly in chapel and as part of an orchestra, a string quartet, a jazz combo, and other musical groups. But it was in the studio where their newfound passion emerged. It wasn’t until they met TWU digital recording instructor Jef Gibbons, that the pair discovered their flair for the art form. “Right away, we fell in love with digital recording,” says Brian. “Actually,” says Caleb, laughing, “I think we fell in love with Jef Gibbons.” The Chans also acknowledge David Squires, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Music, as a critical influence in their musical maturation. “David cared a lot about how I developed my creative voice and what that has to do with my life,” says Caleb. “It’s incredible when your professors become your friends,” echoes Brian.
After graduation, the Chans wasted no time breaking onto the local independent music scene. With their production company, Lion the Cub, the brothers are using their connections within Vancouver and TWU to record and produce the work of undiscovered artists. Among other projects, the duo has produced albums for TWU students Brielle Goheen and Laura Hastings. “Making records is unbelievably rewarding,” says Brian. “I like to help artists complete their vision. I like to take a song to new heights to see what it can potentially be.”
In an age when professional recording tools are more accessible than ever, the need for young artists to function cooperatively has become all the more imperative. “Music making is good community,” says Caleb. “You want to contribute, but not for the sake of making money. Facilitating others’ vision and passion is really a joyous thing.”
by Jay Jameson '08
photography by Mike Rathjen '04
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Listen to music produced and recorded by the Chan brothers.
Brian and Caleb Chan love to compose, arrange, and record music in their “homey” recording studio in Richmond BC. They frequently collaborate with local artists as producers or session musicians. Recent projects include EP’s from TWU students Laura Hastings and Brielle Goheen. Currently, Brian is working full-time in the studio while Caleb is continuing his studies in composition at UBC.
Brielle is a singer-songwriter based in the Toronto area. Although her first instrumental love is the violin, Brielle has always been fascinated by the combination of words and music – the way they augment and complete each other by their presence or absence. Much of her music plays with this wonderful phenomenon. Her main desire in writing and sharing her music is to play and to rediscover the world as it is through stories of "me," "you," "he," and "she" – who could be any of us. Her debut EP Just a Taste was released in February 2010.
TWU student Laura Hastings is standing on the edge of both finishing her undergrad degree in Music as well as releasing her latest album entitled “Perfect Stranger.” The EP, released in April 2010, consists of four songs that explore spiritual and relational questions. Producer Brian Chan worked with Laura for five months on arranging and recording the album. Other musicians featured on the album include Caleb Chan, local producer Jonathan Anderson, and drum clinician, author, and recording artist Mike Michalkow. The song “Crawl” was with the personal goal of expressing and communicating feelings of doubt, loss, and perseverance through a union of lyrics and accompaniment.
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