Richard Chycki has some amazing credentials. He's worked with the likes
of Mick Jagger, Aerosmith and Pink. His business entitled Mixland
services some of the biggest names in the music industry. But Richard
doesn't live in New York or L.A., or even Toronto. He lives right here
in Wasaga Beach. Like many of us, Richard found Wasaga Beach as a
visitor but now has a year round home here. Proud residents will be
tuned to the 2008 Juno Awards to cheer on our neighbour. Richard has
been nominated for a Juno: Engineer of the Year for Rush'sSnakes & Arrows CD and Cranberry lead singer Dolores O'Riordan'sAre You Listening CD.
Winter Rose
Richard Chycki has had a long career in Canada's music industry. When I first met him, it was the late 80's and he was playing guitar, expertly I might add, for a band called Winter Rose. The Toronto music scene is smaller than one might imagine and those of us who had a part in it are able to play that game "6 degrees of separation", except it isn't 6 degrees, it's only one or two. Richard's then bandmate James LaBrie went on to join Dream Theatre and would find himself playing stadiums worldwide. A guitar player I worked with, worked with James LaBrie which ends my six degrees of separation game at just one degree, or is it two? I never did know how that game worked. I remember thinking that Winter Rose should have gone farther but as is often the case, talent doesn't guarantee success. Other factors are always at play. One must have equal measures of luck, financial backing, talent and the ability to be in the right place, doing the right thing, at the right time. But there are many ways to be successful in the music business. Richard Chycki is certainly a good example of that rule.
Mixland
I hadn't heard about Richard for nearly 20 years until someone at Saved by Technology in Toronto ( a favourite store amongst musicians and digital recording enthusiasts ) mentioned that he had moved here. How cool is that I thought? Another rocker from the city has re-located here in the beach. There are a few of us now. We promptly contacted him and asked him if he'd like to meet for lunch. It was great to reminisce about the old days when we were all struggling musicians. All of us were looking ahead for something better but sometimes our lives take turns we could never expect. Richard's life has taken the biggest turn. Heck, he didn't just turn. He steamrolled his way into the big league.
Some of us are proud when another musician makes good. It's such a hard industry to be part of. You can't be weak. Success doesn't always happen just because you are talented. You have to work hard, recognize an opportunity when it presents itself and persevere. Richard has managed all of that and now he is being recognized for his efforts. You will find him nominated for 2 albums, Engineer of the Year for Rush's Snakes & Arrows CD and Dolores O'Riordan's (the Cranberries) Are You Listening CD.
Richard Chycki was nominated previously for Aerosmith’s 2001 album Just Push Play as well as his work with Mick Jagger and Tom Cochrane.
The competition is:
George Seara, nominated for Holly Cole's album The House is Haunted by the Echo of your Last Goodbye. He has worked with Rihanna, Mos Def, 50 Cent,Sting, Herbie Hancock and Finger Eleven.
Jeff Wolpert who is nominated for his work on Manteca's Onward! CD. His credentials include a co-producing credit for Loreena McKennitt's The Mask And Mirror. Cowboy Junkies, Paul Shaffer/Blues Brothers, Anne Murray, and Great Big Sea.
John "Beetle" Bailey for Sophie Milman | Harry Manx & Kevin Breit's In Good we Trust CD.
Kevin Churko who has worked on Ozzy Osbournes Black Rain CD. Other acheivements include programming and engineering for Mutt Lange on projects such as Shania Twain, Britney Spears, and the Corrs and has worked with such icons as Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, Robert Downy Jr. and Bryan Adams.
Anyone can recognize the immense honour of being nominated aside these highly respected professionals. This is the top shelf in the recording industry. Few of us ever get to rub elbows with the people who influenced and shaped us, yet for Richard Chycki, this is just another day at the office. We want to congratulate him on his nomination and wish him the very best of luck. We'll be watching nervously for the results, but frankly I think this is his year. He deserves it. His friends and neighbours in Wasaga Beach will be cheering him on. Good luck buddy!
You can watch the 2008 Juno Awards on the CTV network, Sunday April 6th, 2008. Hosted by comedian Russell Peters, the show will broadcast live from the Pengrowth Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta. Our hometown boy will be sitting amongst some of the biggest names in the music industry and if our good thoughts and well wishes can influence the outcome, he'll be returning to the beach with a shiny new statue.
If you are interested in reading more about Richard Chycki and his Juno nomination, there are some excellent articles on simcoe.com. Click the links below:
Mixland - Richard Chycki's website (some great photos of Richard here with industry icons)
Darlene
Watters is the author, editor and publisher of Day At The Beach. She
also operates the wasaga.com web site. Views and opinions expressed in
this article are those of the author alone, and do not represent the
official positions of any organization or company who advertises on
this website
