We are absolutely thrilled to announce that our very own Chris Holmes, who leads College for Arts and Technology’s Audio Engineering & Production Department, has been part of a Juno-nominated project! His stellar work with the legendary Canadian-American rock band Big Wreck on their album “Pages” has earned a prestigious nod from the Juno Awards. 🌟
We recently caught up with Chris to get the inside scoop on this electrifying album, his dynamic career, and the excitement of this incredible nomination. From the studio magic to the creative genius, Chris shares it all!
Dive into our exclusive interview where Chris reveals the behind-the-scenes stories, his unique contributions, and the thrill of working with rock royalty. Congratulations, Chris, and the entire production team on this achievement! Stay tuned for more insights and join us in celebrating this monumental milestone!
Q: Congratulations on the Juno nomination! Can you tell us about the album and the artists you worked with?
A: The artist is Big Wreck, and the album is Pages, which we recorded in May of 2023.
Q: How did you first get involved in this project?
A: I met Ian Thornley (songwriter, lead vocalist, guitarist, and keyboardist for Big Wreck) when I had done some engineering on a few singles they released in 2021. I felt like we worked well together, and connected on a friendship level early, so while I was surprised to get the call to work on a new album, it felt like a good progression from the work we had done earlier.
Q: What was your role in the production process, and what were some of the key contributions you made?
A: For this record, I was brought on to engineer (record) most of the instrumentation. Ian recorded vocals, synths, and some additional guitars himself, but the foundation was all recorded by me.
Q: What was the most exciting or challenging part of working on this album?
A: There was a lot to be excited about for me. Big Wreck for me was one of those seminal bands that shaped my music tastes growing up, so getting to work with them didn’t even feel real at the time. The level of talent and creativity in that band is absolutely nuts. On top of that, I got to watch Nick Raskulinecz* produce which was massive for me too. Nick has produced some of the best rock records ever in the world, so it was amazing to watch him work in person. Finally, being able to travel to Toronto, and work at Noble Street Studios was amazing as well.
*Nick Raskulinecz is best known for his work with rock bands including Foo Fighters, Alice in Chains, and Rush.
Q: Did you have a feeling this album could be something special, or was the nomination a complete surprise?
A: Every record you work on feels special, and I was especially proud of this one. The way it all came together, and the collection of songs was just great, but the nomination was still a surprise to me.
Q: What was the creative and technical process like in bringing this album to life?
A: The band had a really clear vision of what they were looking for before they even stepped foot in the studio. Ian in particular, had an entire vision in his head of what he wanted to hear, so the majority of the record was following his direction to get him the sounds he was after. Ian’s been making records for quite a while, so he’s very familiar with the tools and techniques, so he’s often one step ahead of everyone else in the room.
Q: Were there any unique recording or mixing techniques used that made this album or a particular track stand out?
A: There’s a song on the record called Summerlong that has a pretty unique drum sound. Ian and I both have an affinity for 80s-era albums, and Phil Collins / Genesis were a major inspiration. We wanted to capture that gated drum sound from songs like Mama or In the Air Tonight for Summerlong. It took a lot of trial and error, but I’m happy with the result.
Q: How does working on a Juno-nominated album compare to other projects you’ve been involved in?
A: As I said above, I think every record you make feels special. You make bonds with people that last a lifetime, and everyone feels that what they have created is unique. In Big Wreck’s case, I think this one is well deserved, as I still feel they are one of the best rock acts out there, so this is a small bit of the recognition they really deserve.
Q: What do you think makes this album resonate with audiences?
A: I think it all depends on the person. For me, it’s just an eclectic mixture of music. Some songs are heavier, some songs are much calmer, some songs are 80s-inspired, and some are somewhere between all those things. In an age when trying to be original is so challenging, I think Big Wreck has managed to do something no one else is really doing in the same way.
Big Wreck is a Canadian-American rock band formed by Ian Thornely and Brian Doherty in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1992. The band was rounded out with David Henning and Forrest Williams.
The Juno Awards, or simply “JUNOS” are Canada’s music recording industry awards, presented by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARSAS) to recognize outstanding achievements in the Canadian music industry. The 54th annual JUNO Awards Broadcast will take place in Vancouver at Rogers Arena on Sunday, March 30, 2025.
Chris Holmes’s journey with Big Wreck on “Pages” is a testament to his skills, passion, and the strong connections he builds with the artists he works with. We are incredibly proud of his achievements and look forward to seeing what he accomplishes next.
For more insights into Chris’s work and the Audio Engineering & Production program, stay tuned to our blog and follow us on social media. Congratulations, Chris, and the entire album production team on this remarkable milestone!