Over 40 Years of Making Music Magic
Chalet Recording Studio started out as a dream. Our founder, David, always loved the concept of a residential studio — a place where artists could work and stay, escaping into nature, and inspiring their creativity.
The Story of Chalet Recording Studio
By our founder, David Chester
As I look back at all the memorable sessions we’ve had in Chalet’s 40+ year history, it seems unbelievable we have come this far.
It wasn’t easy to get started. I was 25 years old at the time, having studied music at Carleton, York, and Humber before spending several years with my band on the road. My wife, Sheila-Marie Richardson (“She” for short), and I were starting from the ground up. We faced many hurdles attracting staff and clients to the countryside and building a professional-quality, soundproof studio.
Chalet needed its first big client to put us on the map. We set our sights on Rush, one of the most recognizable bands in Canada. After many attempts at contacting their management, they told us our equipment wasn’t up to their standard. They sent the long list of gear Chalet would need to get their business (and still, there were no guarantees).
I decided to go big or go home.
I “rolled the bones” and re-mortgaged everything to purchase the needed equipment. In the end, one of Canada’s most iconic bands spent almost five months on their album, ‘Presto,’ in our studio. To accommodate Rush, we supplied a sound engineer, a gourmet chef, daily maid service, and a “handyman”.
They always had a creative project on the go outside of their music, like “decorating” our old Dodge station wagon. Over time, they came back to write three more records — ‘Roll The Bones,’ ‘Test For Echo,’ and ‘Counterparts.’
In 2001, She and I decided to take Chalet to another level, moving our family there permanently and turning the space into a bed and breakfast and recording studio.
It was not uncommon for us to sit down at breakfast (or brunch, given that we work with musicians) with the band in recording. This was something that many families would not be able to handle, but musicians are, as a rule, very polite and respectful, and really interesting people. To this day, we still have wonderful friendships with many of our clients.
In spite of the many challenges we face trying to stay current in the ever-changing music industry, our love for the space, the music created here, and the people we meet continues to inspire us to share our special way of life with others here at the Chalet.
David Chester and Sheila-Marie (She) Richardson
Neil Peart of Rush with David Chester
Circa 1989
Everett Ravestein with the ‘Hooterville Hauler’
Decorated by Rush circa 1989
Over 40 Years of Making Music Magic
Chalet Recording Studio started out as a dream. Our founder, David, always loved the concept of a residential studio — a place where artists could work and stay, escaping into nature, and inspiring their creativity.
The Story of Chalet Recording Studio
By our founder, David Chester
As I look back at all the memorable sessions we’ve had in Chalet’s 40+ year history, it seems unbelievable we have come this far.
It wasn’t easy to get started. I was 25 years old at the time, having studied music at Carleton, York, and Humber before spending several years with my band on the road. My wife, Sheila-Marie Richardson (“She” for short), and I were starting from the ground up. We faced many hurdles attracting staff and clients to the countryside and building a professional-quality, soundproof studio.
David Chester and Sheila-Marie (She) Richardson
Chalet needed its first big client to put us on the map. We set our sights on Rush, one of the most recognizable bands in Canada. After many attempts at contacting their management, they told us our equipment wasn’t up to their standard. They sent the long list of gear Chalet would need to get their business (and still, there were no guarantees).
I decided to go big or go home.
I “rolled the bones” and re-mortgaged everything, to purchase the needed equipment In the end, one of Canada’s most iconic bands spent almost five months on their album, ‘Presto,’ in our studio. To accommodate Rush, we supplied a sound engineer, a gourmet chef, daily maid service, and a “handyman”.
They always had a creative project on the go outside of their music, like “decorating” our old Dodge station wagon. Over time they came back to write three more records — ‘Roll The Bones,’ ‘Test For Echo,’ and ‘Counterparts.’
Everett Ravestein with the‘Hooterville Hauler’
Decorated by Rush circa 1989
Neil Peart of Rush with David Chester
Circa 1989
In 2001, She and I decided to take Chalet to another level, moving our family there permanently and turning the space into a bed and breakfast and recording studio.
It was not uncommon for us to sit down at breakfast (or brunch, given that we work with musicians) with the band in recording. This was something that many families would not be able to handle, but musicians are, as a rule, very polite and respectful, and really interesting people. To this day, we still have wonderful friendships with many of our clients.
In spite of the many challenges we face trying to stay current in the ever-changing music industry, our love for the space, the music created here, and the people we meet continue to inspire us to share our special way of life with others here at the Chalet.