Fraser Montgomery

I unknowingly began my career in audio as a teenager, writing and recording songs with my guitar in the back shed. Cassette decks were the sonic choice back then. Recording jams with mates and the early incarnations of my band, Symbiosis. After writing, recording and touring heavily through the mid-2000’s, I decided to focus on making music with other people in the studio. I realised this was my home, and what i wanted to do. This culminated in the concept and establishment of The Aviary Recording Studio.

In 2012, I took on a lease for the top floor of an old building in Abbotsford. 8 years after singing the first lease, I now have 2 floors of the building, a large recording studio, 6 productions rooms and a record store, all within the premises. The studio is busy with myself and freelancers making records almost everyday, around 13 other producers that work in the production rooms making amazing records, and a shop, Dutch Vinyl, selling strictly vinyl. I never thought it would be like this, but the blood, sweat and tears has turned nothing into something.

I try and make records I would want to listen to. That’s all I feel I can really do. If I don’t like it, then how could anyone else possibly like it? Right? I want to have fun in the studio and capture the true character of an artist with real performances. Unique expressions of a song in that moment. I want to get excited by the music we make, rather than just hope someone else will down the line. The process of record making for me is an evolving thing, naturally. I have made records with processes I would’t want to repeat, but sometimes do. That’s OK. Maybe it has to be done like that sometimes. The process can be fluid depending on the artist and the season, but I’m always trying to tap into a performance that doesn’t sound like it can be easily repeated. After all, a record is forever. A live show is for a moment. They both have their place, but I’m interested in the eternity of a recorded performance. What’s going to give your great grandkids goosebumps? What will you ultimately be proud of? Doing another take to make it better? Or leaving in the tiny mistake that felt good? Track to tape and embrace the limitations? or keep all options open? I’m open to it all if it is an honest approach and comes from the heart. I do have a few people I like like to make records with and build a team, however, sometimes I like to go it alone. It depends on what the music needs. I don’t claim to “know it all”. Far from it. I won’t compose a string arrangement or play drums for you, but I know the best in the business (in my humble opinion) who can. However, I do know how to open creative doors, bring in the right people when needed, and get you expressing your own voice. I know how to get a project done, and sounding amazing. If I can hang my hat on anything, it’s that artists keep coming back to work with me. Being part of someone’s record is a privilege and is never taken for granted. I only ever take on projects I can commit to 100%. I know how hard it is to write a great song. I know how hard it is to present that to someone else. I know how hard it is to record that and be happy with both the process and the outcome. I can help make it happen. Want to make a record?