Create Great Vocal Doubles And Adjust Timing - Kevin Churko
Kevin Churko is a Canadian producer/engineer/songwriter who has worked with some of the world's biggest names including Ozzy Osbourne, Britney Spears, Celine Dion, Papa Roach, Shania Twain and many more. Kevin currently lives in Las Vegas where he works out of his private studio, The Hideout.
When did you get started in music production and how did it lead you to working in the industry full-time?
I guess I started around 10 years old. I figured out I could record into my stereo cassette deck, then take that cassette, put it into another cassette deck, then record that along with myself playing a live track through a small Peavey mixer to another cassette deck. Then repeat, repeat and repeat until I have a full production. I became the guy in the band who could do cheap demos. That eventually led to other bands hiring me and so it began.
Tell us a bit about “The Hideout”...
The Hideout is a full-featured 4 studio 13,000 ft recording studio complex with a choice of ‘in the box’ or SSL console rooms.
"I became the guy in the band who could do cheap demos. That eventually led to other bands hiring me and so it began.”
What’s your favourite piece of ‘go to’ gear?
For hardware, I’d have to say I can’t beat the Kemper profiler amp - handy, useful and awesome. For software, well Revoice Pro, of course!
Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far?
Mutt Lange was always my favorite producer both before and after working for him. He was a great teacher and a fantastic mentor.
What was it like working with Ozzy Osbourne?
Working with Ozzy was as fantastic as you could imagine. He was an amazing collaborator and a wonderful human being. He was witty, charming and a real pleasure to hang out with. Mutt helped me be better at my job but Ozzy was really the most instrumental in kick-starting my production and mixing career. He had faith in me when no-one else did.
"Working with Ozzy was as fantastic as you could imagine. He was an amazing collaborator and a wonderful human being. He was witty, charming and a real pleasure to hang out with.”
Tell us a bit about your current projects
I’m almost finished my sixth album with Five Finger Death Punch and starting my fifth with In This Moment. I’m also putting the finishing touches to a new country artist release that I’ve recently signed to my production company.
What do you find most useful about working with Revoice Pro?
I think the many options I have in Revoice Pro add to the appeal. I can tweak a track in a lot of different ways with only one program.
Is there a particular ‘go-to’ feature you keep going back to Revoice Pro for?
I love the ability I have to create doubles and triples while playing with the tightness of them. To my knowledge, that’s a first.
"I think the many options I have in Revoice Pro add to the appeal. I can tweak a track in a lot of different ways with only one program.”
After working with various well-known artists over the years, what’s the most valuable piece of advice you would pass on to those starting out in your field?
Go back to school! Hahaha - kidding. I think the most important qualities in aspiring producers is the ability to work hard, really hard and persevere. Sometime it’s a stamina test. It’s up to you to make it happen.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the audio community?
Come rent my studio! With four rooms, there’s an option for everyone plus you can write off a trip to Vegas!!
Find out more about The Hideout here.
For downloads and more information on getting the best from using Revoice Pro, click this link and select your DAW.