Le Studio
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Le Studio was a recording studio located just south of the town of Morin Heights, Quebec. It was regarded as the first 'environmental' recording studio outside a major urban center. Built on his property near his country home outside the village of Morin Heights, some 50 miles north of Montreal, the facility was conceived, designed & created by André Perry in 1974 and managed by his partner in life and business, Yaël Brandeis. The venue introduced a concept which defied convention for sound studios: a large floor-to-ceiling glass wall (which contradicted acoustic rules), providing an unobstructed view of Lac Perry and the surrounding Laurentian Mountains. André’s outlook on philosophy & culture permeated throughout: the location, choice of equipment, and the proficiency of its staff. The intent was to provide state-of-the-art technology with a nurturing, creative atmosphere.
Many international artists recorded their albums at Le Studio, including Rush, The Police, Sting, Cat Stevens, The Bee Gees, David Bowie, Keith Richards and Bryan Adams. These artists would hermit themselves at Le Studio and its guest house for the duration of their recording process, which could last from between one to four months or more.
Le Studio was also known as Le Studio André Perry or Le Studio Morin Heights. The engineering staff included: Nick Blagona, Ed Stasium, Leanne Unger, Paul Northfield.
André & Yaël Perry sold Le Studio in 1988. After several changes of ownership, the complex closed permanently and, at this writing, remains unoccupied and in disrepair.
"As of October 2011, Le Studio remains unoccupied and basically abandoned. We have visited the site a few times this summer, and lately someone has definitely tried breaking in. The main door has sadly been hacked out around the lock and the door pins pulled to unsuccessfully gain access. Signs that someone may have illegally squatted there can be seen from the rear where we can see a makeshift woodstove and chimney, having been used for heat. Clearly, if anyone has acquired the property they have no interest in returning it to any kind of use. The piano that can be seen in most of the videos online sits there, unused. The pool table that countless personalities must have played, and is seen in April Wine's "I Like To Rock" video, is also still present, including cues." – Yaël Brandeis, Le Studio manager
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[edit] 2000s
According to Neil Peart, drummer and lyricist of Rush, Le Studio closed and sat abandoned, not far from his residence in Quebec:
"I drove us [Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee] to my house on the lake, sometimes playing Finnish rally driver on the snow-covered roads. Along the way, we passed near the village of Morin Heights, where we had shared so many good times, recording at Le Studio — now closed and abandoned. The number of albums we had made there stretched from Permanent Waves in 1979 to Counterparts in 1994." – Neil Peart
The house and grounds are featured in the music videos of the recording sessions of the Rush songs "Tom Sawyer", "Limelight" and "Vital Signs".[1]
The 233-acre (0.94 km2) site was listed for sale in July 2007, with an asking price of C$2.45 million.[2] The property remained for sale until 2009, when it was purchased and converted to a retreat and spa.
Recently a video of Le Studio was made in August, 2010 by a fan who lives in the area, detailing its deteriorated state: [1]
As of May, 2011, the building remains in the same condition as shown in the above video: unpowered, unheated, unoccupied and with no upkeep.
An updated visit was made by fans to the property in cooperation with its current owners. Video and photography was shot on site for archival purposes, covering the entire inside of the building and its current state. These fans will be presenting a documentary on a new 2011 Le Studio channel found here: [2]
[edit] Albums recorded at Le Studio
[edit] References
- ^ NeilPeart.net - News posting April 26, 2006
- ^ Sale brochure The property was still for sale as of November, 2008
[edit] External links
- Village LeStudio Official Site[dead link]
- Andre Perry - Former Le Studio Founder/Owner
- Nick Blagona - Former Le Studio Engineer
- Albums Recorded at Le Studio[dead link]
Coordinates: 45°52′34″N 74°16′11″W / 45.876137°N 74.269848°W
