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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1998-03-18, Page 20GrvE SOMEONE A SECOND CHANCE. March is Kidney Month. Please give generously. THE KIDNEY FOUNDATION OF CANADA Start a clean page Whether it's in family life, career, or spirituality, sometimes we need to start a clean page. Not necessarily through quitting, divorce, or running away, but through the forgiveness possible in Christ. That's not easy. Whether you're single, married, young or old, at our church you'll fmd people who are trying to care, reach out, and love. Like Christ taught. Start a clean page this week: join us for worship and in our search to care for each other. Brussels Mennonite Fellowship 9:30 a.m. Worship Service 10:45 a.m. Christian Education Everyone Welcome Pastor Ben Wlebe 887-6388 Take 1 Mark Hussey, left and Wayne Taylor are busy in the studio of Renaissance Productions. A video link separates them from recording clients Attention Farmers! 8% PST $ REBATE ENDS MARCH 31 Your time is running out to take advantage of the PST rebate program available on farm buildings. If you are thinking of building, the best time is now! Give us a call and we would be glad to help you with all your building needs.. Warlda 94, Home Hardware Building Centre Gorrie, Ont. NOG 1X0 Phone: (519) 335-3551 Fax: (519) 335-3427 PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1998. This family makes music together in Silence By Bonnie Gropp Citizen staff Not only does their youthful good looks draw your attention, but they're talented too. In Silence, the Hussey family will showcase that talent at a concert on Blyth Memorial Hall's stage, March 28. Five of the nine children born to Dale and Mario* Hussey of East Wawanosh, Mark, 29, Matthew, 23, Micah, 21, Manny, 19 and Melina, 17, formed Silence in the fall of 1994. Music had been a family passion for as long as any could remember. "There was always music around the house," says Mark. "Our parents encouraged us to sing, though most of our experience was gained in church. Our father is a pastor and we developed a lot through that exposure." Having performed as the Hussey Family, the band wanted a name that would break from that image. "The music we are doing now is not the typical family stuff," says Mark. The material they do is original, with all taking a hand in creating. Their influences are varied, they explain with a tendency to techno- dance and alternative styles. Saying that one of their biggest influences is the Irish band U-2, Mark adds, "We love all kinds of music, but where we're heading seems to be more groove dance. There's a heavier guitar style." The familial aspect has helped the group grow because they're not afraid of being up front, Mark says, which helps them develop the music's potential. "To get a song to a particular place you have to be honest." Matthew adds that knowing each other so well helps with such things as improvisation. "The family unity can flow. It takes bands a long time to develop that." And having a female member is an added bonus Mark notes. "It gives the band an advantage as they can address female issues." For Melina, being the only girl is not a big deal. "Growing up, I was always with the guys. There were no girls close to my age in the family." The excitement of doing their first show in Blyth is based on the wonderful acoustics in the building. Being proud of what they do, says Mark, they obviously wanted to perform in a venue that was good. Though Silence is currently working on a CD they will have available for sale at the concert a 60-minute tape, which they describe as more of a demo-tape than an official release. "It's basically to let people know where we're heading," says Mark. While Silence is keen to show the world what they've got, they have been holding back on•CDs because they really want to test the music as much as possible on live audiences before committing them to disc. "We've been doing a lot of writing, so we want to make sure it's the best stuff we have to offer." Silence is produced by Wayne Taylor, who co-owns a recording studio in Hullett Twp. with Mark. His association has been invaluable. "He listens and provides suggestions that are very honest. We notice after he comes in the changes are brilliant. You need that extra set of ears," says Matthew. Taylor's technical experience is important too, he says, as the Husseys pretty much all play by ear. "And he's just a great friend," Micah adds. Personable, talented and attractive, Silence seems to have it all under control. They dream, but are patient and not afraid to work to fulfill the dream. Saying that they are hoping for that "ever-elusive record deal", Mark emphasizes, "We're going for it." "We've all had that dream of being on stage performing for thousands. I don't say that arrogantly, but you have to dream and think big." With the experience they have gained over the years, the Husseys, though young, are professional in their approach to their music and success. They have made theirchoice and are committed to improving themselves practicing every day often until the early hours of the morning. "We've had to sacrifice," admits Melina. Tickets for Silence's Blyth debut are available at the Festival Box Office or from Ernie King's in Wingham and Goderich or the Gift Chest in Wingham. They can also be reserved by e-mailing silencepro@hotmail.com or phoning 519-523-4706. A family affair Silence, clockwise, from bottom left: guitarist, Micah Hussey, keyboardist and singer, Matthew Hussey, drummer Manny Hussey, bass player, Mark Hussey, and percussionist and vocalist Melina Hussey are preparing for a March 28 concert in Blyth at Memorial Hall. Rural setting perfect for studio By Bonnie Gropp Citizen staff While it may at first seem an incongruous country business, for its owners the move to rural backroads was ideal. After being part of Wingham's downtown core for five years, last year Mark Hussey and Wayne Taylor made the decision to relocate their Renaissance Productions to a farm outside Blyth. Originally located in the basement of Ernie King's Music Store, the recording studio was without the benefit of natural light. "We lived in a cave," says Mark . The other pertinent factors, however, were improved acoustics and a need for privacy. "People would just walk in on session, which was fine, but they didn't realize that some people doing a recording don't like that. They are a little self-conscious." Their Hullett Twp. farm proved the perfect solution. Situated about 10 kilometres south-east of Blyth, the spacious house affords not just seclusion but plenty of large windows through which they can view acres of wir!- open spaces. It doubles as a home for Mark's brother Matthew and his wife and infant son. The home vironment, too, Wayne says,:._ less clinical, less sterile than an office. Providing everyone from young garage bands to novelty acts with an opportunity to commit themselves to tape, has brought a diverse assortment into the Renaissance studio. "We've had it all," says Mark. While much of the business is fairly local, Wayne says they have had some people from the city who want to get away from the hustle and bustle. The equipment at the studio is broadcast quality, 24 tracks, all digital. "For $50 an hour, we will take you from start to finished CD," says Mark. This includes graphic designs for the cover. To determine how long it is going to take is impossible, but they will try to work within a budget. "If you want to do it right it can take a whole summer. You can do it in a weekend, though we don't recommend that," says Mark. "We encourage people to take their time because once it's• out there, people are going to hear it and you can't take it back," adds Wayne. Initially the pair like to speak in pgrson with clients. "They share more than they would over the phone. It also sets the clients at ease." In the technical studio there is a video link into the sound room so the performers need not feel intimdiated by seeing someone looking at them through glass, Hussey says. Clients need not fear criticism. "We are not here to burst a bubble. First and foremost music should be_ enjoyabl- .tys Wayne. Many people often come just to record something for a family member. "They may sing out of tune, but their hearts are in it." Renaissance also offers top quality instruments at no extra charge which they see as a bonus for themselves, too. "If the quality of a performance improves it helps us sound better too."