The only studio to receive a nomination for an East Coast Music Award in Metro this year is located right here in Dartmouth.
Scott Ferguson, owner of FMP Studios in Manor Park, says he feels great about finding out about his studio's nomination.
"Receiving an ECMA nomination for recording studio of the year is an important aspect of peer recognition. We have been very fortunate to have consistently a great base of talented musicians and artists. The overall result is a credit to them, as well."
Since 1999 Ferguson has been providing music recording, audio engineering services and multi media production to musicians from all over the world.
The names of those who have recorded at FMP include well known artists like Dave Carroll, The Rankins, Charlie A'Court, John Gracie, Sons of Maxwell and Dean Brody.
Although he now has a state of the art recording studio along with other ECMA nominations for his work and professional world wide recognition for artists that have recorded at his studio, Ferguson says his dream was years in the making.
He was a musician from the age of six, when he first began jamming to the Beatles on his toy tin drum.
After receiving a Diploma in Jazz Studies and a Bachelor of Music from St. Francis Xavier University, Ferguson studied with renowned drum teacher Jim Blackley.
"As far back as 1987 I had a little recording room in my flat with my wife Gail, in Halifax."
From 1992 till 1997 he toured and recorded with the Rankin Family, an experience he calls absolutely wonderful.
After spending time in Nashville with his mentor, producer George Massenberg who in addition to producing the Rankins has also worked with James Taylor, Earth - Wind and Fire, Journey and Linda Ronstadt, Scott started "Ferguson Music Productions."
"I saw there was a hole in the market. There was a need in Halifax for a studio with an international sound. And for me, the recording experience should be done in a caring, compassionate way. That was our vision. And we achieved that."
Ferguson's wife Gail and his three children were along for the ride, supporting him every step of the way. But at times it was not easy, said Gail.
"We saw the potential 15 years ago and we were enthusiastic. But, some people thought we were crazy."
Crazy or not the Fergusons have now built a business that covers everything from pre-production to the final product. They will guide artists through the entire process to the final product, whatever that may be.
Professionals are not the only ones welcome at FMP.
Some people may want to put down their own songs on a CD for fun or even archive stories for their families.
"Our vision is fluid," said Ferguson. "It is entirely up to the artist. We are there to direct and encourage and support."
For more info on FMP, visit www.studiofmp.ca, call 452-1479 or email scott@studiofmp.ca
joanneoostveen@accesswave.ca
