Alumni Update: Robert (Rob) Wilson, Audio Production & Engineering  

Rob Wilson, a graduate of the Audio Production & Engineering Diploma Program, has been building his career as an in-demand Audio Engineer, Music Producer, and Artist Manager. Rob is the Head Audio Engineer at 7valley Recording Studio, an Audio Engineer with the mobile recording studio The Audio Truck, and he runs his own artist management company called Cats Cove Media. Shortly after graduating in 2015, Rob began working with acclaimed Canadian music producer and owner of The Audio Truck, Danny Greenspoon (Great Big Sea, Spirit Of The West). Over the years, Rob has worked with Danny on projects including ‘The Band Sessions IV’ record by Les Stroud and most recently, recording the “Q Stage” at CBC Music Fest 2018.   

We asked Rob a few questions about his business and his time at MWI: 

Can you tell me a little bit about your company Cats Cove Media?  

Cats Cove Media is an independent production/management company that I started in 2016. The name isn’t from my love of cats, though. My family has owned a property in Muskoka for 3 generations, and it was nicknamed “Cats Cove” by my grandmother (except this time it was for a love of cats). The name stuck around and it’s still called “Cats Cove” today! That place has always been a huge source of inspiration for me creatively, and is something near and dear to my heart, so it just seemed right to name my company after it. 

Currently, Cats Cove Media is working with 12 artists in way of production, management, promotional/booking, publishing, or all of the above. We work with all types and genres of music ranging from folk, to shoe gaze, to punk, rock, soundtrack, or anything in between and are always looking for more talented artists to work with!  

Have you had any other interesting jobs or worked on any significant projects since graduating that you would like to share? 

I’ve had the pleasure of being able to work with a lot of amazing people on some great projects, it’s definitely hard to pick just a few! The first that comes to mind would have to be one of the first sessions I had ever engineered in a big studio, back in 2016. I was an intern at Revolution Recording in Toronto, and had brought in a band called Joe Bass to record their debut EP. It was a live off the floor session, and something about it just worked well – they played great, and the vibe was awesome. The record ended up having a real unique sound to it, and the fun of the session really comes though (to me anyways). 

Since then I’ve had opportunities to work on a bunch of other fun and exciting records, composed for a few films, built studios, recorded some fantastic live shows, and am beginning to do some game audio… It’s been a wild ride, that’s for sure! 

What has been the most helpful aspect of your Metalworks education? 

I would have to say the most helpful resource I got out of Metalworks was the overall base knowledge that helped me excel my career in multiple different ways. The hands-on experience in the studio and depth of information in the classrooms gave me the platform from which to build on in this industry. 

Do you have any words of wisdom for current students? 

I would have to say diversification is one of the biggest aspects of success in this industry right now. It is hugely advantageous to have a variety of different skills in your side pocket, so you can have the opportunity to accept new exciting job offers and create new opportunities for yourself! 

Rob concluded our interview with a shoutout to his alma mater “Thank you to all of the staff at Metalworks who gave me the skills I needed to pursue a career I thoroughly enjoy every day!” 

Make sure to visit the Cats Cove Media website (http://catscovemedia.com/) if you would like to get in touch with Rob or get tickets for an upcoming Artist Showcase. 

Facebook: @catscovemedia 
Instagram: @catscovemedia