Quinzy To Record with Juno-Winning Producer

Winnipeg-based rock trio Quinzy has snagged a prominent producer to helm upcoming recordings for a promotional demo and possibly their sophomore full-length release. Michael Phillip Wojewoda will bring Quinzy into Metalworks Studios in Mississauga next month to produce three songs which Quinzy will use to shop its music to labels.

Wojewoda is recognized as one of Canada’s most influential producers and engineers, having worked with top bands including Barenaked Ladies, Rheostatics, Ashley MacIsaac, Jane Siberry and Great Big Sea. Wojewoda has recorded over 70 albums and won back-to-back Juno Awards in 1994 and 1995 for Best Engineer. He is also known for his work as a composer and musician, notably as keyboardist for Rheostatics.

“He'll bring years and years and years of experience producing and performing on a lot of the best albums to come out of Canada,” says Quinzy drummer David Pankratz. “Also that he's going to be able to bring out the best in whatever songs we choose to record. It's very exciting to have someone with his talent come into a project with fresh ears.”

Wojewoda has been on Quinzy’s wish list of producers. The band sent him its acclaimed debut effort, Pleasebabypleasebabybabybabyplease, which the producer enjoyed. Quinzy invited him to its showcase at Canadian Music Week last March and from there, they made plans to record.

This isn’t Quinzy’s first time working with prominent industry people. Pleasebabyplease was mixed by Howard Redekopp, known for his work with The New Pornographers and Tegan and Sara fame. Redekopp is also producing Juno-nominated roots quartet Nathan’s upcoming album. As well, Quinzy’s album art was designed by Grammy-nominated artist Jesse LeDoux who has worked with House of Blues, Sub Pop Records, Dreamworks, Modest Mouse, Phish, and Dave Matthews Band.

Quinzy hopes to secure funding for a full-length through the three-song demo. Pankratz is optimistic about the demo and its results. “We're really confident that this recording is going to turn out really well, and we really want to make sure a lot of people have the chance to hear it. So we're going to throw a whole bunch of our eggs (probably even all of them) in one basket, and see what we can do.”