In January of 2017 Wolf Parade had the pleasure of spending a week at The Noise Floor, where we recorded overdubs and vocals for our most recent LP, "Cry Cry Cry," and we were very happy with the results. It is easily our best-sounding release so far.  

We've been in many recording studios and have found that one common problem within that world is sterile, white-walled environments, wherein the focus is more on gear and pristine sound quality than it is on artistry and creatively inspiring spaces. The Noise Floor does not suffer from this problem (though the sound quality is just as good!) The space is easily large enough for a band to work in, yet has a cozy, welcoming feeling that makes one feel instantly at home, not worried about where you should throw your coat. The live room is warm-feeling, lit and decorated in such a way that makes it possible to spend hours at a time within if needed. (I personally had so much fun recording vocals in there that I didn't want to stop and probably did more takes than was necessary.) These same "vibes" spill over into the the engineering room and adjacent communal room, making the entire space a comfortable, relaxed environment wherein ideas flow naturally. 

The Noise Floor's location on Gabriola is also a positive. The fact that the studio is located on a somewhat remote island gives the feeling that the rest of the world is on hold while you work on your album, and any help in blocking out distractions when working is something all artists will benefit from. Feeling like nothing else exists is very easy to do in the tranquil surroundings. There is warm, beautiful little cottage in the back yard, where I personally slept, and it offered a chill and private space for me to finalize and practice my lyrics before putting them to tape. Not to mention deep, silent sleeps. 

Jordan Koop, co-owner and engineer, is very talented and great to work with. He was flexible with his hours, catering to the band's schedule. He knows his gear well and how to use it to a band's full advantage. He is full of knowledge and ideas but is also open to different ideas, suggestions, and alternative ways of working, should a band want to experiment. This is simply to say that, despite his skill and expertise, Jordan is not "stuck in his ways" the way that I've found other house engineers can be. He is very calm, kind, and funny, making it easy to feel at ease around him; to have him on the receiving end of a mic when you're trying out a new (bad) idea, or ask him to play a keyboard part back for the hundredth time.   

Jordan and Terry Ondang, co-owner and studio manager, could not have made us feel more welcome. Really, it was all a very lovely and fun; a creative and productive experience that never really felt like "work."  I remember now the album covers and stickers decorating the bathroom -  the many bands that came before us -  which made me feel like we'd joined a special club - The Noise Floor alumni. Really I can't recommend the studio enough and I hope I get to work there again some day.