Production, Mixing and Session Work

Steve is always looking for new projects to get involved in. Whether it’s playing on, producing, mixing, studio time at The Henhouse, or all of the above, he is always open to hearing about new music. Feel free to reach out to tell us more about your project, discuss rates, and schedules, etc.
Get more info on The Henhouse Studio
Have a look at the Rates Page for various services

 

“Steve Dawson is an extraordinarily gifted and versatile musician. Being as well a songwriter, engineer, and producer allows Steve a broad and nuanced perspective of any project’s scope; and he is an unfailingly inventive and generous collaborator. I find myself turning to Steve less for any particular instrument he might play, and more for the expanse of his experience and humanity that he brings to the table. And worth noting: beyond his virtuosic ability at so many stations, he’s also willing to play less than almost any great player I know —and that egoless restraint is priceless.” - Joe Henry

 

Production

With close to 100 produced albums to his credit, including 7 Juno Award winning recordings, Steve has earned a reputation as one of the most in-demand roots music producers around. Steve started his production career over 20 years ago when Jenny Whiteley approached him to record her Juno-winning “Hopetown” album. Steve gradually built up his collection of recording equipment and continued to produce an ongoing list of acclaimed albums and working with artists from many genres on bringing their songs to life. Steve has built his reputation around live ensemble performance, creating group interplay that is unique and adventurous. By bringing out the best in each performer, he is able to sculpt deep and rich recordings from those group performances, as heard on recordings by artists such as Matt Andersen, Jim Byrnes, Kelly Joe Phelps, Birds of Chicago, David Olney, Kat Danser, Old Man Luedecke, Deep Dark Woods, Ndidi Onukwulu, Linda McRae, The Sojourners, Big Dave McLean, and many more. Here’s a playlist with a few examples of some of Steve’s recent work.

Feel free to reach out here to discuss details of your project, or ask questions about the process.

 
 

For a partial list of Steve’s Production credits, see the Discography Page.

Remote Sessions

Have Steve play on your tracks remotely!

Steve is a respected studio musician who has played on hundreds of recordings from indie albums to major label releases, demos, EP’s and singles. He has played on songs for artists as diverse as Matt Andersen, Kelly Joe Phelps, Bob Rock, Mike Reid, Joe Henry, Birds of Chicago, Allison Russell, David Olney, Old Man Luedecke, Deep Dark Woods, Ndidi Onukwulu, Linda McRae, The Sojourners, Big Dave McLean, and many more. He can add tracks to projects anywhere in the world, and does this regularly for many artists and producers. Steve has an incredible setup ready to record acoustic or electric instruments.

Have a look at the Rates Page for more info
Feel free to reach out here to discuss details of your project, or ask questions about the process.
Steve’s specialties include:

  • pedal steel

  • dobro

  • slide guitar (acoustic and electric, including unique sounding instruments)

  • acoustic and electric guitars of all kinds (Including textural sounds, 12-strings, baritone, etc)

  • banjo

  • mandolin

  • bass

For a partial list of Steve’s Musician credits, see the Discography Page.

Mixing

With over 100 albums mixed to his credit, including 5 Juno Award-winning recordings, Steve Dawson has honed his craft through experience and dedication to the art of mixing. Steve has worked with many artists starting at various stages in their recording process to mix their music and bring their project to completion. Using a carefully curated collection of analog equipment combined with software plugins, Steve has become a sought-after producer and engineer. Based out of his Henhouse Studio in Nashville, Steve has worked on projects from around the world. He has mixed songs or albums for artists like Mike Reid, Joe Henry, Matt Andersen, John Hammond, Bruce Cockburn, David Olney, Joe Henry, Birds of Chicago, The Matinee, Linda McRae, John Wort Hannam, Jim Byrnes, Ndidi O and many more.

Steve is available to mix albums, singles, EP’s or whatever you may have need for. He can tailor a plan to fit your budget and is always looking for new projects. Steve’s mix setup is centered around a fully automated API 1608 analog console with automation. His collection of outboard gear includes compressors, eq’s and effects by Neve, Retro Instruments, Spectra Sonics, Chandler, Demeter, Universal Audio and more.

Feel free to reach out here to discuss details of your project, or ask questions about the process.

Have a look at the Rates Page for more info

Here’s a playlist with some of Steve’s recent mixing work:

 
 

For a partial listing of mixing credits, please visit the Discography Page.