Musician, writer... and producer. How did you get involved in the production side of music?
I became interested in recording music in the 80's and at one point 3 of my friends decided they would go to Trebas in Montreal and pay the almost $10K for the course. I decided my money was better spent on some multi-track recording equipment and I have been involved with recording ever since. I had a small studio set up when I was still living out East, and recorded several independent album projects. When we moved to London in 1990 I began investing more in the studio and subsequently grew a reputation as a producer with some of the local metal acts primarily. I have worked with signed groups such as Helix, Kittie, Thine Eyes Bleed, The Fullblast, Blood of Christ,as well as countless indie projects in the local area.
NAIL presented a challenge in that for the first time I could record without budget constraints. All the other groups were on budgets that allowed limited production in the overall scheme of things, so I always found some small things that I felt maybe we could have improved upon etc etc. but with NAIL it was uniquely free from these restrictions. Consequently, if I had to put a price tag on it from say, another major studio, NAIL would have cost in excess of $60,000 to complete. The fact that it was recorded in my "basement" studio, makes it no less of an album. The studio is equipped with state of the art equipment from Euphonix, IZ Radar 24, all the gear that has recorded Grammy-winning albums from U2, Santana, Alanis Morissette, and countless more. So there are no excuses.We feel the album reflects that commitment and
really stands on its own merit, budget notwithstanding. I really feel at this point that "NAIL" is the best example of my work both as a producer as well as a writer/musician.
What are your plans for NAIL's future?
NAIL is a concert performance group. We will be targeting festivals and tours either as a headlining or support act, you won't likely see the band in your local bar. Simply we hope to secure some sort of distribution through a major label coupled with some festival/concert dates this coming year, and of course we would like to see the band's popularity rise to the point where all involved can make a reasonable living at it, either through sales or touring. Step 1 is complete. The album is done. Now comes the hard work! We are currently in rehearsal with our new bassist and all indications are that the songs on the album will be faithfully recreated in the live performance. No Tour dates yet, but stuff is in the works.
Is there anything you'd like to say to your fans?
If you like it support it, buy it without downloading it, copying it from your buddies etc etc. This goes for all artists' fans because without the support this industry will collapse on itself and 10 years from now there will be very few groups taking the time to record great albums that (luckily) are still available today. They simply won't be able to afford it.
Winterwind thanks Rainer for taking the time to do this interview over the holidays. Visit the NAIL site, listen to some great tunes and buy the album!