Inside a large gray pavilion lit with blue lights, Talon Nadeau plays rhymes to a steady backward beat.
The 18-year-old, rapping an original piece of poetry he wrote himself, is recording in a professional studio in Vancouver.
“I’m new to this and learn as I go on,” he said. “This place is great, because it’s always welcoming, everyone is friendly and it really is a place like no other.”
Talon Nadeau, 18, records an original song at BYRC Recording Studio in Vancouver.
BYRC Recording Studio is dedicated to musical creativity and youth empowerment. Anyone between the ages of 13 and 24 can use the studio and all of its equipment for free.
“As a young person, it’s really hard to access professional studios because they’re expensive, but this is great and you get to meet young people from all different walks of life.”
The studio is located in the Broadway Youth Resource Center and is run by 23-year-old recording artist and sound engineer Sekawnee.
“It is an inclusive space for young people to record music, hone their skills and learn more about the music industry,” he said.
23-year-old Sekawnee helped found the BYRC Recording Studio, which celebrates young artists. (Melanie Nagy)
Sekawnee is from the Squamish and Tla’amin Nations. He says his passion for music stems from his culture’s deep connection to song and dance.
“I feel like music has always been ingrained in my flesh and blood. For as long as I can remember, it’s just been a part of me.”
With a strong background in traditional songs, Sekawnee started creating his own modern music at the age of 14. He said it when he was still in school. he will use his computer, make beats, mix tracks and master songs.
“All I wanted to do was make music and record professionally,” he said. “It’s going to be very expensive for any artist, especially young people, to go out there and record an album or single.”
To help found BYRC, Sekawnee wanted to make music production more accessible to other young people. Not only does he have a non-profit studio full of professional equipment that can be used to create polished recordings, he will mentor anyone interested in production, recording and business. music business.
“I share the knowledge I gained while attending the Nimbus School of Recording and Media. So whatever I’ve learned over the years, I’ll share with those who come and want to capture it. minus.”
Nicolas Leonidas has been coming to the studio since it opened last September. The 20-year-old Brazilian girl is a singer and songwriter.
Nicholas Leonidas, 20, recorded 30 songs at BYRC Recording Studio. (Melanie Nagy)
“When I moved to Canada last year, I really found it difficult to find a studio that I could afford,” he said. “When I met Sekawnee, he invited me to BYRC to record music and it was such a wonderful experience.”
The studio is also meant to be a safe, inclusive space for young artists looking to expand their musical possibilities. Leonidas said he always feels supported when experimenting with a new song or style of music.
“Here you are free to go in and sing whatever you want while getting production help from Sekawnee,” he said. “So here you grow up as an artist and you gain more knowledge and insight into how to make more music.”
While Leonidas has recorded dozens of songs, Nadeau said he is just beginning his musical journey.
“I’m Plains Cree, and like Sekawnee, I have a connection to music through my culture, but since coming here, I’ve really expanded my musical knowledge.”
Sekawnee says there are at least 20 young artists, ranging from heavy rock to electronic dance music, currently using the studio.
“I want to ignite my passion for music, while also giving back to my community. I want to pass on whatever knowledge I have about music production as a way to support and give back to the world. next generation of artists.”
