The full-band tracks were recorded live at the National Music Centre’s Studio Bell in Calgary, Alberta, using the illustrious Trident console. This iconic piece of equipment has been pivotal in the production of classic albums by legendary artists such as David Bowie, Elton John, Queen, Rush, and Metallica. The historic studio setting, coupled with top-tier acoustics and cutting-edge technology, provided the ideal environment to capture the band’s dynamic and lively performance. The session was expertly engineered by Eric Cinnamon, who ensured that the recordings retained the genuine, live essence of the band’s sound.
The acoustic rendition of “Downtown” was recorded live at the House of Miracles in Cambridge, Ontario, featuring Shiloh Harrison on guitar and vocals and Andrew DeVillers on baritone acoustic guitar and vocals. Engineered and mixed by Andy Magoffin, who has previously collaborated with esteemed artists such as Great Lake Swimmers, Constantines, Attack in Black, and Feist, this stripped-down version accentuates the emotional core and lyrical depth of the track.
The Downtown EP also boasts contributions from Jesse Bellon on guitar, Andrew DeVillers on bass, and Mike McKeever on drums. The EP was mixed by Shiloh Harrison and mastered by Noah Mintz at the Lacquer Channel in Toronto, Ontario. Mintz, renowned for his work with Broken Social Scene, The Tragically Hip, Sarah Harmer, and Daniel Caesar, imparted his distinctive polish to the recordings, giving the tracks a refined and cohesive finish.
HotKid is the brainchild of Canadian producer, songwriter, and guitarist Shiloh Harrison. For over a decade, Harrison’s soothing vocal delivery and talent for crafting enduring pop songs have enabled HotKid to amass a cult following worldwide. With four full-length albums and numerous EPs and singles to their credit, HotKid’s sound spans from guitar-driven rock anthems to dreamy, melancholic pop ballads.
HotKid has graced the stages of notable festivals such as River Fest Elora, NXNE, and CMW, and has shared stages with indie stalwarts like July Talk, Dilly Dally, Sloan, and By Divine Right. The band has garnered a reputation for their energetic and emotionally charged live performances across Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
