David Leonard
David was never really a musician, not in his eyes anyway. “Prior to being an engineer at high school I played bass and clarinet,” he says, however, “I don’t consider myself a player.” As for Rush, “I grew up listening to their music – I’m from the North East and they’re huge up here.” He started in the music business as soon as he left high school. “The day after I graduated I went on the road as front-of-house mixer and roadie for Chick Corea,” he says. “After my stint on the road I moved to LA and was on staff at Sunset Sound. There were no big breaks, just lots of hours.”
Over his career, David has developed an enviable portfolio of acts – “I have worked with Prince, Paul McCartney, Sugar Ray, Barenaked Ladies, Avril Lavigne, Rush, Dwight Yoakam, Duran Duran, John Mellencamp, Indigo Girls, Tony Bennett, Toto and many, many other wonderful musicians,” says David.
David first got involved with the band when he mixed and engineered Geddy’s solo project ‘My Favourite Headache’. He was later brought in at the end of ‘Vapor Trails’ at Metalworks Studios, Mississauga (December 2001 to February 2002). “I found great recordings ready to mix,” he says. “I believe they all had worked long and hard and were so very close to it that maybe it was time for a fresh perspective.” He was asked back again, for ‘Feedback’. “I assume because we have developed a good working relationship,” he says. “The whole experience was exhilarating and joyous.” As for plans for the future, “One never knows until the phone rings.”