Inside the Music with StereoRuss

Studio Ownership Stories: Will Crann on Life at Catherine North Studios (July 2025)

In this episode of Inside the Music, StereoRuss sits down with producer, mixer, and studio owner Will Crann at the legendary Catherine North Studios in Hamilton, Ontario.
Will shares his journey to becoming co-owner of one of Hamilton’s most beloved recording spaces. He opens up about his early days playing bass in House Art, how a broken piece of gear led to an internship that turned into studio ownership, and why he's grateful for the people he works with.
The conversation dives into the realities of running a commercial studio, everything from cleaning mixes to cleaning bathrooms. Will also reflects on what makes a great collaboration between artist and producer and the emotional depth of a good mix.
Whether you’re a gearhead, a budding artist, or just a fan of stories from behind the scenes, this episode is a down to earth look at what it really means to live a life in music, and build a space where others can do the same.
 
Follow Will Crann and Catherine North Studios:Instagram: @willcrannEmail: will@catherinenorth.comStudio: https://www.catherinenorth.com
Follow Inside the Music:Instagram: @stereorussTikTok: @stereorussYouTube: @StereoRuss
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That Viral Clip with Robb Cappelletto (June 2025)

In this episode of Inside the Music, StereoRuss sits down with Toronto-based guitarist Robb Cappelletto to unpack the making of Float, the new album from his instrumental jazz-fusion group Re.verse.
Robb shares the band’s journey from weekly bar residencies to headlining the Toronto Jazz Festival, and how years of live performance and experimentation shaped the tight, genre-blending sound on Float. He breaks down the balance between composition and improvisation, the subtle science of groove, and how a spontaneous jam turned into the band’s standout single “Trails.”
The episode dives deep into the nuances of modern instrumental music, the legacy of J Dilla’s drumming, and how a single Instagram clip sparked debate across the internet. Robb also opens up about finding the perfect studio match in engineer Alex Gamble, tracking without a click, and building music that hits with both precision and feel.
Whether you're a producer, a guitarist, or just a music fan, this episode is a masterclass in musicianship, authenticity, and the grind behind great instrumental records.
Featuring live spins of:
 Smoke Signals” – Re.verse“1030” – Re.verse“Trails” – Re.verse
Listen to Re.verse’s new album Float:https://open.spotify.com/album/7fpBFUEHMTVq6AJVC9h6Le
https://www.instagram.com/rvrs416/
Follow Robb Cappelletto:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robbcappellettoWebsite: https://robbcappelletto.com
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This Episode Is "Way Too Much" | Superstar Crush (June 2025)

In this episode of Inside the Music, host StereoRuss heads to an elementary school in Dundas, Ontario, part rehearsal space, part recording studio, and full-on headquarters for Hamilton’s rising indie rock band, Superstar Crush.
StereoRuss sits down with Marzieh, Sam, Chloe, and Truaxe to talk about their new album Way Too Much, chatting producer Tyler Kyte of Dwayne Gretzky, balancing DIY roots with lush arrangements, and how the glockenspiel truly is the life of the party. 
Whether you’re a fan of indie pop, chaotic harmony, or just love joyful, tight-knit bands doing big things, this is a fun episode you won't want to miss!
Featuring first plays of:Fire Escape - Superstar CrushThey Keep Calling - Superstar CrushDo What You Want (New & Improved) - Superstar Crush
Follow and Listen to Superstar Crush:https://www.instagram.com/superstarcrushbandhttps://linktr.ee/superstarcrush
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Tequila in Wawa: A Producer’s Tour Tales with Aidan Robson (June 2025)

In this behind-the-scenes episode of Inside the Music, host StereoRuss sits down with producer and tour manager Aidan Robson at Hamilton’s legendary Catherine North Studios. Aidan opens up about his musical roots in punk and country, his evolution as a producer, and his recent work with artist Dean James on the road and in the studio.
Together, they explore the creative process behind Dean's latest single “Burned It Down,” from remote recording sessions in Omemee, Ontario to spontaneous breakthroughs in production. Aidan also shares wild stories from the recent crosscountry tour, including a last minute show in Wawa that turned into a packed party thanks to one Facebook message.
Whether you’re a producer, an artist, or just love music, this episode offers a rare and honest glimpse into the chaos, hustle, and joy of life behind the scenes.
Featuring live spins of:
Burned It Down – Dean James
Over You - Minor Gold
Danger - AHI
Listen to and follow Dean James:https://open.spotify.com/artist/7nrjJu4T2iZXOUgA3WyGR7https://www.instagram.com/deanjamesmusic/
Connect with Aidan Robson:Email: aidan@catherinenorth.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashaiden
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Growth, Grit & Great Songs | Bernadette Connors (May 2025)

In this heartfelt episode of Inside the Music, host Stereo Russ welcomes back beloved Hamilton-based artist Bernadette Connors for her fourth appearance on the show. Together, they dive deep into Bernadette’s journey from Georgina to Hamilton, the emotional evolution behind her songwriting, and the release of her powerful new single “White Magnolia.” With stories of vulnerability, growth, and the importance of community, this candid conversation highlights what makes Bernadette one of Hamilton’s most compelling voices. Plus, listeners get a special treat with live spins of “White Magnolia,” “History,” and more. Tune in for laughs, lessons, and the kind of musical connection that only Inside the Music can deliver.
 
White Magnolia - Bernadette Connors
History - Bernadette Connors
Blame Me - Bernadette ConnorsListen to and Follow Bernadette Connors:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0amdwmduZDnkuGlGb9bQIp
https://www.youtube.com/@bernadetteconnors
https://www.instagram.com/bernadetteconnors
 
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❤️ Fabio | Jesse Adams (May 2025)

In this episode I sit down with Jesse Adams, pop singer and songwriter whose energy is as infectious as her hooks. We chat about cats, Fabio, and the ever-important question: how many dancers is the correct number of dancers for a live musical performance?
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times -- it was a great time! Recorded at the legendary Catherine North Studio, this episode is full of fun, flair, and a whole lot of personality.  
 Songs from the Episode:Love You Like I Do - Jesse AdamsGravity - Jesse AdamsVictory - Jesse AdamsGrieving - Jesse Adams
 
Listen to and Follow Jesse Adams:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1knZLmZB5hXpLG5mfujbiz
https://www.instagram.com/jesse_francesca/
https://www.tiktok.com/@jesseadamss
 
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Hello, Who's There?? Orchidae Answers the Call (May 2025)

In this episode I sit down with Orchidae, the ever-so talented vocalist and multi-instrumentalist from Gatineau, Quebec, along with the very funky bassist Greggory Clark. We dive into the highs and lows of tour life, the many faces of artistic expression, and the joy of making friends along the way.
Not only does this episode feature a live performance, but we also take a call live on air for an unexpected twist in our chat --this one is simply jammed full of great moments to enjoy!
 
Songs from the Episode:
"Sun and the Stars" - Orchidae
"Mouth Breathing Fire" - Orchidae
"Sometimes" - Orchidae
"Birth Day I" - Orchidae
Follow and Listen to Orchidae:
https://www.instagram.com/orchidae/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3OBfOSJPueAM6pXxabfFwe
 
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Who IS King Ludd?? | Michael Keire (April 2025)

In this episode of Inside the Music, I sat down with producer Michael Keire at Threshold Recording Studios—a mainstay recording destination in downtown Hamilton, Ontario—where he and a crew of musicians assembled to finished recording his first personal project in many years, King Ludd with a debut single “Trouble.”
 
Songs from the Episode:
"Trouble" - King Ludd
"Fake Out" - Munroe
Listen to King Ludd & Threshold Studios
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2jE3xsMyCOVCjNzMVUBDB5
https://www.instagram.com/kingluddmusic/
https://www.instagram.com/thresholdrecordingstudio/
 
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Dean James is Burning it Down (April 2025)

We talked about his love for country legends like Merle Haggard and Chris Stapleton, his upcoming 20-stop Canadian tour, and—of course—his favourite fried chicken spots.
If you’re into country music, great stories, or just want to meet an artist on the rise, you’ll love this one.
 
Listen to Dean James:
https://open.spotify.com/album/6yLIDZ6LjU9X0S7gSY5W2G
https://www.instagram.com/deanjamesmusic/Follow Inside the Music:
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Jesse Cannon | Musformation (March 2025)

Jesse Cannon is a record producer, music marketing expert, author, podcast producer who breaks down how to promote your music project, how to write songs you're happier with, how the music business actually works and how to make progress with building your fanbase.
 
Follow Jesse Cannon & Musformation:
Music Marketing Trends Newsletter https://musicmarketingtrends.com
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@Musformation
Mix/Mastering http://foundsoundation.com/
Book On Building A Fanbase https://amzn.to/3LYnbHV
Book On Making Great Music: https://amzn.to/3BmJSRu
Free Tools https://ko-fi.com/jessecannon
Instagram, Twitter, TikTok @JesseCannon
Consulting http://www.jessecannon.com/consulting
 
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