World-class musician and record producer CJ Vanston relies on PSI Audio speakers in his studio. The much respected Vanston has worked with some of the greatest names in showbiz, from Joe Cocker to George Michael and Spinal Tap. While his approach is not particularly gear-centred, he very much insists on the importance of the monitoring system and calls his PSI Audio setup of A21-M and A225-M “genuinely perfect speakers” and “a whole level above everything else”.
The contents of this press release
CJ Vanston uses PSI Audio monitors
Working with the big names
Characteristics of a great producer
The importance of equipment
“Speaker snob” CJ Vanston on PSI Audio
Listening recommendations courtesy of CJ Vanston
The Vanston setup: PSI Audio A21-M and A225-M
Yverdon-les-Bains, XX January 2020 – CJ Vanston is one of the most prolific producers, musicians, recording artists and much more. He is well known for his work with legendary mock-band-turned-real-phenomenon Spinal Tap and especially their bass player Derek Smalls, in other circles better known as actor Harry Shearer. Apart from these rock icons, Vanston has worked with a lot of celebrities, legends and stars of all genres and styles over the years, who all appreciated his critical ear. In his own studio, CJ Vanston relies on PSI Audio monitors for the accuracy he requires.
Working with the big names
Coming from a very musical family, with his father being a jazz pianist, CJ Vanston began his career as a session musician, working with illustrious producers like Phil Ramone, Al Schmitt, Ed Cherney and many more. Over the years, Vanston expanded more and more into recording and producing music. The list of musicians and artists he worked with as a musician or producer, is impressive: Post Malone, Toto, Keith Urban, Joe Cocker, John Legend, Ringo Starr, JLo, Julio Iglesias, Carrie Underwood, George Michael and Al Pacino, to name but a few. Accordingly, Vanston has a host of stories to tell. Like that time when he was playing for a charity event and the Dalai Lama came over to him and tugged at his ear – a sign of affection, as he was later told.
Characteristics of a great producer
CJ Vanston describes producing as “creating the entire soundscape from the ground up”. His approach to music production is influenced by all the years of working as a musician and being confronted with great – and not-so-great producers. “I learned as much from the bad producers I worked with. I saw their mistakes and knew I could do better.” On he went and recorded demos that surpassed the quality of the final recordings, so the labels began asking him to produce. Vanston puts a lot of emphasis on trying things and keeping the atmosphere creative. The producer’s job is, in Vanston’s words, “to create a trusting, safe environment for the artist to feel comfortable to express themselves freely without a filter.” Unadulterated expression – a prerequisite for art.
The importance of equipment
When working with the greatest names in the business, a lot of producers accept only the most high-end – and often most expensive – gear. CJ Vanston takes a much more pragmatic approach. “I don’t generally buy into over-hyping vintage mics, believe it or not,” he says confidently. Instead, he follows what equipment is best suited for the song in question. There is something he is more peculiar about, though: “Speakers? I’m a snob. They matter so much.”
“Speaker snob” CJ Vanston on PSI Audio
When CJ Vanston calls himself a “snob” regarding speakers, what he means is that he has very high standards and does not compromise. He is currently using PSI Audio A21-M speakers with a A225-M subwoofer – a setup he describes as “mind-blowing”. Vanston discovered PSI Audio by chance and in the best way possible: through his ears. “A few years back, I was walking through the NAMM show and, through all the din, heard a mix playing that was so clear and so wide that it stopped me in my tracks. I asked what I was hearing, and they pointed at the A21-M. A couple of songs later I knew I had found my speakers.” As a perfect producer creates the creative atmosphere that does not impede the artist’s expression, a perfect speaker does not change the sound – it merely reproduces it. The PSI Audio speakers do exactly that, as CJ Vanston attests: “I never think of them! I don’t need to think of them! They are genuinely perfect speakers, in my opinion, a whole level above everything else.”
Listening recommendations courtesy of CJ Vanston
When asked for reference music, productions that really shine on a good system, CJ Vanston has a couple of suggestions. “Well, obviously Steely Dan is always a good place to start. Lots of ear candy going on there.” He also recommends “The Dark Side Of The Moon” by Pink Floyd and a reggae take on that very material, “Dub Side Of The Moon” by Easy Star All-Stars. With Phoenix and their album “Alphabetical”, Vanston also suggests a lesser known French band. Finally, he refers to Nine Inch Nails, claiming: “Their records have a huge sound that shows off what these amazing PSI Audio speakers can do.”
