Clients

Caulbearers had a great time recording the track 'Paths' with Chris Hamilton and Toast in 2010.

Chris' approach to the recording and mixing was great. Even after very long, potentially draining sessions, he stayed focussed on what was best for the song. He was always up for experimenting and the idea of adding or trying something new, even though that usually created more work for both of us!
It felt like a collaborative project, where both band and engineer are working towards the same goal. I've had some experiences in studios where your creative belief and passion for the music isn't met or matched by the sound engineer, and it feels like its a case of just getting things done and out of the way.
At Toast Studios it was a much more positive experience. Chris's enthusiasm and ideas made him feel like part of the band, along with plenty of piss-taking and good laughs!

Damien (Caulbearers)

"On our pre production meeting with Chris, it was evident that we would have a great time in the studio with him, he is a guy with great vision and great ideas, but is also cool to just let you be creative and do your thing.

It was our first experience recording to tape and Chris was patient with us as we found our way, he is a grafter too and us kept motivated and focused throughout the sessions.

The Kit within the studio is super yummy and it's such a nice atmosphere and not grotty in the slightest, which always makes for a more relaxed vibe.
The finished product of our tunes sounded crisp with a real meaty quality to the mix. Chris was sympathetic to our style and sonically some of the best ears in Manchester"

Charlotte - Maliika

We had a great time working with Chris and were made to feel welcome from word go. There are many engineers who claim to be willing to put in an extra hour or few until the job's done but start getting a nervous twitch half way through the day. Although I don't recall going over the 'agreed hours' at Chris', there was never a sense of urgency to wrap up and to do one. It's great working with an engineer who listens to what you want to achieve with your recordings and how you've planned to spend the time you've paid for. Chris' producer side came through also with some valid suggestions and ideas on how the make the most of our equipment/sound in the studio. We're hoping to go back with a bit more time to spend and churn out some great records.

Turrentine Jones

We spent three days recording with Chris down at Toast Studios. The first impressions are of a relaxed working environment, and a monster of an analogue desk! We were impressed with the attention to detail of the sound at source Chris gave. The same attention was given to the sound once the microphones were positioned. Then we recorded. A no fuss producers approach was employed by Chris, giving us the final say on takes and suggesting different recording techniques where appropriate. In no way did we ever feel that we weren't in control of the final product. This led to a very relaxed atmosphere, which is always the best way to get the right results.

The only difficulty we had was getting chris to buy us a pint. All in all, an enjoyable few days and an end product we were all delighted with.

SR Gents

"We had only a short time, and difficulties with availability but Chris did us proud. It was our first recording in this band and we cheekily pushed to get 3 tracks done. He made it easy by being supportive, relaxed and offered up some great suggestions of how we could improve things we went along. More than an engineer, Chris is a great collaborator. I'd be more than hapy to record with him again in the future!"

Dan - Mark of 1000 Evils

Wonderful job by Chris @ Toast recordings captured the spirit of this years In The City Festival - Thanks Chris awsome job man

Paul Travis - FMS Promotions

Toast is a GREAT setup and Chris is very good at what he does – we were in on the 13th and 14th and got two new tracks down ‘Midnight in the Mausoleum’ and another track with a working title of ‘Freakshowblues’

The Black Knights