Don Swan‘s Gift

March 7, 2007

Vocalist and bandleader Don Swan burst onto the local music scene a few years ago. He formed the Radio Flyers and started lining up gigs around the area. Swan quickly built a following for his energetic stage presence and raspy Seger-Stewart style vocals. The Big Eazy in Traverse City contracted Swan to coordinate an open mic night that Swan quickly built into one of the region’s largest outings, attracting musicians from all over Northern Michigan.
All seemed to be going well for Swan until he hit the backstabbing brick wall that has plagued the local music scene for years. While some were supportive, others worked to sabotage. He also became frustrated with the lack of seriousness of some of his bandmates. So Swan retreated, took on a day job returned to songwriting and seemed to have disappeared from the seen.
But all that changed when Swan received a call from the owners of Riverwalk Café in Elk Rapids, asking if he would perform for their New Year’s Eve party. Swan had been somewhat of a fixture at the Riverwalk and patrons often inquired about him. The owners recalled how some of their best bar nights were when Swan was performing. Swan agreed, but he had two predicaments. He didn’t have a band and he didn’t have a place to rehearse.

A GYM FOR MUSICIANS
Those challenges got Swan thinking that other musicians were probably faced with similar challenges, so he created North Star Productions a facility for musicians and bands to rehearse, record and even seek out other musicians.
“I like to refer to it as a gymnasium for musicians,” said Don Swan. “When I formed Don Swan and The Company for the New Year’s Eve show at the Riverwalk, we had no place to practice and it was frustrating.”
Swan went to see his friend Mike McKinney who had a vacant room next to his pawn shop. McKinney was a professional musician in the late 1980s and early ‘90s, traveling the Midwest club circuit.
“I asked Mike if we could rent the space to rehearse, and that led to a conversation of creating what we now call North Star Productions,” said Swan. “I called Jan Whaling, who does sound for lots of bands and he wanted in as well. Between Mike and Jan, they have everything and know everything technical.”

Swan moved quickly, tapping as many resources as he could to transform the former office building into a state-of-the-art rehearsal and recording studio.
“The guys at Brown Lumber came through in a big way for us,” said Swan. “We have created the perfect environment for rehearsing and recording.”

LOADED
The North Star Productions facility is loaded with equipment, making it easy for bands or individuals to get in and out quickly.
“Not only is finding a place to rehearse a hassle, but setting up and tearing down is an added frustration,” said Swan. “I wanted to create a place where bands could just walk in and start. We have a full drum set, all the mics, amps and everything else to go.”
Swan also has a vision of creating an environment that will help make Traverse City and Northern Michigan the next Austin or Seattle.
“We are loaded up with talent and I want to help foster that,” said Swan. “There is no reason why we can’t do what Austin is doing. Look, Motown got its start in a small house in Detroit. Well, we are getting this thing started up here in a studio located in an alley.”
North Star Productions will offer a variety of services, from recording rehearsals - both audio and visually, to providing a line-up of musicians when bands are in need of a player or clubs are looking for talent.
“When you come in to rehearse, Jan will be mixing your sound and Mike will be in back, recording and filming,” said Swan. “Being able to get immediate feedback on your practice is invaluable. Also, we will keep everything on file, so if you want to revisit something down the road, we will have it.”

MUSICIAN’S HOURS
Swan also knows that for musicians, money is an issue, so he and his partners are working to keep all of their services affordable.
“We all have day jobs to support our music, and gigs often don’t pay well, so I know money is tight,” said Swan. “But I also know that if you are making an investment into what you are doing, you are more apt to take it more serious. That is one of our objectives here, to raise the bar musically and create an environment for those who are serious about making and creating music.”
To rent the North Star studio for rehearsal, the fee is $25 for 75 minutes. There are additional fees to purchase recordings of the sessions.
“We built in a 15 minute break if the band needs it,” said Swan. “We are also open from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., so we are keeping musicians’ hours.”
Swan and his partners plan to expand their offerings to include an “In Star” program that allows vocalists to come in and record using pre-recorded music.
“The opportunities are endless here. We are just getting started,” said Swan. “There are no politics here at North Star Productions. This is about creating a positive environment for musicians in the region.”
North Star Productions is a smoke and alcohol free environment. Swan and his partners want a creative environment that offers musicians comfort and practicality.
“This isn’t a concert venue and party palace; this is a work environment,” said Swan. “This is perfect for you to invite club owners in to check out your rehearsal, so they can see live what you have to offer.”
North Star Productions will be hosting a public open house on Thursday, March 8 from 7 to 10 p.m. with Scallywags of Traverse City catering in backstage style foods. Musicians and others are welcome to check the place out and meet with Swan and his partners. North Star Productions is located in the alley at the corner of Hastings and Woodmere near the Law Enforcement offices. For additional information contact Don Swan at (231) 392-5648.