Charles Coutu
President
Studio Manager, Producer, Engineer
As president, studio manager and founding member of Alchemist Studios, Charles handles the operations of the studio, as well as helping clients with logistics in order to help make their sessions go as smoothly and productively as possible.
For recording and music, Charles works in production, band leading, arranging, and is the assistant engineer of studio B. With a BA in Jazz Studies, Charles is works in jazz upright and electric bass performance, with a familiarity in styles such as classical, rock, and metal music.
For all things logistics, bookings, general inquiries, or when you would like to visit the facility, Charles is your contact / guide, and would be happy to help!
Michel Pépin (Michael Breen)
Producer
Engineer, Arranger, Musician
Founder and owner of Studio Frisson, Michel has had a long career working with artists from around the world in his legendary Outremont studio. Now, Michel and Studio Frisson work as a part of Alchemist Studios, located in Studio C.
Michel has worked with artists such as Sarah McLachlan, Stevie Nicks, Emmylou Harris, Kate & Anna McGarrigle, and many others. He also has also received Gold and Platinum records from working on albums like Jean Leloup’s Le Dôme. He has also produced for the film Moulin Rouge with artist Rufus Wainwright.
As a producer, Michel specializes in folk, rock, and country music, but is also familiar with jazz, classical, and bossa nova music. When working in the roll of a producer, Michel works to help his clients achieve their vision, and guiding them to keep them on course to help produce the best possible version of their project. In the world of vintage and old school analog recording, your projects will be excellent hands with Michel!
Stratsimir (Stratsi) Dimitrov
Chief Engineer
Producer, Percussionist, Arranger
One of the founding members of Alchemist Studios, Stratsi is the Chief Sound Engineer and house engineer of Studio B. With over two decades of recording and producing experience, Stratsi works with the goal to create and preserve the most artistic elements of recording, working both as engineer and producer.
Having multiple university degrees in music, Stratsimir is a specialist in classical, jazz, choral, and gospel music, as well as being well-versed in many other styles. He works in performance as a jazz drummer, classical percussionist, and vibraphone player. Stratsi is also very proficient in composing and arranging, in jazz, classical, and pop music.
Our resident expert on all things recording technology, Stratsi is sure to help you make your next projects surpass all expectations!
THE TEAM
Clinton Ryder
Producer
Bassist, Coach, Engineer
Paul Shrofel
Producer
Pianist, Engineer, Arranger
Clinton Ryder is a Juno-nominated bassist, producer, and educator with extensive experience in performance, recording, and artist development. He has performed and recorded with notable artists such as Hugh Fraser, Nikki Yanofsky, The Dears, The Irish Rovers, Dawn Tyler Watson, Jim Byrnes, Petru Guelfucci, Tania Gill, Félix Stüssi, and Yourgi Loeffler, contributing to projects across jazz, pop, folk, and contemporary music. He combines his musician’s insight with production expertise to guide artists from early ideas to fully realized recordings with clarity, care, and professional precision.
Paul Shrofel is a juno-award winning pianist, composer, and producer with a Bachelor’s degree in music from McGill University and training in digital music production from Precursor. He has collaborated with internationally acclaimed artists such as Sophie Milman, Nikki Yanofsky, Herbie Hancock, Chris Botti, Chick Corea, Manhattan Transfer, Randy Bachman, and toured with Il Divo. His production and arrangement work includes projects alongside producers Quincy Jones, Phil Ramone, and Wyclef Jean, reflecting a career that bridges performance, composition, and studio production at the highest levels.
