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BIOGRAPHY
Producer, engineer, sound director and musician David Cafe learnt the art of balance from two masters of the studio during an era when music was recorded solely with analogue equipment and live performers, he's since made a smooth transition to digital technology and carved out an impressive track record along the way...
Born in Darlinghurst NSW, his initial musical adventures as a four year old involved nursery rhyme renditions with back towards the family pianola, and shortly after receiving his first guitar the musical obsession began through weekend bands and school productions.
These early musical interests coalesced with an inquiring mind and led to being professionally indentured in 1977 by Col Joye at his famous ATA Studios, Glebe, under the wing of renowned bass player and producer - Duncan McGuire, who'd been a pivotal member of the Australian scene since the early sixties...
The young apprentice studied electronics and communications at technical college at night while setting up microphones and logging tapes during the day, gaining a solid knowledge of the principles of audio, operation of the equipment and dealing with musicians and entertainers. Then in 1979 he was headhunted by Billy Field to join the new Paradise Studios and a team headed by Richard Lush, ex Abbey Road, who following his experience as a Beatles insider had settled in Australia and racked up a long list of local hits. Paradise was Australia's first Tom Hidley designed Eastlake studio, offering great sound with all the creature comforts, soon becoming the choice recording venue for leading local recording artists and touring overseas acts. By now he'd fully embraced traditional recording methods and at the onset of digital audio and midi instinctively combined these new concepts with the technique gleaned from mentors.
The decade 1981 to 1991 saw DC a busy freelancer frequenting the studios of Alberts, ATA, Earth Media, EMI/301, Festival, Paradise, Rhinoceros, Sun, Trafalgar and United Sound, honing his craft with a constant stream of record releases, television and radio jingles, live to air broadcasts, feature film soundtrack recordings and post production for documentaries and animated features.
When the opportunity came to work in live theatre, a different approach to sound design brought critical acclaim while touring extensively throughout Australia and overseas. In 1992 he joined as sound director/mixer, John Waters' 'Looking Through a Glass Onion', which soon became a successful stage show touring Australia extensively and in 1993 opened in London's West End. He produced the ARIA nominated soundtrack recording and reunited for the return season and live album in 2000. Sound director and soundtrack producer for Tom Burlinson's "Frank - the Sinatra Story in Song" theatre show, which toured solidly throughout 1998-99 and spawned another successful cast recording CD.
Another challenging aspect of music production emerged through television where he's also carved a specialist niche as TV music producer. Contributing to a string of programs for Australian networks, initially on variety show "Good News Week", producing both studio and outside broadcast sound while providing artist liaison and technical support. In 1999 in collaboration with Sound on Stage he designed and built Australia's first all-digital audio production vehicle suitable for large OB's and multitracking.
During 2003 he reunited with his old friend Bob Burns and their shared passion resulted in a new production - Tapitallee West Studio and the re-launch of label Big Beat Music. Studio construction saw DC dusting off the tools to design & build a unique recording facility in rural surroundings while developing in tandem a compatible facility in the Big Smoke. With studio building experience to draw from and spurred by the challenge of finding creative solutions, studio and venue consultancy became a legitimate interest as well. David has forged a network of associates in artistic and professional audio fields and has the reputation of someone with a natural and unique experience of music and recording, consistently capable of delivering the goods.
As the learning curve continues so does the autogenetic desire to continue making music under relaxed circumstances. The ability to communicate and bring out the best in performers is the trademark of his work and the skill of which he is most proud, given it brings such instant gratification and when the planets align and magic occurs, some long-term rewards.
Here's some of the folk DC has worked with (and learnt from)..."Surround yourself with talent and some of it has to rub off":
Air Supply Ian Kerr - Joe Blow Peter Blyton Allona Jackie Orszaczky Peter Dawkins Andrew Thomas Wilson Jackson James Peter Head Angels James Blundell Peter McCian Ashley Irwin Jamie Rigg Power Supply Australian Chamber Orchestra Jeannie Lewis Private Lives Ayers Rock Jeff St John Radiators Barry Crocker Jim Cooper Renee Geyer Benny Cadeaux Jimmy Sloggett Richard Wilde Big Jay McNeely John Boylan Robbie Porter Big Storm John Stuart Rob Workman Billy Field John Waters Roger Janes Band Bill Motzing Johan Legrope Sandy Scott Bushwackers Jon English Scott Walker Cameron Allen Julie Anthony She Col Joye Jump Back Jack Sherbs Cold Chisel Kevin Sommerville Silent Movies D'Arrietta King Henry Sleeping Giant Dave Skinner Kiss Smith David Courtney La Spina Southern Star Band David Pereira Leo De Castro Spinners Demis Roussos Lindsay Cooper Steve Abbott Divinyls Lipstick Killers Steve Katz Do Re Mi Little Heroes Stewart D'Arrietta Don Henderson Malcom McCallum Swanee Don Miller-Robinson Mara Synergy Percussion Doug Ashdown Marc Hunter Ted Mulry Gang Doug Parkinson Marcia Hines The Calling Dragon Mark Williams The Game Fabulous Singlettes Martin Wesley-Smith The Numbers Flowers Matt Finish The Reels Frankie Davidson Matt Sloggett The Riffs Full Marks Men At Work The Seekers G Men Mi Sex The Spyz G. Wayne Thomas Michael J. Kenny The Tea Party Glen Shorrock Mighty Reapers Tina Cross Goldrush Mike Harvey Tom Burlinson Guy Dickerson Mike Perjanik Tommy Emmanuel Hannagan Mike Rudd & The Heaters Tommy Tycho His Majesty Moir Sisters Venetians Hungarian Rap Sadists Monica & The Moochers Vince Sorrenti Hossam Ramzy & Omar Faruk Tekbilek My Old School Ward 13 I.Q. Neil Murray Wendy Matthews Ian Bloxsom Trio Peter Bailey Zarsoff Brothers
...once on a session I open up the piano mics and notice some RF interference, I could hear the 2KY being broadcast. Suspecting a dodgy connection, I head into the studio to find veteran muso Milton Saunders sitting at the piano with his chart beside a form guide on the music stand, one headphone on and an earpiece in the other ear connected to a portable transistor picking up Randwick Races while playing the session...
Discography | TV & Film | Live | Press
R=Recorded, M=Mixed, P=Produced, G=Musician
Year Title Artist Label Credit ALBUMS - 12" Vinyl & Compact Disc 2010 Always You La Spina ABC/Universal/Decca M 2009 Bolmimerie S.H.E. Tall Poppies R,M 2009 Ready To Listen Jackie Orszaczky Trio Vitamin R 2007 Long White Clouds Leo De Castro & The Dancehall Racketeers BBM M,P 2006 Voodoo Soul - Live At The Basement Leo De Castro & Friends BBM M,P 2006 Crazy The Roger Janes Band BBM M.P.G 2005 In The Key Of Night Peter Head BBM R,M,P 2005 The Power Of Three Ian Bloxsom Trio BBM R,M,P 2004 Girl Of The World Allona Viva R,M,G 2001 Glass Onion live in Concert John Waters Snub R,M,P,G 2000 Good News Week Tapes Vol II Various Artists Virgin R 1998 Frank - Sinatra Story in Song Tom Burlinson Batang R,M,P 1996 7% Solution Power Supply Mirage R,M 1995 You & I Julie Anthony Origin M 1993 Looking Through a Glass Onion John Waters Polygram R,M,P,G 1991 Cotton on the Breeze Monica & the Moochers rooArt R,M 1990 An Angel on the Bridge Lindsay Cooper ABC R,M,P 1990 Jaywalkin' Big Jay McNeely ABC R 1990 So Far So Good Terry Hannagan Hot To Trot R,M,P,G 1987 In My Time Don Henderson Hot To Trot R,M,P,G 1987 Say Yes Billy Field WEA R 1986 Calling in the Lions Venetians Festival R,M 1985 Work The Private RCA R,M 1985 Side Effects D'Arrietta Polygram R,M 1984 Strange Passion The Game Powderworks R,M,P 1984 Room To Move Full Marks CBS R 1984 Warrigal Morning Bushwackers CBS R,M 1983 Moving in Circles Silent Movies Polygram R,M 1983 Tube Vision The Eyes ATA M 1983 Bushido Swanee WEA R 1982 This Time It's Different Swanee WEA R,M 1982 Try Biology Billy Field WEA R,M 1981 Little Heroes Little Heroes Giant R,M 1981 Dark Room Angels CBS R 1980 Short Note Matt Finish CBS R,M 1980 Bad Habits Billy Field WEA R, G 1979 I'll Be Around Doug Parkinson Southern Star R 1979 Concert in the Sky Col Joye ATA R 1978 Rhubarb Rhubarb Frankie Davidson Rhubarb R 1978 Golden Trumpets Billy Burton J&B R SINGLES & EP's - 7" Vinyl & Compact Disc 2004 Joey Allona Viva R,M,G 1999 Cliche JC Blues Indy R,M,P,G 1997 More Time Gillius Thunderhead Indy R,M,P 1997 Take 5 Time Out Origin R,M,P 1995 My Forgotten Man Wendy Matthews rooArt R,M,P 1986 Guns and Butter Do Re Mi Virgin R,M 1986 If Somebody Loves You Venetians Parole/Festival R,M 1985 C Me Coming His Majesty Regal R,M,P 1985 She Does Spinners BMG(U.S.) R 1985 For Ramona Dragon CBS R,M 1985 Never Cum Fat Vince Sorrenti CBS M 1985 Love Affair Jackson James EMI M 1985 Angel Swanee WEA R,M,P 1984 Mona Dave Skinner Powderworks R,M,P 1984 Young Heroes Richard Wilde Powderworks R,M 1984 Leonardo Was a Groover Ian Kerr EMI R,M 1984 New Blood Tina Cross EMI M 1984 Nothin' But a Lie Marc Hunter CBS R,M 1984 There Was a Girl Don Miller-Robinson WEA R,M 1983 Lady, What's Your Name? Swanee WEA R,M 1983 So Excited Moir Sisters EMI R,M 1982 Bleeding Heart Little Heroes Giant R,M 1982 Sun Aint Gonna Shine Doug Parkinson CBS R,M 1982 Temporary Heartache Swanee WEA R,M 1981 Samantha Swanee WEA R,M 1981 Andromeda I.Q. EMI M 1981 Move On Guy Dickerson Mercury M 1981 Plastic Love The Spyz RCA R,M 1981 Nightlights Smith EMI R,M 1981 Slow Dancing Ward 13 EMI R,M 1981 Short Note Matt Finish CBS R,M 1981 You Weren't in Love With Me Billy Field WEA R,G 1980 Modern Song The Numbers Deluxe R,M 1980 Can't Help Myself Flowers Regular R,M 1980 Letting Go Kevin Sommerville Festival R,M 1980 Straitjacket Angels CBS R,M 1980 Falling In and Out Mi Sex CBS R 1980 If I Were a Carpenter Swanee WEA R 1980 Bad Habits Billy Field WEA R 1979 I'll Be Around Doug Parkinson Southern Star R 1979 After Loving You Kevin Sommerville ATA R 1978 The Hungry Years Doug Parkinson ATA R 1978 Grapevine Jim Cooper ATA R,M,P AWARDS & NOMINATIONS - STUDIO (* AMPEX Golden Reel Award, ** Uncredited) 1993 Best Soundtrack Recording Looking Through a Glass Onion Aria Awards Nomination R,M,P 1982 Swanee This time its Different Gold Album* R,M 1981 Men at Work Business as Usual U.S. Triple Platinum* R** 1980 Flowers Can't Help Myself Gold Single R,M 1980 Billy Field Bad Habits Platinum Album* R 1980 Matt Finish Short Note TBA* R,M 1980 Cold Chisel East Triple Platinum* R** 1979 Doug Parkinson I'll Be Around Gold Album R
AD=Audio Director, SP=Live Sound Producer, OB=Outside Broadcast, R=Record, M=Mix
Year Title Program/Venue Network/Production Co. Credit 2004 In Siberia Tonight Variety Show GNWTV/SBS SP 2003 Concert For Holly Live TV Concert
Sydney Opera HouseGNWTV/Ten SP,OB 2003 The Chat Room Variety Show Seven Network/Austereo AD 2002 Farm Hand Live TV Concert Nine Network OB 2002 Australians Unite Telethon for Bali Appeal Seven Network AD 2002 NRL/AFL Live Broadcast Nine Network OB 2002 Big Day Out Live Broadcast Channel V OB 2001 Rising Stars Documentary Series ABC Television R,M 2000 Good News Week Variety Show Ten Network AD,OB 2000 In The Deep End with Andrew Denton Ian Thorpe Special Seven Network AD 2000 GNW - The Closing Ceremony Live TV Concert
Capitol Theatre, SydneyTen Network SP,OB 2000 Paul & The Fatman Variety Show GNWTV AD 2000 Starlight Foundation Xmas Special Variety Show Country Music TV AD 1999 GNW Night Lite Variety Show Ten Network AD,OB 1999-00 Melbourne Comedy Festival Live Broadcast GNWTV SP,OB 1988 Hiawatha (Animated Feature) comp. John Stuart Burbank Films R,M 1987 World of Medicine (Doco) comp. John Stuart R,M 1986 Blood Oath (Feature Film) comp. Don Miller-Robinson R 1986 Prisoner of Zenda (Animated) comp. John Stuart Hanna Barbara R,M 1985 Gallagher's Travels (TV Feature) comp. John Stuart Ten Network R,M 1985 Treasure Island (Animated Feature) comp. John Stuart Burbank Films R,M 1985 Spirit of the Blue Mountains (Doco) comp. John Stuart R,M 1984 Fair Game (Feature Film) comp. Ashley Irwin SAFC R,M 1984 King Soloman's Mines (Animated) comp. John Stuart Hanna Barbara R,M 1984 Winners (Television Series) dir. Esben Storm Seven Network R,M 1983 Bush Christmas comp. Mike Perjanik/The Bushwackers Australian Film Commission R,M 1983 Dr Jeckyl & Mr Hyde (Animated) comp. John Stuart Hanna Barbara R,M 1983 Sarawak Stocktake (Doco) comp. John Stuart R,M 1982 Coolangatta Gold (Feature Film) comp. Bill Conti, arr. Ashley Irwin R 1982 Dirt Racers (Doco) comp. Ashley Irwin R,M 1982 Sherlock Holmes (Animated) comp. John Stuart Hanna Barbara R,M 1982 Peter Pan (Animated Feature) comp. John Stuart Burbank Films R,M 1981 Monkey Grip (Feature Film) comp. Don Miller-Robinson Pat Lovell R,M 1981 Freedom (Feature Film) comp. Don Walker SAFC R,M
Scene: Playback in makeshift control room backstage at rock venue, multitrack & OB setup having captured roaring set from all-star band including two legendary guitarists...
Skunk: Hey DC, what channels are them geetars on?
DC: Those two...
Skunk: Hey Elliot, how's about we give 'em the old Cherokee EQ?
Elliot: Sure...
Skunk leans across desk and winds full bass, middle & treble into both guitars which increase them about 30 db in the mix, looks back at Elliot, satisfied
Elliot: The old Cherokee EQ does it again...
SD=Sound Director, R=Recorded, M=Mixed, P=Produced, G=Musician, OB=Outside Broadcast
Year Artist/Event Type of Gig Venue Credit 2009 Arts In The Valley Arts Festival Kangaroo Valley NSW SD 2004 Australian Chamber Orchestra + Special Guests Music Festival Huntington Winery, Mudgee SD 2004 Satango Live Show Production CD Stables Theatre, Sydney M 2003 Synergy + Special Guests Live Recording City Recital Hall, Sydney R 2003 Concert For Holly Live TV Concert
Sydney Opera House SD,OB 2002 The Calling Live Recording Metro Theatre, Sydney R 2002 The Lipstick Killers Live Show Metro Theatre, Sydney SD 2001 Glass Onion encore tour Live Album & Australian Tour Theatre Royal, Sydney R,M,P, G 2000-01 Monty Roberts World Tour Arena Event Australian Tour SD 2000 GNW - The Closing Ceremony Live TV Concert
Capitol Theatre, Sydney SD,OB 1999 The Tea Party Triple J 'Live at the Wireless' Enmore Theatre R 1998-99 Tom Burlinson
Frank - The Sinatra Story in SongTheatre Show & Live Album Australian Tour SD, RMP 1997-98 John Waters
From Hair to HereTouring Show Australian Tour SD 1997 Jeannie Lewis live in concert Live Recording Harbourside Brasserie R 1997 Hungarian Rap Sadists Live Recording Harbourside Brasserie R 1996 Tongan Music Assc. National Music Festival Kingdom of Tonga SD 1992-94 John Waters
Looking Through a Glass OnionTouring Show Australia and London SDG 1988 Big Jay McNeely Live Album Kinselas - Sydney R,M 1987 Fabulous Singlettes Live Show Kinselas - Sydney SD 1986 Imagine Touring Show New Moon - Queensland SDG 1985 My Old School ABC TV Recording Tivoli - Sydney R,M 1980 Angels 2MMM Live to Air Hordon Pavillion-Sydney R,M 1980 L'Oreal Hair Expo Cheveron - Sydney SD 2002 Best Live Sound Connections Magazine Entech Awards Nomination SD
"…sound designer and mixer David Cafe has worked miracles. There is clarity in every strand of sound and the whole is exceptionally well mixed." The Australian
"…the sound is stunning" Sydney Morning Herald
"…the sound is fat and luscious" West Australian
"…the disc captures vividly the frisson only live performance generates" Melbourne Herald Sun
"...It was the opening night of Looking Through a Glass Onion at the Theatre Royal and in the audience was Kate McCue, of Pyrmont. "There was a variation," she says, "to a common message which brought more than a smile to the faces in the crowd: Welcome to the Theatre Royal ... please switch off all mobile phones, as they could interfere with navigation systems and cause the Mir space station to crash into the Theatre Royal, killing hundreds of innocent people as well as the person using the mobile phone. Thank you." The appeal was the work of sound director David Cafe, and it's used every night "to loosen them up" 'Column 8' - SMH - 15/3/01
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