Hi, I’m Michael Bourne, a Calgary-based audio engineer and guitarist with over three decades of hands-on studio and performance experience. I own Fisgard Music Studio where I set up, engineer, and produce sessions, handling everything from microphone placement to mastering. My background as a musician informs my technical work, ensuring creative and high-quality results for both in-house and external recordings. Beyond the studio, I’ve led and played with bands across Canada, collaborated on diverse genres, and held senior roles in retail management, teaching customer service and leadership. I’m passionate about merging audio, music, and technology to help artists realize their sonic vision.

Michael Bourne

Hi, I’m Michael Bourne, a Calgary-based audio engineer and guitarist with over three decades of hands-on studio and performance experience. I own Fisgard Music Studio where I set up, engineer, and produce sessions, handling everything from microphone placement to mastering. My background as a musician informs my technical work, ensuring creative and high-quality results for both in-house and external recordings. Beyond the studio, I’ve led and played with bands across Canada, collaborated on diverse genres, and held senior roles in retail management, teaching customer service and leadership. I’m passionate about merging audio, music, and technology to help artists realize their sonic vision.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Michael Bourne, a Calgary-based audio engineer and guitarist with over three decades of hands-on studio and performance experience. I own Fisgard Music Studio where I set up, engineer, and produce sessions, handling everything from microphone placement to mastering. My background as a musician informs my technical work, ensuring creative and high-quality results for both in-house and external recordings.

Beyond the studio, I’ve led and played with bands across Canada, collaborated on diverse genres, and held senior roles in retail management, teaching customer service and leadership. I’m passionate about merging audio, music, and technology to help artists realize their sonic vision.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Producer at Fisgard Music Studio
October 26, 2023 - Present
Producer, Recording Engineer and Mastering
Guitarist at Red Light Band
June 6, 2002 - November 2, 2004
Lead Guitarist in 4 piece band
Guitarist at Mystic Blue Band
June 13, 1995 - August 31, 2001
Lead/Rhythm Guitarist for 4 piece Rock Band
Owner – Audio Engineer at Fisgard Music Studio
June 20, 2023 - Present
Own and operate a recording studio; set up and prepare recording sessions; engineer/produce recordings; arrange equipment and microphone placement; record, mix, and master in-house and for external projects; maintain Focusrite and Behringer interfaces knowledge.
Musician – Guitarist at Self-employed / Mystic Blue and various bands
January 1, 1983 - Present
Original founding member of Mystic Blue (1995-2000, 2014–present); performed with multiple local bands in the Greater Toronto Area; notable engagements with Red Light and Exit 88; performed at venues such as Jeff Healy’s and The El Mocambo.
Assistant Store Manager – Speciality Sales at Lowe's Home Improvement
October 1, 2018 - June 1, 2023
Created and monitored sales goals and budgets for specialists; managed installs and customer issues/complaints; coached staff on Lowe’s customer service model; led weekly team meetings; tracked orders and performance; supported customer service across the store; managed merchandising and multiple departments.
Department Manager at Lowe's Home Improvement
February 1, 2015 - March 1, 2018
Led departments including Flooring/Paint/Windows & Walls, Millworks, Lumber/Building Materials & Seasonal; organized department operations, inventory, product placement, vendor communication, and customer service; ensured safety and cleanliness.
Sales Specialist Associate at Lowe's Home Improvement
September 1, 2013 - February 1, 2015
Supported sales activities, customer service, and special orders; assisted with various store departments and inventory management.
IMS/IT Client Services Technician at Corrections Services Canada
January 1, 2013 - May 1, 2013
Student work placement performing imaging of laptops/desktops, software security, IT support assistance, hardware organization, and AD user provisioning.
Sales Specialist at Lowe's Home Improvement – Kingston
September 1, 2011 - August 31, 2013
Sales support in Kingston location, September 2011 – August 2013.

Education

Digital Audio Certificate of Achievement at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
June 26, 2023 - December 23, 2023
Live Stage Audio to Studio Recording, Mixing and Mastering
Digital Audio Certificate of Achievement at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
July 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023
Diploma in Computer Networking & Technical Support at St Lawrence College
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2013
Diploma in Print Management at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
January 1, 1998 - December 31, 2000
High School Diploma at James Fowler High School
January 1, 1989 - December 31, 1989

Qualifications

Digital Sound
July 1, 2023 - August 23, 2023
Digital Sound - Audio Recording and Mixing
Advanced Audio Recording
October 31, 2023 - December 12, 2023
Mixing & Mastering
September 14, 2023 - December 5, 2023
Concepts, resources, techniques and practical concepts for Digital Recording in a Modern Studio
Live Sound Engineering
July 13, 2023 - August 12, 2023
Audio Production and Engineering for Live Studio & Stage production
Live Sound Engineering
July 13, 2023 - September 16, 2023
Audio Production and Engineering for Live Studio & Stage production
Digital Audio Certificate of Achievement
July 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023

Industry Experience

Retail, Computers & Electronics, Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Software & Internet
    uniE603 Thinkin' Out Loud - Instrumental
    Project: Primo & Twinkle – 4-Track Studio Session (featuring “Thinkin’ Out Loud”) Recording Date: August 2025 In August 2025, I completed the full recording, mixing, and mastering of a four-track project by Primo & Twinkle, an acoustic duo featuring Primo on acoustic guitar and Twinkle as both lead vocalist and violinist. The session was recorded live in the studio over the course of a full day, capturing the duo’s natural dynamics, expressive performance style, and strong musical chemistry. The tracklist included the instrumental piece “Thinkin’ Out Loud,” showcasing Twinkle’s violin work in a standalone arrangement, along with three additional live acoustic performances. Two featuring her on Lead Vocals. Following the recording session, I handled all mixing and mastering throughout the following month, ensuring each track maintained the warmth, intimacy, and clarity of their live sound while delivering polished, release-ready production. The completed project reflects the duo’s artistry and the authenticity of their live performance, presented with professional studio fidelity. music instrumental master
    uniE603 She La - Single
    Project: She La – Mystic Blue (Single) Release Date: August 1, 2025 In July 2025, I recorded Mystic Blue’s single “She La” as a live in-studio performance, capturing the natural chemistry and raw melodic energy the band is known for. The session focused on achieving an authentic, cohesive sound that reflected the band’s classic rock roots and dynamic interplay. Following the live tracking session, I completed all mixing and mastering throughout the following month, enhancing the clarity, tone, and warmth while preserving the immediacy of the live performance. The final master delivers a polished yet organic sound that represents Mystic Blue at their best. She La was officially released on August 1st, 2025 across all major streaming platforms. music vocal master
    uniE603 Shelly Made Me Smile - Single
    Project: Shelly Made Me Smile – Mystic Blue (Single) Release Date: October 10th, 2025 In September 2025, I recorded Mystic Blue’s single “Shelly Made Me Smile” at the studio, capturing the band’s signature blend of melodic guitars, warm harmonies, and classic rock–inspired arrangements. The session focused on delivering a clean, authentic performance that reflected the band’s nostalgic pop-rock aesthetic. Following the recording phase, I completed all mixing and mastering over the next month, shaping the track’s final sonic character while preserving its bright, feel-good energy and vintage-leaning tones. The result is a polished, radio-ready single that highlights Mystic Blue’s melodic craftsmanship and timeless sound. Shelly Made Me Smile was officially released on October 10th, 2025 across all major streaming platforms. music master
    uniE603 GOAR - Devastation Creation EP
    Project: Devastation Creation – GOAR (5-Track EP) Release Date: March 14, 2025 In December 2024, I recorded GOAR’s five-track EP Devastation Creation, capturing the band’s raw, high-energy performance through a full live-off-the-floor studio session. All tracks—“Kill,” “Biased,” “Slow and Painful,” “High Times,” and “Chainsaw”—were recorded in a single cohesive live setup to preserve the band’s authentic sound and aggressive performance style. Following the recording sessions, I completed all mixing and mastering over the subsequent months, shaping the final production while maintaining the grit, intensity, and character of GOAR’s original material. Initial single release of Slow And Painful, was released on February 14th, 2025. The finished EP showcases a balanced blend of live impact and polished heaviness, staying true to the band’s creative vision. Devastation Creation was officially released on March 14th, 2025 across all major streaming platforms. music master music master vocal