Chris Querido

Chris started out as a sound engineer and has worked the live scene in London for 10 years. The progression to recording was a natural one and his experience in this side of the music industry resulted in him recording Paul McCartney, Amy Winehouse, Kasabian, MIKA, Groove Armada, Crowded House, Imogen Heap, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and Editors for the  iTunes Festival London in 2007. In 2008 Chris was the recording engineer for the iTunes Berlin Festival, the iTunes London Sessions at the famous AIR Studios; and the 2nd edition of the 31 day iTunes Festival London. At these special musical events Chris recorded Foals, Lykke Li, N.E.R.D, Death Cab for Cutie, The Tings Tings, Paul Weller, James Blunt, Taio Cruz, The Zutons, Hot Chip, MGMT, Katie Melua, Morcheeba, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, José González, Laura Marling, Spiritualized, Jason Mraz, Mystery Jets, Yoav, Yael Naim, Róisín Murphy, Alphabeat and Estelle. At the 2009 edition of the iTunes Festival in London Chris handled the recordings of the live EP's of Oasis, Snow Patrol, Mumford & Sons, Franz Ferdinand, Placebo, Bloc Party, Friendly Fires, Miike Snow, The Temper Trap, Flo Rida, Bat for Lashes, The Pretenders and Suzanna Vega. 

The simultaneous honing of Chris' production and song writing skills resulted in the release of indie dance favourite "She's Dancing" on Berlin-based label District of Corruption in 2009, as well as the formation of  SONAR, a boutique music production house based in Cape Town, which services the advertising industry both in South Africa and abroad. SONAR's production music album produced by Chris is published in South Africa by Mama Dance! and distributed internationally by German library music powerhouse, Sonoton. 

In 2011 Chris reached out to NY-based vocalist, Betsie Larkin, to see if she could come up with vocal parts over one of his song ideas. The pair had met on a trip to San Francisco with some common friends and had hit it off immediately as friends, but it wasn't until this point with a few continents separating them, that they made the connection on a musical level. Betsie was immediately inspired by Chris' tracks: "His production is a flawless blend of retro and modern elements, but it goes beyond good construction. Every tune has life and I’m always immediately inspired by them.” The two had to work entirely through email, Skype conversations, and telephone, relying on a singular vision, dedication, and luck. They crafted each song, one at a time, until they felt it was truly perfect. At that point, NY-based engineer/producer, Jon D'Uva was brought in for vocal tracking and mixing. Will 2012 be the year of Silvermine? Watch this space.