Noise Machine’s vision for residencies is to create a space where you can make meaningful progress in your creativity, your career, and your wellbeing.Rest is an essential part of the creative process, and we encourage residents to take advantage of the restorative opportunities available on site, as well as the professional resources that be can used to advance their personal and creative goals.

We provide time, space, and resources to support a wide range of creative projects with a focus on music and sound. Whether you prefer to work independently or want guided support, we offer flexible options to help you create, explore, and move your work forward. There are no expectations to share, present, or exchange, but all are possible during a stay at Noise Machine Studios.

The residency space can be used in solitude or shared with other artists, depending on your needs. If you’d like to discuss your project or the kind of support you’re hoping for, please reach out to us directly.

We ask all residents to move with respect and care on the Tla’amin Nation lands on which we reside. We hope you’ll take time to explore their language resources, learn about their name and history, and, if you’re able, support the Name Matters by purchasing a shirt or hoodie to contribute to their important work.

-Studio access
-Beach access
-Parking
-Wifi
-Laundry facilities
-Bedding, Towels, Soap, Shampoo & Conditioner
-Bathtub & shower
-Fully equip kitchen
-Paddle boards
-Woodstove

We can host multiple artists at once, which lowers the cost per person and creates a more collaborative environment. Solo stays are available as well, though they naturally come at a higher individual cost.

For an added fee we can happily arrange support from trusted community members for the following:
-Meals
-Outdoor adventuring
-Vocal Training
-Art materials
-Sewing materials
-Costume materials
-Bodywork - massage,
-Rides, pick ups, groceries

Recent stays have included:

• Privately -funded sound designer for semi- solo studio time, recovery, and nature time.

• Canada Council-funded month-long mentorship helping emerging artist prepare their music for studio sessions

Examples of Solo Stays:

• Alone Alone — full privacy and private full access to the space. No one else in space.

• Semi‑Solo — private studio & bedroom with shared communal spaces, shared with one other artist.

• Alongside — working independently while sharing the environment with other multiple other artists.

• Supported — access to mentorship, guidance, or structured support; project planning, content creation, execution, release strategy; a tailored plan, just for you.

Supported Options:

• Mentorship & Educational Programming  — grant or privately‑funded sessions with producer Sophia Sanford, vocal coach Jermaine Pugeda, as well as other affiliated and seasonal mentors, producers, and creative professionals. Contact us to explore how we can support your project.

• Small Town Tour  — perform a series of intimate local shows for enthusiastic rural audiences in unforgettable venues and natural settings.

• Excursions & Wellness Time  — quick access to hiking, paddle boarding, local food and farm exploration, wildlife learning, coastal nature experiences, and opportunities for sunset ( or rise) yoga sessions, sauna or gym trips, and plenty of reflective spaces for relaxing.
  

Examples of Group Stays:

• Bands, Duos, Trios, and Creative Teams — Ideal for 2-3 people, but can host up to 8 people who know one another and don’t mind an intimate stay.

• Songwriting or Production Camps — a photogenic, inspiring environment for small writing or producing groups. Let’s talk funding and build a plan that fits your goals.
  

Examples of Multi-Artist Stays:

• Shared Residency Model — stay and work alongside up to two other artists.

  • Personal Studio Spaces — each artist has a private studio with a bed nook; most gear is movable between spaces.

  • Shared Common Areas — mud/laundry room, bathroom, living room, kitchen, deck, porch, and all outdoor spaces (Floor plan available upon request).

We can provide a range of experiences for time at Noise Machine Studios; ultimately each visit is unique.

Costs at Noise Machine Studios vary depending on several factors, including length of stay, number of people involved, type of support requested (logistics, mentorship, or independent time), and whether your visit is grant‑funded or personally funded.

We can host multiple artists at once, which lowers the cost per person and creates a more collaborative environment. Solo stays are available as well, though they naturally come at a higher individual cost.

Pricing & Exchanges:

We offer sliding‑scale pricing and always consider fair trades of skills, talents, or space exchanges.

Generally, an unsupported solo stay in the space will cost between $500 and $1000/ week, depending on our specific arrangement. Costs are subject to change.

The best way to get an accurate estimate is to contact us directly so we can learn about your project and tailor a plan that fits your needs.

We issue calls for artists and applications every few months, but you are invited to reach out to us at any time and we will be happy to answer your questions.

We ask for a small amount of initial information to assess whether we’re able to support you during the timeframe and in the fashion you request. You will then be asked to fill out an application form from which we will confirm your booking and present a contract for use of space. In some cases a deposit is required and this is at our discretion.

For funding applications we will happily provide letters of support or quotes.

In addition to residency and project support, our space is also available to rent for music video shoots, content creation, voiceover recording, daily studio sessions, and more.

Our goal is to make the process as accessible and collaborative as possible and are always willing to be flexible on the application process as we care most about supporting artists in getting to the space.

We review and respond each inquiry with care.

We recommend planning a stay of at least one week, with two weeks being ideal for settling into the space and finding your rhythm. Some guests stay for 3-4 days (like over a long weekend), some stay for 1 - 2 weeks, while others prefer a full month, or even two full months. If you have a specific project or timeline in mind, we’re always happy to discuss what length of stay will best support your goals. Please note that longer residencies may include periods of sharing common spaces with other artists.

Absolutely! Collectives, companies, and bands are all welcome. We can comfortably host up to 3 people in private rooms with shared common areas, or 8+ in a more cozy communal setup using shared sleeping spaces. The space has supported everything from writing retreats to lively jam sessions (our beachside neighbours have even been known to kayak over with spare zucchini or cookies in appreciation). We can accommodate most recording equipment and can arrange to have additional gear on site as needed. Before booking, we’ll chat with you about your group’s specific needs to make sure the space is a great fit.

Yes - in fact, we welcome grant‑funded residencies. We’re happy to support your application process by providing letters of support, budget estimates, and guidance on how to include us in your proposal. Letters of support are always free, and we also offer grant‑writing and hourly consulting services if you’d like more hands‑on help.
We are available to support funding applications as a studio, a residency, label support, and as producer.

Get in touch with your project details and grant ideas, and we’ll explore the best timeline and approach together.

The property includes a one‑bedroom cabin and two studio spaces, all arranged along a short outdoor walkway right beside the sea. The main cabin features a kitchen, washroom with bathtub, mud room with laundry, living room with record player, streaming‑enabled TV, and wood stove; and shared indoor/outdoor areas for relaxing or doing yoga.

The Noise Machine studio is a separate building connected by an outdoor hallway. It includes studio monitors, MIDI tools, a baby grand piano, electric organ, drums, bass, guitar, and various sound‑making equipment. Most artists sleep here in a cozy curtained bed nook with a double bed that can be closed off for privacy and a good night’s sleep.

There is also an upper studio space set up as a sound room in the nearby garage, where Sophia works when artists are in residence. This space includes an additional sleeping area, which allows us to keep the main cabin and studio free for your use if that’s preferred. This studio space can also be used for extra sleeping space when hosting larger groups.

Shared spaces include the kitchen, washroom, living room, porch, yard, beach and laundry. The cabin sits right on the shoreline, accessed by a set of dirt stairs, with the outdoor hallway providing natural separation and privacy between the respective spaces. Paddleboards are available for use, and weather permitting, the porch is a great spot for stretching, reading, songwriting, or taking in the view.

The property is located in a rural, beachside setting and does require navigating uneven terrain. Access to the cabin involves a short drive from the nearest town (Powell River) followed by a set of dirt stairs (approximately 20 steps). The shoreline is rocky, and at high tide the water reaches the edge of the cabin rendering the beach impassable. Inside, the main cabin is single‑level, while the Noise Machine studio includes a two‑step entrance and has a 10-step wooden staircase leading to a cement pad that touches the tide. Please note that the property and buildings are not wheelchair accessible.

The qathet region is only reachable by ferry or plane and cannot be accessed directly by road from interior BC. The ferry routes on BC Ferries are part of the highways system, leading to the most northern tip of the 101 Highway.

We’re happy to provide free guidance on travel options, and we can also assist with booking travel for a service fee.

A vehicle can make your stay more convenient, especially for solo or independent residencies, but it’s not required. Many guests who don’t drive have stayed comfortably with a mix of host support and help from the local community.

Grocery stores and shops are not within walking distance: the nearest farm stand is a 10‑minute drive, the small local shop with a deli is 5 minutes away, and the main town with full grocery options is about 20 minutes away.

If you’re arriving without a car, we can arrange pickup from the ferry or plane, help with grocery runs, and coordinate rides where needed.
Forest and beach walks are at the doorstep, but most bigger adventures do require a vehicle.

Our studio is fully equipped for writing, recording, and experimenting. On site, you’ll find studio monitors, keyboards, MIDI controllers, a baby grand piano, electric organ, drum kit, bass and guitar setups, and a variety of unique sound makers with a rotating cast of gear that folks store or loan or lend to the space.

For production, we offer an audio interface, mixing speakers, a VCM‑600 controller, Zoom H4N, Ableton Push 2, and a Yamaha 16‑channel console, along with stands, cables, lighting, film cameras (film available for an added fee), and a full record‑player setup. You can view our complete gear list here at anytime, and if you need something specific, we can often source additional equipment and rentals from town.

Visitors are welcome, and we’re flexible to the needs of each residency. Many artists choose to host collaborators or creative partners during their stay, and we encourage people to use their time here in whatever way best supports their goals.

If the space is being shared, all current guests must give unanimous consent before any visitors come by, and clear communication around this is essential. Please note that overnight guests incur an additional service fee, so let us know in advance if you plan to have someone stay the night. We’ll make sure the space and our team can accommodate your plans.

In general, we don’t host pets in the residency space. However, because each stay is unique, we’re open to discussing exceptions on a case‑by‑case basis. If a pet is approved, a damage deposit will be required. We encourage residents to engage with the space in ways that allow them to be fully present. We understand that for some that is with their pet, and for others that may look like a break from their pet. Please contact us!

Meal planning is flexible and can be as independent or communal as you prefer. Some residents enjoy cooking and sharing meals together, while others choose to prepare their own food. Both approaches are completely welcome. Fridge, freezer, and storage space will be available to all residence in the space. Grocery stores are about 20 minutes drive away and there are currently no ways to have food delivered to the property, though there is various food you can pick up in town. It does require some level of food planning, let us know if you need support on this.

Absolutely — creating a space where you feel supported, respected, and genuinely comfortable is central to how we work. We prioritize collaboration, clear communication, and a culture rooted in anti‑racism, community care, and feminist principles. Prejudice or discriminatory behaviour of any kind is not tolerated, and we reserve the right to decline interaction or services if anyone’s safety or dignity feels compromised.

Our intention is for every person who enters the space to feel heard, welcomed, and safe, so their creative process can unfold with trust, ease, and real connection. If you have any concerns around this, or accessibility requirements we can work to meet, let us know.

What you can accomplish depends on the length and purpose of your stay, and this varies widely from person to person, season to season. Some residents use their time here to rest, reset, and gather inspiration, while others arrive with the goal of writing or recording an EP or full album. If you’re unsure how much time your project might require, we’re happy to talk it through and share what past visitors have achieved in similar timeframes.

It’s also worth noting that the calm of the space often invites more rest and sleep than people expect. Because of this, we recommend planning with flexible expectations: set both minimum and maximum goals so you can feel successful even if your project evolves more slowly or takes a different shape once you’re here.

We use a simple residency agreement that outlines expectations, responsibilities, shared‑space guidelines, payment details, and our community care principles. It’s designed to keep everyone safe, supported, and on the same page throughout your stay. You can review the full contract anytime here in the FAQ before you book.

Yes — all utilities, including heat, lighting, water, wood for the stove etc etc are included in the residency fee.

For stays over one month, utility fees may incur, this will be made clear and agreed upon prior to confirming the booking.

Yes. Noise Machine is located in a quiet rural area, where the risk of theft is very low having had exactly zero issues since being on the property.

We have locks and keys for all the doors and provide residents with their own set for the duration of their stay.

Please note that Noise Machine is not responsible for any items that are left or damaged on-site.

Because our studio is oceanside and in the forest, sound‑proofing is weather‑dependent. If you prefer a completely controlled enviroment, please understand that when the wind blows, it can howl. And a storm with wind and waves and rain will be heard. On a still night the silence can be deafening, just to be broken by a barking sea lion.

Most artists have loved the natural ambience, with some crediting the sea on their recordings, while some may prefer a more controlled environment. If you need guaranteed quiet for recording we can help arrange a soundproof studio rental within the local community.

Yes. We regularly collaborate with local organizations, arts groups, and community partners to support exhibitions, showcases, workshops, and sharing events.

We recognize that artists have often had to acquire a lot of skills on the road to becoming an artist, so if what your visit possible if you offering other services, skills, or experiences that can connect you with community and make you money while here, we will support that.

While these offerings aren’t guaranteed for every residency, we’re always happy to explore what might be possible during your stay.

We also offer experiences like having a mini tour within our community with opportunities to play in the forest, on farms, and in super unique rural environments.

If you’re interested in planning an event, or if presenting your work is an important part of your residency goals, please include this in your communication with us. The more we know about what you’re envisioning, the better we can help coordinate timing, partnerships, and space to support it.

We’re happy to assist with travel planning if that would help you organize your stay. Just let us know what you’re envisioning, and we can point you toward options that fit your needs.

From Vancouver:
The most straightforward way to reach Noise Machine Studios from Vancouver is to take the Sunshine Coast route: drive or bus to the ferry at Horseshoe Bay where you will sail to Langdale; continue up the coast to Earl’s Cove for the second ferry to Saltery Bay. Once you arrive on the qathet side, it’s a 40 minute drive to the studio.

Step‑by‑Step Overview

1. Vancouver → Horseshoe Bay

• Depart Vancouver by car or transit toward Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal.

• This is the starting point for the Sunshine Coast route.

2. Ferry #1: Horseshoe Bay → Langdale

• Board the ferry to Langdale (near Gibsons).

• Crossing time is typically around 40 minutes.

3. Drive the Sunshine Coast Highway (Highway 101)

• Continue north through Sechelt and up the coast toward Earl’s Cove.

• This stretch is part of the famous Highway 101, which runs along the shoreline.

4. Ferry #2: Earl’s Cove → Saltery Bay

• Take the second ferry from Earl’s Cove to Saltery Bay.

• This crossing is about 50 minutes.

5. Saltery Bay → qathet (Powell River)

• Drive north from Saltery Bay into qathet.

• The road hugs the coastline and leads directly into the city.

6. Arriving at Noise Machine Studios

• drive north to the Tla’amin Nation, through the Tishosem villiage

• Park next in the assigned parking spot

• Follow the trail down to the seaside!

From Vancouver Island:

Getting to Noise Machine Studios from anywhere on Vancouver Island requires you crossing at Comox. Take the Little River → Westview ferry, which connects Comox directly to qathet, BC. The sailing is about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Once you arrive at the Westview terminal in qathet, it’s a short drive out of town to reach the studio.

Step‑by‑Step Overview:

1. Little River (Comox) → Westview (qathet) Sail directly from Comox to Westview. The crossing is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

2. Arriving in qathet (Powell River) Once you dock at Westview, drive through town toward your destination.

3. Reaching Noise Machine Studios park up and come down to the sounds of the sea.

While we encourage artists to reach out any time, we recommend booking 6–12 months in advance to secure your preferred dates. Our calendar fills up quickly, especially during peak seasons, so reaching out early gives you the best chance of reserving the time that works for you.

That said, sometimes things change and we have space! Keep an eye on our socials for calls to book, and as we said, reach out any time!

Yes! Residencies and rentals are available throughout the entire year. Please keep in mind that peak season runs from May to October, when availability can be more limited. We also offer discounted rates for longer stays, extended studio use, and during the slower season (November to April). Storm watchers and beach bums alike will love the seasons at Noise Machine Studios.

Absolutely. We’re happy to coordinate an in‑person visit or a video walkthrough at any time. Just let us know what works best for you, and we’ll make sure you get a clear sense of the space before you book!

There is no obligation to post, market, share, or even talk about your time here.

But we do love to feature the artists we work with on our website and social media. With your permission we will, but there is no pressure to. We’re happy to help document parts of your experience and share highlights on our social media and website when best. You’re also welcome to share your time at Noise Machine on your own platforms, record content or shoot music videos here. We see this as a collaborative, mutually supportive connection and that can mean at times not posting at all.

If you’re interested in more formal or structured marketing efforts, such as coordinated campaigns, media management or promotional materials, we can coordinate our marketing and PR partners on a case‑by‑case basis to build plans.