Discover Humboldt continues its conversation with Aspen Beveridge, the all-around head of Skull Creek Studios in Watrous. In its three years in Watrous, the studio has developed a reputation for producing rich and polished tracks that focus on the artists’ sonic vision and enthrall listeners. Nominated in songwriting and producing categories by the Saskatchewan Country Music Association in 2022 and 2023, Beveridge struck the right notes in 2024 as Skull Creek was named studio of the year.
A part of the versatility of Skull Creek Studios is that Aspen goes beyond the scope of a sound engineer. He’s become an adept multi-instrumentalist, and those skills are put into service frequently, particularly with solo artists who may not have the luxury of a band or ready studio musicians.
“I just kept thinking, ‘all these roadblocks are in the way. Why don’t I just get better at that thing so I don’t always have to go find someone else’?” Beveridge said. “When you’re in a small town and need a drummer, that can be tough. But if I can fill in those gaps, play a guitar track, lay down drums, whatever, it saves everyone time and money.”
It’s a practical but inspired approach. When budget constraints loom, Beveridge can become the band himself. For clients, that means more access, more opportunity, and fewer compromises.
“Depending on the budget, I’ll say, ‘I’m your guy—I’ll be your band,’” Beveridge explained. “If I can’t do something, we’ll figure it out. But I’ll get it done.”
This kind of flexibility has been crucial to Skull Creek’s rise. Over the past three years, the studio has not only drawn regional acclaim; it’s been recognized across Saskatchewan and even nationally. The SCMA Award for Studio of the Year and multiple nominations stand as testament to that success.
“It’s great to be recognized. Awards like that give you street cred,” Beveridge said. “Someone who doesn’t know me might see ‘SCMA Studio of the Year’ beside my name and say, ‘OK, this is legit.’ That makes a big difference.”
But for all the accolades, Beveridge isn’t chasing trophies.
“I try not to focus on it. It can be distracting. I keep my head down and just work hard. I love the work.”
Part of that work is finding the sweet spot between tradition and modern convenience. The studio blends analog sensibility with digital flexibility, a hybrid that’s deeply intentional.
“I love analog. But I also love convenience,” he said. “If someone asks me to do it all to tape, I’ll say, ‘Sure—but how much cash do you have?’ It’s not always realistic. So, I try to take the best of both worlds.”
Beveridge credits Nashville-based producer Jacquire King as a major influence. King has worked with some of music’s best – from Tom Waits’ “Mule Variations” to the likes of Zach Bryan and Modest Mouse, to name a few.
“He’s a hero of mine. He taught me you don’t have to be a purist to be great. Use analog to capture the sound, but use the tools at your disposal to finish it.”
Perhaps the most unlikely part of Skull Creek’s story is its location. Watrous isn’t the obvious home for a cutting-edge studio with a national profile. But for Beveridge, it’s become everything.
“We were actually living out west when my mom got sick,” he recalled. “Everything got turned upside down. My wife started looking all over Saskatchewan for a place. And when we came down the hill and saw the lake at Manitou Beach, I just thought, ‘I should be here.’”
He was already working on a beachside album project nearby when Watrous started to feel like destiny.
“There’s something about this place—the lake, the people, the arts culture. You walk into Manitou, and you see musicians, poets, painters. There’s a creative spirit here.”
Watrous and Manitou Beach embraced him in return.
“The community has taken us in - my family and the studio,” Beveridge said. “That means everything. Without community and family, this building wouldn’t mean what it does.”
He’s quick to point out that Skull Creek isn’t just a career move—it’s a calling.
“I always thought I’d be a touring musician forever. But now I’m a better musician because I’m a producer. I still play, but my goal shifted. And I’m glad it did.”
That shift, it seems, has resonated far beyond the borders of Watrous. As Skull Creek Studios continues to grow, so does its impact—on the province’s music scene, on aspiring artists looking for guidance, and on a community that’s found one of its own behind the mixing board.
“You know,” Beveridge said, smiling, “we just built something here. And people started coming.”
Enjoy the second part of our conversation with Aspen Beveridge.