{"id":52,"date":"2010-06-21T00:05:29","date_gmt":"2010-06-21T00:05:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.manukastudios.co.nz\/?page_id=52"},"modified":"2022-11-22T01:06:21","modified_gmt":"2022-11-22T01:06:21","slug":"testimonials","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/manukastudios.co.nz\/?page_id=52","title":{"rendered":"Testimonials"},"content":{"rendered":"<ul>\n<li><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69f0da9fdff96\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Morrie Smith, Managing Director, Rajon Entertainment NZ Ltd.\"    >Morrie Smith, Managing Director, Rajon Entertainment NZ Ltd.<\/span><div id=\"target-id69f0da9fdff96\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">\u201cI have always been totally satisfied with the quality and cost of the finished recordings from Mike McCarthy &#8211; one of the top producers in NZ.&#8221;<\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69f0da9fdffdf\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Gray Bartlett MBE, NZEA Ltd, Career Design CEO.\"    >Gray Bartlett MBE, NZEA Ltd, Career Design CEO.<\/span><div id=\"target-id69f0da9fdffdf\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">\u201cI believe Mike to be amongst the world&#8217;s best producers of modern recorded music, and his understanding of sound and style is without peer in today\u2019s market. This high esteem for his work is held by all my contacts in the New Zealand, Australian and United Kingdom recording industry\u2026\u201d<\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69f0da9fdfffd\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"John Rowles OBE\"    >John Rowles OBE<\/span><div id=\"target-id69f0da9fdfffd\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">\u201cI have worked and sung with some of the greatest recording producers and directors in the world (such as Frank Sinatra&#8217;s Key men, Don Costa, Earnie Freeman, Tom Catalano, Norrie Paramour, Larry Muhoberac, H B Barnum) &#8211; and I put Mike McCarthy in that same family of brilliance and ingenious qualities. I look forward to recording with him again in the very near future\u2026\u201d<\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69f0da9fe0017\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Eddie Low MNZM\"    >Eddie Low MNZM<\/span><div id=\"target-id69f0da9fe0017\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">\u201cSome of the most enjoyable recording experiences I have had have been the times I have recorded with Mike McCarthy at Manuka Studios. Just a most relaxing environment to be in. Mike is a real professional in all facets of the business &#8211; from making one feel completely relaxed to getting the very best out of you. I have also had the pleasure of working with Mike in Norfolk Island and touring throughout New Zealand. You just know there will not be any problems musically when Mike McCarthy is on board.\u201d<\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69f0da9fe0045\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Suzanne Lynch MNZM\"    >Suzanne Lynch MNZM<\/span><div id=\"target-id69f0da9fe0045\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">\n\u201cI have worked in the recording studio with Mike McCarthy, and on the live stage as a singer and performer, and have found him to be thoroughly professional, and fantastic at recording and producing the &#8220;best&#8221; from an artist. I can recommend his studio and piano playing, recording and arranging skills most highly. He is simply\u2026 excellent!\u201d<\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69f0da9fe005e\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Sir Michael Fay\"    >Sir Michael Fay<\/span><div id=\"target-id69f0da9fe005e\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">\u201cMike McCarthy has real ability to pull together music and musicians like few can.\u201d<\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69f0da9fe0075\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Suzanne Prentice OBE\"    >Suzanne Prentice OBE<\/span><div id=\"target-id69f0da9fe0075\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">\u201cI have had an international career spanning over 40 years and during that time I have performed with some of the world\u2019s most respected and loved names in the entertainment industry. I have recorded numerous albums both here in NZ and overseas. Working with Mike is always a pleasure. He works efficiently, professionally, and is a perfectionist to his craft. He is open to new ideas, listens and respects his client\u2019s requirements. He has always been a joy to work with, and I consider the work I have completed with Mike as some of my best.\u201d<\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69f0da9fe008b\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Jackie Clarke\"    >Jackie Clarke<\/span><div id=\"target-id69f0da9fe008b\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">\u201cMike has great ears and is a really easy guy to work with in the studio. He&#8217;s a dab hand on the piano as well.\u201d<\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69f0da9fe00b6\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Ronnie Ronalde\"    >Ronnie Ronalde<\/span><div id=\"target-id69f0da9fe00b6\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">\u201cI have whistled, sung and yodeled my way around the world with the great in music and song: Alyn Ainsworth, Charles Barnett, Stanley Black, Frank Chacksfield, Duke Ellington, Paul Fenoulet, George Martin (Abbey Road), Tony Pastor, Norrie Paramor, Charles Previn, Charlie Spivak, Billy Tennent, Guy Mitchell, Johnny Ray, Julie Andrews, Shirley Bassey, Connie Boswell, Edith Piaf, Sophie Tucker, Gracie Fields and of course Mike McCarthy.On a personal note, Mike McCarthy is multi talented and has the gift of bringing the very best out of the artist at his own recording studio where he exudes enthusiasm, excitement and perfection.\u201d<\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69f0da9fe00e3\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Sally-Anne Kerr, TVNZ\"    >Sally-Anne Kerr, TVNZ<\/span><div id=\"target-id69f0da9fe00e3\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">&#8220;This year&#8217;s Find A Star was a huge success! We discovered a depth of undiscovered talent including our winner Tammy D&#8217;Ath and Mahalia Simpson who has been invited to work on a collaboration with Che Fu.<br \/>\nMike McCarthy&#8217;s continued input as a producer has been instrumental in attracting top quality entries for two years now and his services &#8211; including his recording with 2009 Find A Star winner Anthony Utama &#8211; have been a huge boost to the artist.&#8221;Sally-Anne Kerr<br \/>\nProducer \u2013 Good Morning Show<br \/>\nTelevision New Zealand<\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69f0da9fe0103\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Annabel Fay\"    >Annabel Fay<\/span><div id=\"target-id69f0da9fe0103\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">\u201cMike McCarthy introduced me into the world of recording music. After working with him I thought that it would be that easy, painless and professional in the studio all the time but I was wrong. Mike is unbelievably efficient, kind and very nurturing to young artists thus always achieving more from an artist than most producers would. Mike is a very accomplished musician, fantastic producer and someone I would always be delighted to work with.&#8221;<\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69f0da9fe011c\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Patsy Riggir QSM\"    >Patsy Riggir QSM<\/span><div id=\"target-id69f0da9fe011c\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">\u201cI first met Mike McCarthy at Orewa in 2003 when asked by Jim Morrogh to record a song for a compilation CD. Not having recorded for some time, I was rather apprehensive about the outcome. However, I was so impressed with Mike\u2019s production that I decided to record a new CD of my own, taking advantage of Mike\u2019s great musical talent and recording expertise.I was so proud of the CD we made that I arranged with Gray Bartlett to organise a nation-wide \u201cheart of the Country\u201d tour to promote it. Naturally, Mike was the Musical Director of the brilliant \u201cHeart Beat\u201d band he put together. The tour was a great success and led the way for a new tour in 2005. This, also arranged by Gray Bartlett, was the very popular \u201cHighway of Legends\u201d tour, also magnificently backed by Mike and his \u201cAll Star\u201d band.I have come to know Mike as a talented musician, a great friend and I\u2019m truly proud of everything we have worked on together. I consider working with Mike to be one of the highlights of my many years in the recording industry.\u201d Patsy Riggir QSMNCMA Country Music Legend Award 2006<br \/>\nVariety Artists Club of New Zealand Award \u201cScroll of Honour\u201d 2003<br \/>\nNZ Country Music Recording Awards: Best Female Vocalist<br \/>\nTop Selling Artist<br \/>\nTop Professional Performing Artist<br \/>\nAPRA Songwriter of the Year<br \/>\nAustralasian Country Music Awards: Best Female Vocalist<br \/>\nNZ Recording Industry Awards: Best Country Album of the Year<br \/>\nGold &amp; Platinum Discs for \u201cYou remind me of a lovesong\u201d<br \/>\n\u201cPatsy Riggir Country \u2013 Live\u201d<\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69f0da9fe0133\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Bill Sevesi, APRA Lifetime Achievement Pacific Award.\"    >Bill Sevesi, APRA Lifetime Achievement Pacific Award.<\/span><div id=\"target-id69f0da9fe0133\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">\u201cSince 1999 I have recorded over two hundred songs at Manuka Studios. Mike McCarthy is an excellent and obliging sound engineer \u2013 makes you feel at home \u2013 he has a vast knowledge of all types of music, nimble fingers on the keyboard, and makes a good cup of tea. In May 2006 the Australasian Performing Rights Association (APRA) awarded me the Lifetime Achievement Pacific Award. Helen Clarke, Prime Minister of New Zealand, presented me with the trophy and remarked \u201c\u2026not often we hear an eighty-four year old still going strong\u201d. Little did she know I had Mike McCarthy behind me to lean on for my recordings.\u201d<\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69f0da9fe014a\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Ross Jennings, Executive Producer, Just-the-ticket Productions\"    >Ross Jennings, Executive Producer, Just-the-ticket Productions<\/span><div id=\"target-id69f0da9fe014a\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">\u201c\u2026working at Manuka Studios produced an excellent result by a thorough professional in Mike McCarthy.\u201d<\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69f0da9fe0160\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Brendan Dugan\"    >Brendan Dugan<\/span><div id=\"target-id69f0da9fe0160\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">\u201cI have always worked with the best over the years &#8211; and Mike is one of those people. I always enjoy the time spent in his studio and have recorded some of my best CDs there. Always my first and last stop.\u201d<\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69f0da9fe0176\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Dennis Marsh\"    >Dennis Marsh<\/span><div id=\"target-id69f0da9fe0176\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">\u201cWith Mike&#8217;s expertise in musical directing and engineering, I have achieved Gold and Platinum Awards as well as Best Selling Album of the Year on several occasions. Mike is the &#8216;Master&#8217; in his state of the art recording studio. His piano\/keyboard skills, patience, hospitality and friendliness are unsurpassed. Thank you Mike for twelve fantastic recording years in your studio ~ to be continued&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;! Arohanui<br \/>\nNZ Best Selling Country Music Album of the Year 2009<br \/>\nNZ Country Music Entertainer Of The Year<br \/>\nNZ Country Music Male Artist of the Year 2008, 2009<br \/>\nNZ Variety Male Artist of the Year 2009<\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69f0da9fe018c\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Marian Burns\"    >Marian Burns<\/span><div id=\"target-id69f0da9fe018c\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">\u201cAn exciting way to spend a day, a week, or however long it takes to get your album finished. Working with Mike McCarthy with his lightning speed fingers, and precise button pushing, not to mention his pure talent on Keys and exceptional musical knowledge, is a joy and inspiration. His sheer enthusiasm to help you produce your own personal masterpiece makes you instantly feel at ease and very proud of the end results.\u201d<\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69f0da9fe01a2\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Jay Weston\"    >Jay Weston<\/span><div id=\"target-id69f0da9fe01a2\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">\u201cMike McCarthy is one of the most professional people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. He is an incredibly talented musician who can inspire and bring out the best in a performer. Manuka Studios boasts an impressive array of high quality world class studio equipment presented in an environment that makes one feel truly at home and at ease while working on an important musical project. I highly recommend Manuka Recording Studios &#8211; Mike has both the talent and ability to make any musical work stand out at an international level, giving the artist an edge and an advantage in a highly competitive industry.\u201d<\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69f0da9fe01b7\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Chris Powley\"    >Chris Powley<\/span><div id=\"target-id69f0da9fe01b7\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">&#8220;Manuka Studios &amp; Mike McCarthy &#8211; what can I say?.. Proficiency! Mastery! And a realization for what the artist is trying to achieve. Always a pleasure!&#8221;<\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"collapseomatic \" id=\"id69f0da9fe01ce\"  tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Rob Innes\"    >Rob Innes<\/span><div id=\"target-id69f0da9fe01ce\" class=\"collapseomatic_content \">\u201cAs a professional entertainer and songwriter I feel very privileged to have met and recorded with Mike McCarthy. I could not have hoped for a more creative and meticulous producer.&nbsp; Mike has a special gift for bringing out the best in a recording artist and, as a singer\/songwriter, I find his genius for interpreting the sound and feel for my original work is amazing.&nbsp; I am extensively involved in the Gospel music scene and perform concerts raising funds as Ambassador for Every Home \u2013 Global Concern, an international Humanitarian aid organisation.&nbsp; At almost every performance someone will ask \u201cwhere did you get those amazing backings?\u201dMike McCarthy is world class and with my fifth album underway with Manuka Studios I have no hesitation in recommending Mike to anyone who wants the absolute best from a producer.\u201dNumber One most requested song on Southern Star Christian Radio 3 yrs running<br \/>\nTui Music Award Finalist for Best Original Composition 2004 and 2005<br \/>\nFeatured in UK Songwriters Guild Magazine 2007<br \/>\nScroll of Honour \u2013 Variety Artist Club of NZ 2007<br \/>\nNominated Best Male Vocalist \u2013 Variety Artists Club of NZ 2008<br \/>\nNZ Ambassador for Every Home \u2013 Global Concern<\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/manukastudios.co.nz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/52"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/manukastudios.co.nz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/manukastudios.co.nz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/manukastudios.co.nz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/manukastudios.co.nz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=52"}],"version-history":[{"count":57,"href":"https:\/\/manukastudios.co.nz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/52\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":265,"href":"https:\/\/manukastudios.co.nz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/52\/revisions\/265"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/manukastudios.co.nz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=52"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}