'Hop on the Band Wagon': The story behind Kelowna's recording studio on wheels

Jake Cooke and Buzz Truss are two Kelowna musicians who have spent the majority of the last two years building and travelling in their own mobile recording studio, playfully dubbed as The Band Wagon.

Fully functional, Cooke fondly calls the space a “home studio on steroids,” as it has all the capabilities you’d hope to find at your average studio, just scaled down.

Running everything through his laptop, the studio offers the ability to record, mix and master anything a musician may need.

The trailer is insulated with spray foam, wood shingles and more to help provide added warmth and better acoustics. It was originally supposed to be a “living space with a studio” for Cooke and Truss to stay in during their travels but during the building process, the focus shifted to accommodate their new plans.

The pair spent six months out on the road, travelling to and from various musical cities in the United States, not only spreading their music along the way but making it their mission to collaborate with the various artists they met.

While attending a number of shows in cities like Nashville and New Orleans, Cooke and Truss would approach the musicians they’d see perform and invite them back to the Band Wagon to record a song and music video live off the floor to help spread the word of the talent they’d come across.

“It was just a super fun way to meet people,” said Cooke.

“There is one thing about going out and talking to somebody and trying to find something you guys connect on, but if you know you already have a connection through music, it is so cool the type of conversation and relationship you can have right off the bat.”

While the dynamic duo made it back to Canadian soil in March, they took the summer off to resettle here in the valley.

With the New Year quickly approaching, Cooke says he is ready to get back into the swing of the studio and is not only hoping to provide local musicians with affordable recording sessions and jam space, but a mobile venue as the trailer also comes equipped with a fold-down stage.

To keep up to date with The Band Wagon and learn more about how you can book a tour or session, follow along with them on Facebook and Instagram.