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>> Music Industry Payola Probe Under Way By Elliot Spitzer

New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer's office is investigating whether the United States' largest record companies are skirting payola laws by hiring middlemen to influence which songs are heard on the public airwaves. Spitzer's office served subpoenas last month on Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, EMI Group and Warner Music Group, seeking copies of all e-mails, letters, contracts and other correspondence between the companies and the industry's leading independent promoters. Radio stations and promoters have not been subpoenaed, sources said. News of the inquiry was first reported last Friday in The New York Times. The world of music promotion and influence peddling is a murky one usually kept out of public view. Independent radio promoters have determined ways to get around laws banning payments to broadcasters to play specific songs without the knowledge of its audience. Indie radio promoters pay radio stations annual fees that they say are not tied to airplay of songs. But critics claim the payments represent a clear end-run around the law and influence what songs are played. Radio airplay is considered the most powerful promotional tool for record companies to sell records and build awareness for an act. Many people buy records based solely on what they hear on the radio, which is why musicians and consumers say it is important that payments not influence the selection of songs.

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>> Nettwerk Producer Management Client Update

It's been an exciting summer and fall for Nettwerk Producer Management clients. Recent roster action inclues: Producer Howard Benson, hot off the multiplatinum success of Hoobastank's “The Reason”, is enjoying the success of Papa Roach's latest album “Getting Away With Murder”. Howard also produced WB buzz band My Chemical Romance “Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge” which is quickly heating up the charts after their stint on this summer’s Warped Tour. Producer John Porter is enjoying the immense success of the self-titled debut album by Los Lonely Boys. Months after release, the album continues to remain in the top 40 on Soundscan. John also produced the debut album by Australian singer/songwriter Missy Higgins, “The Sound Of White”, which deuted at #1 in her homeland. Look for the album to be released in the U.S. soon. Mixer Randy Staub has just finished mixing the highly anticipated new album by punksters Simple Plan. Producer/Writer Clif Magness has just completed writing and producing tracks for American Idol favorite, Kelly Clarkson’s second album. Producer/Writer team Chantal Kreviazuk and Raine Maida have also been writing and producing tracks for Clarkson, and for new American Idol finalist Diana Degarmo. Producer/Writer Jeff Trott has been continuing his long and successful relationship with superstar Sheryl Crow, working on tracks for her next album. Producer Mike Hedges is prepping to begin work with Travis on their next effort. For more information on any of the Nettwerk Producer Management clients please contact Alia Fahlborg at 310 855 0668 or alia@nettwerk.com

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>> 117th AES Attracts Record Exhibitor/Attendee Numbers

Returning to the Moscone Center for the first time since 1998, The 117th Audio Engineering Society Convention looms as a record-breaking event. AES Executive Director Roger Furness reports that over 400 exhibitors from around the globe and more than 16,000 attendees are expected to fill the many Workshops, Seminars and Special Events that make the AES the primary international organization for professional audio. “We believe the 117th Convention will be the most successful since our 50th Anniversary event in 1997,” Furness says. “Pre-registration is 35% ahead of previous years. If the AES may be considered a reliable gauge of our industry’s vitality, the economic climate may be clearing, and the technological environment looks equally promising.” 117th Convention Chair John Strawn echoes this optimism. “The Convention Committee has developed a particularly compelling program,” Strawn says. “We’ve been getting the word out to the industry and the response has been extraordinary. The anticipation for this convention is extremely high, and we are confident that no one will be disappointed. I direct everyone to our aes.org website for an advance look at the many illuminating events available next week.” A complete schedule of AES 117th Convention events may be found at: www.aes.org.

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>> Unwritten Law Wraps, 8mm Unfolds

Sean Beavan recently finished recording Unwritten Law's much-anticipated sophomore album for Lava. As he commences mixing, his own band, 8mm, continues to attract critical acclaim and support from many quarters. With the ink still fresh on their deal with IODA Digital Distribution, the tracks of 8mm's debut EP, "Opener," will made their iTunes debut on October 19th. Along with the EP, there will be a digital exclusive of Ben Rosen's haunting remix of "Give It Up." As word organically spreads, the EP's title track, "Opener," has been enjoying airplay from KCRW, Indie 103.1, KXLU, WEXP and BBC Radio 1, amongst others. Meanwhile, 8mm were in-studio guests on Westwood One this week, which is being syndicated internationally. In the licensing world, the Fox cult hit, "Wonderfalls" picked up "Save Yourself" for a prominent spot in the forthcoming DVD release and the band are in discussions with several other interesting projects. It may be all about the music, but the images of 8mm (and iconic gorgeousness of frontwoman, Juliette Beavan) have been inspiring cutting-edge visual artists throughout Los Angeles. Feedback on their stunning website by fine artist Ian Williams has been tremendous (www.8mmaudio.com) and up-and-coming street artist, Evan York, is using their images in a high-end line of shirts. The group will begin performing in and around Los Angeles in coming months. For more information contact Shannon O'Shea SOS Management Inc. Tel. 323.654.2828

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>> American Music Club Self-Records New Album For First Time

After a 10-year interval, American Music Club has recently completed work on a new album, Love Songs For Patriots, which will be released today on Merge Records. Unlike their previous recordings, this time the band tracked the new songs themselves in San Francisco at Closer Recording Studios and mixed the record at The Echo Lab in Denton, TX with Matt Pence (Centro-matic, South San Gabriel). By putting their many years of recording and touring experience to work, the results are garnering some of their best reviews ever. Tim Mooney (drums and co-producer/engineer) says, “It felt great to be back in a studio with these guys. From the first song, we knew the chemistry was fully intact. If it hadn’t been, we would have stopped. And after ten years, here we were finally able to make a record on our own terms, particularly since we weren’t signed to a label during the recording of it.” Mark Eitzel (vocals, guitar, and co-producer) adds that things turned out “much better than I could have ever expected. It’s very inspiring to be working with these great musicians once again.” It all came together in the summer of 2003, after an increasing amount of conversations amongst the band mates, Tim phoned up Mark to see if the time might be right to think about playing and recording together again. Eitzel had been working on a batch of songs and the band decided that these would be the seeds for what would become a new record. Things went so well that the band even decided to hit the road again between recording sessions. AMC played a string of sold-out tour dates across Europe and the U.S. in February and March of 2004, including the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Hall in London and the SXSW Music Festival in Austin, TX. The brand new album, Love Songs For Patriots, finds American Music Club exploring shimmering sonic textures and harder sounds coupled with Eitzel's distinctive voice and signature stinging lyrics about love, life, and politics. The band had the luxury to experiment by using Tim’s Closer Recording, an analog and digital recording studio located in the SOMA district of San Francisco, and containing a live room, an isolation room, and a vocal booth, as well as a wide array of compressors, preamps, effects, and microphones. For more information Jefferson Macklin Undertow Music (617) 470-8663 jeff@undertowmusic.com.

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Multi-talented recording artist and actor Mos Def mastered his new album The New Danger at Bernie Grundman Mastering. Including the first single, "Sex, Love, and Money," the album is his first since 1999's celebrated Black on Both Sides. On the Geffen label, the new album was released on October 19. Pictured in session are (L-R) Mos Def and mastering engineer Bernie Grundman. For bookings, contact Bernie Grundman Mastering at (323) 465-6264

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>> The Village Hosts Seal, Destiny’s Child, Nick Cave, Mary J. Blige, Huckabees and More

Seal and longtime producer Trevor Horn (Art of Noise, Pet Shop Boys, Belle & Sebastian), with engineer Tim Weidner and assistant engineer Andy Brohard, gave workouts to both Studio D’s Neve 88R and Studio B’s Neve VR, recording a new track for a greatest hits release. On the film tip: Prolific musician/composer Jon Brion, with the help of engineer Tom Biller and assistant Don Monti, took advantage of all of The Village’s 30,000 square feet, using the game room, the upstairs theatre, and Studios A and D to score existential comedy I Heart Huckabees, starring Mark Wahlberg, Jude Law, Dustin Hoffman and Lily Tomlin. In-residence production team Flyte Tyme’s Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis triple-teamed sessions with Mary J. Blige for the soundtrack for Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, along with work on the soundtrack for Shark Tale, while also jamming in Studio F with Earth Wind and Fire (with engineer Ian Cross and assistant Ghian Wright behind the board). Ultimate Cool: Continuing the multi-room trend, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds mixed in Studio A and recorded in Studio F for a new release with producer/engineer Nick Launay; engineer Jason Wormer assisted. Destiny’s Child recorded in Studio B with engineer Greg Morgenstein and assistant engineer Jeff Robinette. Legendary beat poet/chanteuse Patti Smith taped a broadcast for KCRW radio's Morning Becomes Eclectic with producer Ariana Morgenstern, engineer Jason Wormer and assistant engineer Jared Nugent. Bat Outa Hell: And the charming madman himself, Ozzy Osbourne recorded for a new CD in Studio D with producer Mark Hudson, engineer Kevin Churko and assistant engineer Ghian Wright. For more information contact Jeff Greenberg; The Village at 310-478-8227 or VillageRec@aol.com

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Berkleemusic.com, the online extension school of Berklee College of Music, hosted a festive press brunch at LA's famed Record Plant Recording Studios to announce courses for college credit with 17 distinctive certificate programs in studio production, music theory, songwriting, arranging, electronic music production, and music business. The new online curriculum was launched September 20 for the Fall Semester, 2004. Dave Kusek, VP of Berklee College, spoke to the large group, which included Berklee executives, graduates, online instructors, pro audio manufacturers, and members of the press. "I am very happy to report to you today that in just 6 weeks of being available, we have sold over $1 million dollars worth of certificate programs and enrolled nearly 600 new students into the online school," Kusek announced. Certificate programs in Music Production include courses in Mixing, Mastering, Producing with Pro Tools, MIDI Sequencing, Sound Design, and Desktop Music Production. To learn more about these interactive online courses, visit: this link.

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>> Chalice Recording Studios From Latin America To Paris And Bacharach

Chalice Recording Studios, The newest world class multi room recording facility located in the heart of the Hollywood entertainment district saw an end of Summer flurry of activity. Latin Grammy album of the year and record of the year winner Alejandro Sanz was busy mixing in studio B with Lulo Perez producing and Rafa Sardina engineering. Studio A, another legendary Latin Grammy winner Luis Miguel was mixing his soon to be released album with Luis himself producing with engineers Dave Reitzes, Benny Facone and Rafa Sardina. Paris Hilton took time out from her busy partying and Guess girl schedule to cut vocals in studio B for her upcoming solo release with Doug Mckean engineering and Robb Cavallo producing. Studio C, Has become the permanent home for the pop super star arranger, keyboardist, producer, and song writer Walter Afanasieff who currently is producing a Christmas album for Kenny G with guest appearances by Burt Bacharach, Clay Aitken, Gladys Knight,Eric Bonnet and others. For Chalice Recording Studios booking please contact Jonathan Little Tel: (323) 957-7100 www.chalicerecording.com

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Any studio owner can tell you that putting together a commercial studio entails a tremendous amount of work. Eric Kretz, drummer for Stone Temple Pilots, was hesitant about undergoing the extensive construction on his private facility, Bomb Shelter Studios. Dave Malekpour, president of Professional Audio Design (PAD) and a long time friend of Kretz, visited the facility and advised him how to create a professional studio for tracking and mixing. The newly refurbished Bomb Shelter Studios allows Kretz the space to record larger bands. The 16-foot ceilings and brick walls of the tracking room are large enough to fit a 44-piece orchestra and boast an amazing drum room with 60 feet of mic distance. The studio also features three separate ISO booths. The control room is complete with the full blown Pro Tools HD2 and SSL 4048 G+ as well as some classic outboard gear from NEVE, Pultec, dbx, and modern staples such as Empirical Labs and Tube Tech just to name a few. PAD also added a number of amenities to the facility such as a full kitchen, full bathroom, parking, a basketball half court, satellite TV/DVD/VCR, a large loading dock and a pool table.

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>> Sanctuary Producer Management UK Client News

We recently caught up with Sanctuary Producer Management's Alan Cowderoy for the latest client activity. Dave Bascombe has recently mixed an album for Gisli (EMI) which is due out imminently. He is currently mixing an album or singles for The Engineers (Echo), Jesse Malin (One Little Indian), Bo Selecta (RCA) and is also co-producing and mixing an album for Kubb (Mercury). Chris Sheldon produced the third Biffy Clyro album (Beggars Banquet) due out this monthand just produced a new ep for Oceansize (Beggars Banquet) and the current single for Boxer Rebellion (Poptones). Ian Stanley has completed production work on the debut album for Hal (Rough Trade) which he is now mixing with Bill Price. Cenzo Townshend will finish recording songs for the New Order (London) album with Stephen Street during October and November. He is now recording a single for The Kaiser Chiefs (B-Unique) and has recently re-mixed the current Beastie Boys single, Triple Trouble, (Parlophone) with Graham Coxon. Sam Williams has been producing and writing with a new artist, Ben, signed to 679 Records, and is now mixing an album for Si Connelly (Chrysalis) and finishing an album for People In Planes at Monnow Valley. Steve and Pete Lewinson are currently writing songs with Beulah (Universal) and Martina Topley Bird (Independiente) and recording with Simply Red (Silent Way). They have recently written with Matthew Marsden and Will Young and written and produced a song for Christina Christian (19). Markus Dravs has just delivered the second album for Budapest and Sizer Barker (Real World) and is now working on a new album for Brian Eno. Markus has recently mixed an album for Orly Chap (Universal) in Paris and is currently producing and mixing Pina (Real World). Hugh Jones has recently produced songs for Drew (Virgin) and My Red Cell (V2), and mixed an album for Marc Carroll. He is currently producing Cherryfalls (Island) and Belasco (Mercury). Hugh will start work on a Drew album later this month. Louis Read is a new addition to the roster, he is a talented pro tools operator, engineer and mixer. Currently working on People in Planes and Si Connelly (Chrysalis) with Sam Williams and Pink Grease (Mute) with Steve Leroni. Ali Staton is the latest addition to our company. An excellent mixer, producer and engineer, Ali is currently mixing a single for Tina Arena (Sony). Ali has recently produced and mixed a super album for Headgear (Marthadigs) and mixed songs on the number one album for Razorlight (Mercury). Mike Crossey has just produced the debut single for the Black Velvets (Mercury) and has also produced an upcoming album for The Basement (Deltasonic). The current Dead 60's single (Deltasonic) was recorded and mixed by Mike. Mike is now producing the Black Velvets album during October. Nathan Larson is writing and recording a soundtrack for the new John Travolta / Scarlett Johannsen film and is writing and producing songs for Leona Naess. For more information contact Alan Cowderoy at Sanctuary Producer Managment UK +(44) 208 932 3200 or alan.cowderoy@sanctuarygroup.com

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>> Gwen Goes Solo, Queen Latifah Plays Fair at Record Plant

Gwen Stefani has been working at the Record Plant, tracking beats with The Neptunes producing, for her upcoming solo project. Engineers on the project are Jun Ishizeki and Andrew Coleman, with Mike Eleopoulos assisting. Tracking and editing for an upcoming Queen Latifah album also went down at the Record Plant, with producer Ron Fair and engineer Tal Herzberg, assisted by JD Andrew. Fair also produced Pussycat Dolls with Herberg engineering Andrew assisting, tracking vocals and editing for the Shall We Dance soundtrack, as well as Black Eyed Peas, which he co-produced with band member Will.I.Am producing, and Herzberg and Jason Villaroman engineering. And, George Drakoulias and The RZA underscored and tracked beats and vocals, and mixed four new songs for the soundtrack of Blade: Trinity, with w/ Choco engineering, and Anthony Kilhoffer assisting. For more information contact The Record Plant at (323) 993-9300 www.recordplant.com

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>> Billy Corgan Makes Solo Record At CRC

Billy Corgan just finished up more than three months of work in Studio 5 at the Chicago Recording Company (CRC), recording and mixing his first album as a solo artist. On hand for the sessions were co-producer Bon Harris, engineers Bjorn Thorsrud, Brian Leisegang, and Matt Walker, and Corgan mainstay Alan Moulder was in to mix. CRC staffers on the session were engineers Ron Lowe, Todd Brody and Davey Rieley. Also at CRC, Chris Shepard mixed an Elvis Costello concert in 5.1 surround sound for eventual DVD release. Kanye West was in Studio 4 shooting a commercial for Boost Mobile featuring Kanye and Ludacris. Jeff Lane tracked vocals with Def Jam artist Syleena Johnson, assisted by Derek Downing. Chris Sabold recorded and mixed an album for The Outcast Big Band in Studio 5, with assistance by Mike Pierce. And, Mathieu Lejeune recently started work with local singer/songwriter Nikki Capra. For more information contact Mathieu Lejune at Chicago Recording Company (312) 822-9333 www.chicagorecording.com

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>> Bits & Pieces...

David Bianco mixed Zack De La Rocha's "We Want It All" which appears on the forthcoming compilation album: Songs And Artists That Inspired Fahrenheit 9/11. He also mixed the forthcoming album by Axis Of Justice which features members of System Of A Down, Audioslave, Tool, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jurassic 5 and Pete Yorn. For more information contact Frank McDonough at McDonough Management on 805 446 3370 or fmcd@earthlink.net

ATL rock producer Butch Walker, brought some sessions into Stonehenge at Z.A.C. this month. Mixing two singles for Japanese film, TV and recording star, Yuji Oda, with hometown engineer/mixer Russ T. Cobb, assisted by Mauricio Serna. Walker also spent a couple days tracking Island/Def Jam rock outfit, Injected, Russ T. engineered, assisted by Dred. For more information contact Jim Zumpano at 404 603 8040

Solid State Logic has relocated its Los Angeles office. The new facility, located at 5757 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 401 in Los Angeles, provides a central location for its Western region sales and service.

Mick Glossop is currently mixing a large selection of previously un-released tracks for Van Morrison, some dating back to the 4- and 8-track days of the late 60's and early 70's - a great period in his career. He is also involved in producing Studmenn from Iceland in a selection of studios in Reykjavik. The album is also the soundtrack to a movie they are making in various locations in Iceland. For more info contact Mick Glossop at +(44) 870 706 5795 or mickg@bigfoot.com

Steve Kravac is wrapping up production and mixes of three Minor Threat covers from Epitaph's punk act Pulley. The tracks are to be used for Split EP with The Slackers and will be released on Do Tell Records on Oct 26. Beds were cut at Ton Recording in Echo Park, and dubs and mix are being completed at Gourmet Sound in Encino CA. Gourmet is Steve's new home base and is co-owned by Steve and Greg Hetson, guitarist of the punk bands Circle Jerks and Bad Religion. For additional information contact Steven Kravac at porterinfo@earthlink.net

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