RPM Direct Newsletter November 27, 2001- Record Producer and Engineer & Recording Studio News

November 27, 2001

Hello everyone. We hope this finds you all doing well. Are you going to AES this weekend? If so, we'd love to hear your feedback on the show this year - sends us your thoughts, comments, complaints. As the end of the year approaches, we're excited about what 2002 holds for RPM Direct. We'll be announcing some cool changes so be sure to keep your eyes open for the news. Also, we're happy to mention that the 1st in the series of RPM Direct unsigned music CDs is coming together quite well. There are only a few days left to submit music so if you've got something for us to check out, get it in the mail today. Those who have ignored our call for music submissions will be sorry in Feb. when you see what you missed. But we'll give you another chance in a few months when we begin putting Vol. 2 together. If you feel like you're missing out on receiving our newsletter, you can always visit the archive to catch up on missed reading. If you have interesting or newsworthy items we should consider for this newsletter, email us at News@rpmdirect.com. All music and other media materials should be mailed to the RPM Direct headquarters here in Manhattan Beach, CA. Be well.

News Headlines

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Totally Brilliant Announces Link With Studio Referral Service Totally Brilliant has expanded its range of recording consultancy services in London by announcing a transatlantic link-up with the long-established Los Angeles recording studio booking agency, Studio Referral Service. Although better known for its trailblazing MediaManager browser-based A&R project distribution and delivery system, Totally Brilliant has long been involved in production services such as property searches for location recording in Castles and Chateaux thoughout Europe, production coordination, and a bespoke technical consultancy for clients ranging from Radiohead to Oasis. Therefore, an association with Ellis Sorkin's SRS studio booking agency is a logical next step. Sorkin was introduced to Totally Brilliant, who were formerly known as H2O, by Chris Stone of the World Studio Group and both parties soon realised how well their respective operations dovetailed. "I was a bit sceptical about whether the American concept of a recording studio referral service would work in Europe, but we did a couple of 'trial' bookings with Pearl Jam and then with Limp Bizkit, and not only did both sessions run without a hitch, but the studios who hosted the sessions were a breeze to deal with", enthuses Totally Brilliant director, Robin Crookshank Hilton. Sorkin agrees, "My regular record company and artist management clients are delighted to be able to access European studios through one phone call to our LA office, without the headache of having to deal with unfamiliar studios, international phone calls, and time zone delays." For more information contact: Robin Crookshank Hilton at Totally Brilliant Media Ltd, Phone:+(44) 20 7326 9494. For more information on SRS in the US, contact Ellis Sorkin (818) 508-8828

3rd Annual Surround Conference & Technology Showcase "Surround 2001" is the third on a series of highly successful Annual International Surround Conference and Technology Showcases. It offers a unique experience to hear for yourself the views of hands-on industry professionals, and learn how to make the best use of this exciting new multi-channel media, including DVD-Video, Music Videos and DVD-Audio. The explosion in home entertainment, auto playback and games to name but three areas where surround sound in dominating the future means more creative opportunities than ever before. "Surround 2001" is the meeting place for the words of Production and Presentation decision makers and individuals working in the production and post-production marketplace, developing new technologies and techniques to harness the full potential of surround sound in a growing number of sectors. Their panels of creative thinkers, technology experts and industry visionaries from the entertainment industry provide unique and invaluable insight into every aspect of Sound Comes of Age. December 7-8, 2001 The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, Click here for Conference Program information or Click here to register. For information about the conference contact: Margaret McFadden mmcfadden@uemedia.com ^BACK UP^

Remote Recording Services Records Historic VH1 Benefit
On October 20, 2001, an historic event took place. VH1's Benefit Concert for New York City was held at Madison Square Garden. Remote Recording Services was on hand for the event. The live broadcast lasted nearly six hours, and was recorded for CD and DVD. Proceeds from the event went to the Robin Hood Foundation. The evening's line up was of epic proportion. Opening the show was David Bowie, followed by acts such as The Who, Paul Mc Cartney, Elton John, Bon Jovi, and Mick Jagger to name but a few. Mixing on Remote Recording Services Silver Studio was none other than Bob Clearmountain. Clearmountain commented, "When Columbia Records asked Chuck Plotkin and I to work on the 'Concert for New York' project, they asked us to choose the mobile recording facility we preferred. As we knew this was to be an incredibly complicated project, we needed a truck that both sounded great and was well equipped, along with a crew that had the most experience with large, multi-artist shows. So we chose Remote Recording Services 'Silver Studio'. No one has more experience than David Hewitt and his crew, Phil Gitomer and Sean McClintock. Both the live broadcast and the multitrack recording went incredibly smoothly, as have other past projects we've all been involved in, such as 'Live Aid', and 'Woodstock '94'." Producing the project were Chuck Plotkin, and Don DeVito. DeVito said, "Working with Remote Recording Services is always great, and under the circumstances (time, logistics, etc.) it was better than ever!" "This was a once in a lifetime opportunity to work on such a worthwhile project, with such an amazing line up", said Karen Brinton, sales and marketing manager for Remote Recording Services. She continued, "We were honored and delighted to donate our services to such a worthy cause. Both the CD set and DVD are scheduled to be released on November 27, 2001. For more information on Remote Recording Services, contact Karen Brinton at 215-794-5005, or visit their new and improved website at www.remote-recording.com. ^BACK UP^

Time's Up For Submitting Music For RPM's Compilation CD There are just a few more days left to submit music for the RPM Direct unsigned music CD. Still not convinced you should send us material? Here are a few things to consider: The biweekly RPM Direct Newsletter reaches 11,000+ music industry pros from London to NY to Toronto to LA to Sydney RPMDirect.com, our Intl. producer directory, is populated by over 2,100 hit making recording pros working in the industry today. The site is accessed daily by top A&R execs at nearly every major record company in the business as well as others in music publishing, film & tv music and more. The CD package will be designed by award winner designer Larimie Garcia (Sheryl Crow, Janet Jackson, Erasure, Monster Magnet) and will be replicated by Crest National. Please click here for complete submission details. Let us know if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you. ^BACK UP^

Checking In With Jane Holloway of Strongroom Mgmt. Ltd. Strongroom producers have had a very busy couple of months working on lots of exciting projects. This includes mixing several 5.1 surround projects for release on DVD and SACD (super audio CD), an area in particular which SRM engineers have been perfecting over the last couple of years. DAVE PEMBERTON has recently mixed the latest album for GROOVE ARMADA , 'Hello Nightclub, (Goodbye Country') for release on SACD. He also mixed the latest album for KINOBE, 'versebridgechorus?' (Jive / Pepper Records) and again this will also be released on the SACD format as well as the standard stereo version. He has just completed mixing the live DVD for ASH (Infectious Records). MIKE NIELSEN is currently mixing the next UNDERWORLD album due for release next year. Along with Dave Pemberton he is one of the UK's leading 5.1 mix engineers, having mixed UNDERWORLD'S acclaimed DVD 'Everything Everything' (V2 Records) which captures in full the spirit and excitement of their 1999 world tour. This has recently won Awards in Japan and America, including the DVDA Excellence Award for Audio quality, presentation and special features. Other live DVD's that Mike has mixed in 5.1 include TEXAS and A-HA. He is about to take some time out to visit WOMEX in Rotterdam - world music is an area which he has a particular interest and he has worked on several projects since first going to Womex in 2000. AIDAN LOVE has just completed a remix for Aussie band GERLING (Infectious Records) and is currently programming the forthcoming album for HOLLY JAZZ LOWE (Mercury Records) with producer Dave Bascombe. A keen writer, Aidan co-wrote several songs on the current JEFF BECK album 'You Had It Coming', one of which is due to feature in the forthcoming Gwyneth Paltrow film 'Shallow Hal'. LUKE GIFFORD is currently mixing for SUPERSISTER (Gut Records) with producer Steve Lironi. He will then be mixing songs for ST ETIENNE (Mantra Recordings) For further information please contact Jane Holloway at +(44) 207 426 5131 ^BACK UP^

The Village Recorder Installs New AMS Neve 88R in Studio D When Jeff Greenberg, CEO of The Village recording studios, heard the new Neve 88R analog console, he was not the only one who had to have it. A top rock act in mid-production lock-out at the well-known West L.A. recording venue had to have it too. The result was what Greenberg called “an outstanding effort” to install the new console in record time. “The band halted recording at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday in October,” said Greenberg. “By the end of the next weekend,
the studio was up and ready with the Neve 88R. That’s seven days! Neve
deserves a lot of credit for pulling together an amazing team to make the
installation happen.” Veteran producer Roy Thomas Baker – working in Studio D with that top rock band that must go unnamed -- said, “As the first producer to use the new Neve 88R at The Village, it gave me the sound and integrity associated with vintage 1066 and 1081s, while providing the convenience, ergonomics, and reliability of a modern desk.” Greenberg had his sights set on the new console -- Neve’s first new large-format analog console in 20 years – since he and The Village crew conducted a listening test on one of the modules for the desk nearly a year ago. “We were all blown away,” said Greenberg. “The sound of the 88R is unbelievable. It’s the best-sounding desk we have ever heard. It’s a beautifully engineered, exquisitely manufactured piece of gear.” Installed in The Village’s Studio D, which handles a lot of major feature film work, most recently the summer blockbuster, Moulin Rouge, Greenberg expects the Neve 88R to also be a boon to The Village’s music clients. “Some of our music clients prefer the sound of the vintage Neve 8048 in Studio A, but they’d also like to work in the larger Studio D,” explained Greenberg. “Now they can have both room size and superior sound.” Celebrating more than 30 years as a state-of-the-art recording and scoring facility in West Los Angeles, The Village is a four-room, 26,000-square-foot former Masonic Temple now serving the record, film, and television industries. For more information, refer to the studio’s Web site at www.villagestudios.com.
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Engineer/Mixer Matthew Knobel Seeks Representation
Emmy-award winning recording/mixing engineer and protools specialist Matthew Knobel is seeking representation. Matt’s credits include the Lenny Kravitz albums “Lenny,” “Greatest Hits,” and “5”, and tracks with Mick Jagger, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Lopez, Michael Jackson, Elton John, and Busta Rhymes. He is currently seeking representation to further his career as a recording / mixing / remixing engineer and protools wiz, and to expand into the role of rock / modern rock producer. Matt has a great reputation for being incredibly personable, talented, and knowledgeable. For work and/or representation inquiries, please contact Dana Braverman at 917.776.6781. ^BACK UP^

Subscribe For Access To RPM Direct's Producer Database Tired of constantly searching for producer discographies or trying to locate their contact info? Do you need access to this information on a daily basis? Yes? Well it's time you took a good look at the RPM Direct database. If you don't already have your own password, send email to Info@rpmdirect.com to request one. We have compiled updated discography and contact info. for nearly 2,200 top US and UK producers, engineers, mixers and more. This database was built by creative people for creative people who need a reliable source for crucial information. We offer friendly dept. deals as well as indie subscription rates. Get in touch with Jerimaya Grabher to learn more.
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111th AES Event - Platinum Producers: The Challenges Ahead
Sunday, December 2, 12:30 - 2:00 pm PLATINUM PRODUCERS: THE CHALLENGES AHEAD PLATINUM RECORD ARTISTS AND PRODUCERS SERIES Moderator: Howard Massey, Consultant Panelists: Chuck Ainlay, Mike Clink, George Massenburg, Russ Titelman, Tony Visconti. Continuing the tradition of the successful Platinum Series, this event features some of the world's top record producers who will provide a lively, thought-provoking discussion about the technical and aesthetic challenges that face today's hit makers. Topics include high-resolution digital audio, 5.1 surround sound, the impact of emerging standards and new media (i.e., DVD-Audio and SACD), and the future of record labels in the face of the Internet and other alternative distribution channels. ^BACK UP^

Chili Peppers Choose Cello's New SSL SL 9000 J For 5.1 DVD
Needing to make the Red Hot Chili Peppers' latest 5.1 DVD project sizzle, Cello Studios, relied on its newly installed Solid State Logic SL 9000 J Series SuperAnalogue Console. Offering a series of multiformat upgrades to support any surround application, Cello's SL 9000 helped bring together the complex mix situation for this Red Hot Chili Peppers session. "This was a compilation of material from six or seven live shows that needed to be blended into one cohesive sounding package," says Ed Thacker, mix engineer for the project. "Complicating matters, the video was shot with many hand-held cameras with no real-time code for sync, so we had to visually move audio to picture. The SL 9000 really helped bring the entire project together because we were able to sonically match up the tracks from each concert, creating a final product that felt like it was from one performance. The SL 9000 brought this project to life." The original tracks for the release were recorded onto DA-88 and then transferred to a Pro Tools system with the video option for picture reference. The J Series automation and extensive surround capabilities smoothly supported the various video transitions, while helping to create a believable 5.1 mix. One of the key requirements for Cello Studios was a room that could address the needs of a wide client base. The console had to appeal not only to Cello's traditional market, but also to the needs of the video/DVD industry to capture sessions such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers project, while maintaining the sound quality consistent with a facility of Cello's stature. The SL 9000 J Series fulfilled all these requirements. "I have never had a better experience in purchasing, assisting in the development of and installing a console than this experience with SSL and the SL 9000," says Cello Studios Chief Engineer Gary Myerberg. "I believe that the J Series is the greatest desk ever built for rock and roll work and the surround sound implementation on this desk is second to none. It allows us to address the needs of a complex session like the Chili Peppers, while still providing a knock out platform for straight stereo rock mixes. We couldn't be happier with the sound and flexibility of the console, as it allows us to move into the future with a great deal of confidence." For more information on Cello Studios, please contact Candace Stewart at 323-871-5955. Also check out the SSL site at www.solid-state-logic.com ^BACK UP^

Producer Gerard Smerek Opens Private Production Studio Gerard Smerek's Award winning sound as a studio engineer / mixer / producer now includes a private production & mix studio. Not only does the studio include a full blown Pro-tools system with Apogee converters, large collection of vintage pre-amps, EQ's and compressors, but it also includes a classic mic collection that has been celebrated by some of the industries top vocalists. Gerard's expertise in the studio is legendary. His tremendous musicality and technical ability have allowed him to successfully produce, mix, & engineer a wide variety of artists. For Contact information & Discography references, check out Gerard's listing at RPMDirect.com.
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Mackie Taps Keith Olsen To Direct Market & Product Dev. Mackie Designs Inc. recently announced that Keith Olsen has been promoted to the position of Corporate Director, Global Recording Product and Market Development. This new position gives Mr. Olsen authority over a new international Market Development Team that focuses exclusively on the recording, post production and broadcast markets. Keith's team will have members located all over the world that will together develop and market products for all Mackie Designs Inc. brands including Mackie, Soundscape and Acuma. Keith joined Mackie in 1999 after 25 years as a producer and recording engineer. One of the top five producers of all time in numbers of albums sold at retail, Keith is responsible for more than 39 gold or better albums, 24 Platinum or better and 14 Multi-platinum or better. He has sold more than 100 million albums with revenues totaling more than 1 billion dollars. His credits include albums by Fleetwood Mac, Foreigner, Santana, Ozzy Osborne, Sammy Hagar and many more. His film credits include Flashdance, Footloose, Vision Quest, Tron and Top Gun. Since joining Mackie as Director of Recording Product Development, Keith has played an integral role in the development of Mackie's new family of hard disk recorders (HDR24/96, MDR24/96), as well as the implementation of industry standards such as synchronization and file formats. Keith was also involved in the third-party plug-in strategy for the Digital 8oBus. Mackie's newly formed Market Development Teams bring worldwide market management and product development resources from the Company's many brands together in order to better communicate, exchange ideas, share technology and bring innovative products to market more quickly. "This is a very strong group," commented Olsen. "The combination of marketing and engineering talent on one team that is dedicated to a single segment of the market will allow us to focus our efforts and address the specific needs of broadcast, post production and recording customers to a level we have never been able to achieve before." For more information please contact: Mackie Designs Inc. (425) 487-4333 or visit them at www.mackie.com. ^BACK UP^

Experienced Production Coordinator Seeks Opportunity In LA Janice Soled, an independent production coordinator, has just recently relocated from Nashville to Los Angeles. She just left the position of Manager of A&R Administration at RCA Records Label-Nashville and is now seeking a new opportunity to put her knowledge of the recording process, strong administrative and organizational skills to work. Janice has a particular interest in continuing to work with producers With my unique perspective of doing A&R Administration and independent Production Coordination over a period of about 12 years, I have a solid understanding of the administrative areas of recording and production. Click here to view her resume. ^BACK UP^

Feel Like You're Missing Out? Click To The Newsletter Archive Feel like you're missing out on what we do? Then visit the RPM Direct Newsletter Archive to catch up on reading you may have missed. If you'd like to browse our producer database but you aren't a subscriber, request a password for access. ^BACK TO TOP^

Missing Producers

Due to constantly changing management rosters, we have lost touch with the folks on the list below. If you know where they are or are able to reach them, please ask them to get in touch with RPM Direct. We are currently trying to make contact with:

Aaron Zigman
Alain Mallet
Andy Baker
Andy Metcalfe
Anjali Dutt
Ben Kape
Boilerhouse Boys
Bonzai Jim Caruso
Bruce Brody
Bruce Lampcov
Bug City
CC Groove
Chad Bamford
Charles Bouis
Charlie Calello
Chris Arvan
Da Lata
Darkman
Dave (Deptford) Pine
Dave Hillis
David Castell
David Hemming
Doug Olson
Eric "E.T." Thorngren
Eric E. Garten

Eric O'Brien Garten
Haig V. (Vartzbedian)
Jamie Cullum
Jamie Maher
Jason Coreare
Jeff Bova
Jessica Corcoran
Jim Goodwin
Jim Monroe
John Gosling
John Lee
John McEntire
John Siket
Ken Lomas
Ko-Jo
Laurence Jay Cedar
Lee Curle
Lee De Carlo
Lindsay Gravina
Loren Israel
Mak Togashi
Marc Waterman
Marco Pirroni

Mark Arnell
Mark Wilkin (Solo)
Martin Bisi
Micajah Ryan
Michael Andrews
Michael Koppelman
Michael Schlesinger
Mike Hoffman
Mike Stewart
Mykaell Riley
Nick Addison
Ollie Marland
Paul Schroeder
Paul Taylor
Peter Coleman
Peter Denenberg
Phil Chill
Phil Ek
Randy Pekich
Ray Martin
Reggie Lucas
Rich Wermerling
Rob Christiansen

Roger Greenawalt
Roli Mosimann
Ronnie Champagne
Sam Williams
Sandy Linzer
Scott Hackwith
Shad Scott
Simon Gogerly
Simon Vinestock
Skold
Steven Dubin
Studio 7
Tim Russell
Todd Burke
Tom Frederikse
Tom Grimley
Tom Scott
Tommy D Daugherty
Tony Visconti
Tosh
Vincent Jones

**Thanks to everyone who's helped put us in touch with "missing producers" -- it is greatly appreciated**
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If you have interesting and worthy items for this newsletter, media kits, music for us to hear, ideas for us to consider or other things we should know, please email us at News@rpmdirect.com Or drop it in the mail to:

RPM Direct, Inc. PO BOX 3328 Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 USA

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