RPM Direct Newsletter - March 29, 2002- Record Producer and Engineer & Recording Studio News

The RPM Direct Newsletter

March 29, 2002

Dear readers: RPM Direct is growing. We are building exciting and new things to offer you. Before you know it, we will have undergone some long awaited changes, all of which make your life and work in this industry a little easier, not to mention way more efficient. What's that phrase? "Knowledge Is Power?" RPM Direct is positioning itself to turn that power over to you full time, mobile, virtual. Just keep watching your inbox for the day when RPM 2.0 is announced with blaring bugles and fanfare. It won't be long now. But as you wait, do you wonder "Why don't I see one of those great RPM Newsletters in my inbox?" If you do , visit the archive to see what you may have missed. OR tell your ISP to stop blocking our transmissions. AOL is especially cruel to RPM Newsletter readers - many don't get it at all. Stand up! Demand your RPM! All demos, press releases, music for review and other media materials of interest should be mailed to Jerimaya Grabher at the RPM Direct headquarters in ever so sunny Manhattan Beach, CA. Be well...

Headlines

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Native Producer Management Expands, Opening NY Offices Well into Native Management NY's first year, Debbie Hanks is proving Pete Evans' idea to open a US office a sound business decision. Debbie, having worked at Polydor UK for nearly 10 years then moved to Atlantic in New York, was approached by Pete with the proposition to open a US office to handle the increasing enquiries from the States, follow up leads and generally promote the roster of UK clients. Having worked for UK and US record companies already, and having worked with most of the client roster at those companies and settled in New York, Debbie made an obvious choice. And as Native's producers, increasingly frequent the charts both in the UK and in the US everybody is being kept busy. Recent projects include: Steve Fitzmaurice, Grammy nominee for U2's "In A Little While", was in NY mixing Depeche Mode at Sony Music Studios for which he was nominated for a Grammy; mixing the EP for Interscope act Woven and is just about to return to L.A. to mix their album. His Craig David mixes have charted both sides of the Atlantic and he's just completing mixes for Venus Hum. Marius De Vries, BAFTA winner for Moulin Rouge worked on Perry Farrell and Bjork, in the States and is about to start on tracks for Epic artist Naomi Striemer as is Cameron McVey multi million selling producer Matt Rowe (Spice Girls). Pete Davis, programmer on the recent New Order album, was in Minneapolis last month writing with Dan Wilson of Semisonic and working with Atlantic artist Maresa. Steve Sidelnyk having taken a short break after drumming for the Madonna tour is now working on Mirwais and with new Atlantic artist Gavin Thorpe and Elektra artist Aimee Allen. Absolute have been approached by Arista for songs for Whitney Houston and Dream. Stannard & Gallagher, Grammy nominees for U2 have been working with Epic act OV7 and in the album charts with Kylie Minogue. Howie B has been occupied remixing Garbage, releasing his own record and about to start on a remix for Yoko Ono. Ash Howes is still enjoying success with his Dido mixes and just had UK No. 1's with Hear Say and FIVE. Franglen & Lupino have been working on Celine Dion and Leanne Rimes tracks while David Kosten having just produced Skin's first solo album is about to release his second Faultline album whose guest vocalists include Michael Stipe recorded at Chung King Studios NY, Chris Martin from Coldplay and Wayne Coyne from Flaming Lips with a US release currently being negotiated. The NY office is also involved with TLS Management who represents Mark "Spike" Stent (Madonna, Oasis, Massive Attack, No Doubt) and Sound Designer/Programmer, Jake Davies. Make sure you update your rolodex: Debbie Hanks, Native Management NY, 611 Broadway, Ste 430, New York, NY 10012. (212) 358 8830. DebbieNativeNY@aol.com ^BACK UP^

The Pocket Rocket Road Tour Heads to The Mountain States Fits & Starts Productions, LLC Expands 5.1 Surround Sound Seminars as Pocket Rocket Road Tour Heads to the Mountain States. New Sites and Dates Featuring Surround Authority Mike Sokol Announced. Tour Co-Sponsored by DTS, Emagic, Metric Halo, Radikal Technologies. Seminar's will be held at the following sites: Montana State University, Bozeman, MT. Contact: David Koester. DATE: Monday, April 22, 2002, TIME: 7 PM, RSVP: 406-994-6977 // SITE: Casper College, Fine Arts building, Casper, WY 82601. Contact: Paul Searcey. DATE: Tuesday, April 23, 2002, TIME: 7 PM, RSVP: 307-268-3006 // SITE: University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO. Contact: John McLaird. DATE: Wednesday, April 24, 2002, TIME: 7 PM, RSVP: 970-351-2919 // SITE: University of Colorado at Denver College of Arts and Media, Denver, CO. Contact: Dr.Roy Pritts. DATE: Thursday, April 25, 2002, TIME: 7 PM, RSVP: 303-556-2795 // SITE: University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT. Contact: Robert Walz. DATE: Monday, April 29, 2002 TIME: TBA, RSVP: 801-581-6765 // SITE: Utah State University, Music Dept, Logan, UT. Contact: Dennis Griffin. DATE: Wednesday, April 30 6, 2002, TIME: 7 PM, RSVP: 435-797-3008. Seminar admittance is free to all qualified attendees (i.e., audio professionals, manufacturers' representatives, recording, music and communications students and faculty of individual sites). Attendees MUST RSVP as seating is limited at all sites. For more information, contact Hector La Torre at Fits & Starts Productions, LLC, 732-741-1275 or visit them online at www.ModernRecording.com ^BACK UP^

Larrabee Studios West Buys First SSL XL 9000 K Console
Larrabee Studios, Los Angeles's largest recording facility with seven studios in three locations, recently purchased the first Solid State Logic XL 9000 K Series SuperAnalogue Console. Slated for an April 2002 opening, the XL will be the centerpiece of the newly refurbished Studio A at Larrabee West in West Hollywood. The console will see duty for both mixing and tracking the industry's leading recording acts. "We are completely redoing Studio A specifically for the XL," explains Mills, owner of Larrabee Studios. "We are leaving the monitoring system as stereo for now, as we offer a complete surround mixing studio in our Larrabee North location. However, the XL has a full implementation of surround mix options, so, depending on the demand of our clients, we are prepared to move in that direction. We also re-worked the live room to address the tracking needs for the types of music we do. We believe the combination will be very popular." Larrabee's 72-channel XL console will handle a variety of musical styles running the gamut from rock to pop to R&B and rap. In addition to the control room, the new live room has been upgraded to accommodate larger and more complex sessions. Commenting on the console purchase decision, Mills explains, "I have to say, no one is ever taking a chance when buying a next generation SSL. They are, in my opinion, the undisputed leader in analogue recording and mixing technology, which is why purchasing the XL was a natural choice." Larrabee Studios currently has three SL 9080 J Series consoles booked solid at Larrabee North. According to Mills, the J Series clients are the most interested in trying the XL. This led to the strategic decision to install the new console in Larrabee West. "Our clients are extremely happy with the J Series rooms, but look forward to working on the XL as well. As we are a large facility, we have the opportunity to maintain our current J Series studios, and at the same time feature the XL console." Mills and the staff at Larrabee are very happy with the entire approach SSL took with the XL. "We really liked the specs," says Mills. "The XL has a much faster computer, improved bussing and greater bandwidth. Add to this SSL's great service, support and technology track record, and we believe our clients will make a seamless change to the XL. In today's analogue world there is the J Series and there is everyone else. We believe that the new XL will easily become heir apparent to its predecessor, the J Series." Phil Wagner, SSL senior vice president comments, "We have a relationship with Larrabee that has spanned more than two decades. It is fitting with tradition that Larrabee is the first studio to purchase the new XL console." For more information please contact Holly Bavier at (310) 657.6750 or visit www.larrabeestudios.com ^BACK UP^

United Entertainment Media Announces Executive Changes United Entertainment Media (UEM), announced that effective April 1, Executive Director Paul Gallo will be succeeded by Tony Keefe, currently Executive Director of the Building and Interiors portfolio at CMPi. United Entertainment Media's publications in the US include Guitar Player, Pro Sound News, EQ, Videography, Systems Contractor News and Medialine. In Europe, the business is best known for Music Week. UEM also has a suite of conferences and events for the music and entertainment professional, including Government Video Expo, DVD Entertainment, Surround 2002 and Entertainment Asset Management in the Digital Age. Tony Keefe is a 20-year veteran of the media industry. Starting his career in advertising sales with VNU in 1981, Tony has also held senior management positions with Ziff Davis, where he was Advertising Director for the launch of PC Magazine; and EMAP, where he was Director of EMAP Computing, responsible for the magazine and exhibitions portfolio. Speaking about his appointment Tony Keefe said: "I am truly delighted to be heading up United Entertainment Media, a dynamic business in an exciting industry. Paul has been a major figure in the US music and entertainment technology industry and I thank him for handing over the reins of a vibrant business portfolio. I look forward to meeting with my new colleagues across the group in the coming weeks." Paul Gallo began his career more than 30 years ago with the Recording Institute of America. In 1978, he co-founded and was the first publisher of Pro Sound News. In 1986, Pro Sound News was acquired by United News & Media (now United Business Media, plc). With Pro Sound News as it cornerstone publication, Gallo grew the newly formed PSN Publications, Inc. by overseeing both the acquisition of such titles as Videography and Television Broadcast and the launch of new magazines including EQ, Systems Contractor News and Replication News (now Medialine). In 2000, Gallo assumed management responsibilities for the West Coast-based Music Player Group (publishers of Guitar Player and Keyboard) and the company purchased the Music Yellow Pages before it was rebranded United Entertainment Media in 2001. He continued to guide the U.S. operations as President and CEO until he was promoted last year to Executive Director and handed global responsibilities for the Entertainment Media Group, a division of CMP Information. Gallo's increased responsibilities included directing the London-based Music Group headed by Music Week and the Entertainment Technology group, publishers of TVB Europe, Pro Sound News Europe and One-to-One. "Paul Gallo has played a unique role in the development of the entertainment technology industry over the past quarter century, " says Martin Porter, Senior Vice President and Publishing Director of UEM. "His passion for this business and his participation in its business activities has not only gained him the respect of the industry's leading executives but has contributed to the overall growth of our industry. Though I will miss working with him every day, Paul will always be my mentor and friend." Good luck out there Paul...^BACK UP^

RPM Direct Presents: Unsigned Volume 1 In The Mail Now After a few unexepected delays (like one of the acts getting signed, reprinting packaging and recutting masters), the RPM Direct unsigned music CD is finally here. If you're "on the list" you should see one of these beautifully designed CDs show up in your mailbox this time next week. If not, we'll be happy to send you one so long as you cover the cost of mailing it to you. It's only fair - we're tipping you off to some great unsigned talent and the producers, engineers and mixers behind the boards. The least you can do is drop a couple beans to get it. Contact Jerimaya Grabher to arrange to get your copy. ^BACK UP^

Streaming Media West Conference in LA April 23 - 26, 2002 Held at the Los Angeles Convention Center over 4 fact-filled days, the Streaming Media West 2002 Conference offers 7 industry leading keynotes, world-class speakers, in-depth Conference Sessions and specialty MPEG-4 and Interactive Advertising Forums. Speakers include senior level executives from the following companies: Apple, Arbitron, AT&T Business, BMI, CNET Networks, Inc., DavidLynch.com, House of Blues, IFILM Networks, LA Times, Motorola, MPEG 4 Industry Forum, MPEG LA, RealNetworks, Inc., Sonic Foundry, Inc., Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment, Sundance Media Group, Vancouver Film School, Vivendi Universal and many more. Don't miss the six dynamic keynote speakers, the four day conference program with over 40 interactive conference sessions including a beginner's seminar and overall unprecedented networking opportunities. For registration information, click here. ^BACK UP^

Stephen Budd Producer Mgmt Annouces Roster Additions
Oskar Paul has produced the UK’s fastest ever selling single - Will Young’s ‘Anything is Possible’ with Cathy Denis and new singles with Pop Idol’s Gareth Gates that he has written and Sarah Whatmore. Also Brits 2002 Winner S Club 7’s 'Never Had A Dream' hit, tracks on their next album plus songs on the last Steps album. Oskar has also teamed up with Jörgen Elofsson, the writer / producer of Will Young’s ‘Evergreen’ and of course massive hits with Britney Spears, Westlife, Boyzone and Steps. They are working together as a writing / production team for top-level pop acts, so please contact Stepehn if this combination interests you. New SBM client Tore Johansson who produced all of the Cardigans hit singles, has recently mixed the A Camp singles and is now producing the new Cardigans album. He is now living in the UK and writing with artists including Melanie C for her new album plus Lene from Aqua and Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Rick Nowels produced Brits / Grammy Winner Dido’s hit singles ‘Here With Me’, ‘Hunter’ and ‘All You Want’, plus wrote and produced hits for Texas, Sonique, Ronan Keating, Melanie C, Eros Ramazotti plus Jewel’s huge current US hit single ‘Standing Still’. He is now producing Santana and writing with Melanie C, Sonique, Alicia Keys, BB Mak and Paul Oakenfold. New SBM client Oxide of ‘Oxide & Neutrino’ his remixes include Missy Elliot ‘One Minute Man’, Mr Shabs ‘Haterz’, ‘Oh No That’s the Word’ for So Solid Crew. New SBM client So Solid Crew remixes include ‘Fresh ‘n New’ for Kelis, ‘Turn Off The Light’ by Nelly Furtado and the new Beverly Knight and Charlatans singles. Recent productions include a Beanie Man single and tracks for his album. New SBM client Mark Picchiotti wrote and produced tracks on Brits 2002 Winner Kylie Minogues ‘Fever’ album plus the recent BassToy hit ‘Runnin’. For more information contact Stephen Budd at Stephen Budd Mgmt. on +(44) 207 916-3303. ^BACK UP^

Need Producer & Engineer Discographies & Contact Info? RPM Direct has compiled updated discography and contact info. for over 2,200 top record producers, engineers, mixers and more. Here's what a subscription will get you: Access to Updated Discographies for over 2,200 top US, Canadian, UK and Australian Record Producers, Engineers & Mixers; Access to nearly 1,000 Confidential Producer/Engineer Management and Production Company Contacts Including: Contact Name(s), Address, Phone/Fax, Direct Email, Website URL, Full Company Client Roster; Worldwide Producer Locator Service, Producer/Engineer Referral/Coordination Service; Exclusive Releases From RPM Direct's Unsigned Music CD Series. If you don't already have your own password, send email to Jerimaya Grabher to request one. Or click here to sign up today.
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Studio Sessions Australia Offers Facility With New Neve 88R Studio Sessions Australia is proud to announce that one of the finest recording facilities in Oz now has a Neve 88R. Taking into consideration that 1 US dollar buys almost 2 Australian dollars, you can in effect, double the value of your recording budget by choosing Australia as your recording location. Contact Catherine Hutchison at Studio Sessions Australia to discuss the exceptional rates available in Australia on their Neve 88R, SSL G+, Euphonix studios as well as a unique residential Neve studio located by an ocean beach with it's own private golf course. For more information contact Catherine Hutchison on PH: + (61) 4 1856 3278 or visit them online: www.thestudiosessions.com ^BACK UP^

Checking in With Drake Sutton Of Zig-Zag Communications
We recently checked in with Drake Sutton-Shearer of New York's Zig-Zag Communications, a full service manangment company with a hot producer roster. Some recent work helmed by Zig Zag clients: WARREN RIKER (engineer, producer, mixer) recently finished Engineering, Producing and Mixing the new 'DOWN' record for Elektra. He just started mixing the new 'Brassy' album for Wiiija/Beggars Banquet and has some some new artist projects on the horizon. Warrens latest projects include: Mixing 'Dope' for WWF/Columbia Compilation, Engineering & Mixing 'Lennon' for Arista, Mixing tracks for Elektra's 'Mint Condition', Mixing 'Corrosion of Conformity' live DVD for Sanctuary, Mixing 'Leslie Mills' tracks for Atlantic, Mixing 'Val Simpsons' solo record for Ashford & Simpson *ERIC 'STATIK' ANEST (editor, programmer, remixer) has been making the hot tracks for various songwriters including recent Mosaic Signings 'Anne Previn' and 'Scott Cutler' (of Natalie Imbruglia fame) In between projects he appeared live with 'Tool' on some recent dates to add his flavor to the 'Statik' programmed 'TRIAD' from the recent 'LATERALUS' album on Volcano. Statik's latest projects include: Pro-tools/editing for 'Man Made God' on American, Programming for 'Leslie Mills' on Atlantic, Programming for 'Robbie Rosa' on Sony, Many new tracks for Various artists. DARIUS (songwriter, producer) is making his way in the New York songwriting scene as he continues to co-write with some of the best in the biz. With the second single by pop songstress 'Willa Ford'. Currently he's working on new songs for Anastacia and Jennifer Lopez. Darius's recent efforts include: "Did U Understand That" Willa Ford (Atlantic) single, (writer), "World Of Pain" X3 (Sony Australia), "Kiss and Tell" Rachid (Universal) (producer / writer), "Ken" cut by Laura Pacitti (A&M) (writer). For information contact Drake Sutton-Shearer at Zig-Zag Communications. ^BACK UP^

Audio-Technica Shines At Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Event Selected for the fifth year in a row, Audio-Technica is the microphone of choice for the internationally televised VH1 broadcast of the 2002 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony (which aired on March 20th) held at the Waldorf Astoria Ballroom in Midtown Manhattan. Over 100 A-T mics were used to capture the audio for one of the most celebrated music events of the year. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame honors the legendary performers, producers, songwriters, disc jockeys and others who have made rock and roll the powerful force that it is in our culture today. For a decade and a half, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation has been nominating and electing those figures, and honoring them at this annual ceremony. This year's "performer" inductees included Isaac Hayes, Brenda Lee, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Gene Pitney, Ramones and Talking Heads. The "non-performer" inductee is Jim Stewart. The "sidemen" inductee is Chet Atkins. A wide selection of Audio-Technica microphones was used during the induction ceremony for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. These included: the new Artist Elite AE5400 cardioid condenser microphone and the highly acclaimed AT4054 handheld cardioid capacitor microphone; the AT4050; the AT4051a and AT4033; the ATM25; the ATM23HE and the ATM35. For more information on the complete range of Audio-Technica products, contact Karen Emerson, Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, Ohio 44224. Tel: 330/686-2600; Fax: 330/688-3752. www.audio-technica.com ^BACK UP^

DTS Expands Pro Audio Dealer Network In U.S. & Abroad DTS (Digital Theater Systems, Inc.), the digital audio technology company dedicated to delivering the ultimate entertainment experience, has added seven new professional audio dealers / distributors across the United States, Australia, and Canada. Serving DVD authoring and mastering facilities as well as high-end music recording studios, the dealers distribute DTS' CAE-4 encoder / CAD-4 decoder units. With encoder/decoder sales reaching a new high in 2001, DTS-encoded DVDs for film, music and television content increased by over 300 percent. Bringing the total number of dealers in DTS' worldwide network to 22, the following dealers are now also selling DTS pro audio products: Cutting Edge Audio Group (San Francisco / Northern California), Michael Chaffee Enterprises (Florida), Next Generation Marketing (Chicago / upper Midwest), Parsons Pro Audio (Boston / New England), Washington Pro Audio (mid-Atlantic U.S.), HHB (Canada), Eureka Digital (Australia). "DTS dealers and distributors represent the most seasoned veterans in pro audio sales who are experts in their regions, and we are proud to add these companies to our network," said Jon Kirchner, President and CEO of DTS. "As demand for DTS-encoded content increases in the entertainment industry, we will continue to grow and support this network." DTS is an innovator in the development of multi-channel digital sound solutions for the consumer electronics and professional audio markets, including home A/V, video games and consoles, personal computers and mobile and portable audio systems. Today, every major consumer electronics manufacturer supports DTS technology. Addressing the demand for DTS-encoded content worldwide, DTS also offers hardware and software encoders to the professional audio communities, allowing them to produce DTS audio content directly. For further information, please visit www.dtsonline.com or contact Kristin Thomson DTS Director of Public Relations (818) 706-3525 ^BACK UP^

A Few Profile Pages Left In RPM's 2003 Intl Studio Calendar RPM Direct only has a few "monthly profile" pages available in the 2003 RPM Recording Studio Calendar. If you are a studio manager or studio owner, this is a great opportunity to showcase your facility. The RPM calendar will be distributed to all RPM producer/engineer and producer manager members and all A&R and film & tv subscribers and will be made available to all newsletter readers - nearly 10,000 in all. A page includes high resolution shots of the studio, consoles, lounge or whatever else you'd like. It will also include a text area for a brief equipment list and all appropriate contact details. To see a very basic mock up of what it will look like click here. The calendar will also feature significant music and recording industry events such as SXSW, Popkomm, AES, Womex, NAB, Winter Music Conference, NAMM and the Grammys already written into the dates. Contact Jerimaya Grabher to for more information or to secure your spot today! (310) 545 7530. ^BACK UP^

Feel Like You're Missing Out? Visit 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 and a handful of unexplained "disappearances", 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 want to update their listing in our database so that people who can hire or collaborate with them know how to get in touch. We are currently trying to make contact with:

Andy Baker
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
Jessica Corcoran
Jim Goodwin
John Gosling
John Lee
John McEntire
John Siket
Ken Lomas
Ko-Jo
Laurence Jay Cedar
Lee Curle
Lee De Carlo
Lindsay Gravina
Mak Togashi
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
Shad Scott
Simon Gogerly
Simon Vinestock
Skold
Steven Dubin
Studio 7
Tim Russell
Tom Frederikse
Tom Grimley
Tommy D Daugherty
Tosh
Vincent Jones

If you have interesting news items for this newsletter, demos for us to hear, ideas for us to consider or other industry related things we should know, please send email to News@rpmdirect.com or mail to:

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

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