The
RPM Direct Newsletter
Thursday April 10, 2003
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Avid Technology, Inc. recently announced that it has acquired the assets of privately held software company Rocket Network, Inc., a San Francisco-based developer of Internet media collaboration and delivery products for audio and video media. In the future, Avid plans to provide (through its Digidesign audio business unit) collaboration and delivery products or services based on the technology acquired from Rocket Networks. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. "Rocket Network developed technology that has greatly excited and creatively charged the Digidesign Pro Tools audio community," said Dave Lebolt, vice president and general manager of Digidesign. "By integrating this technology into our current offerings, we plan to provide Pro Tools customers, who are the world's leading producers of audio media, the means to take advantage of smooth, collaborative workflow between Pro Tools systems over local area networks or the Internet. With powerful tools for easy and secure digital delivery of large media files of any type, including audio or video, this new technology will help our customers move vast amounts of media over the Web at high speed." Prior to the acquisition, Digidesign had incorporated the Rocket Network technology into Pro Tools audio systems as part of the DigiStudio online service for track-based collaboration over the Internet, which utilized near real-time interaction along with a remote centralized data server for storage and billing. The technology will further enhance Avid's end-to-end digital workflow, enabling customers to benefit from the efficiency and speed afforded by tighter integration between Pro Tools systems and Avid workgroup shared-storage technology. ^BACK UP^
A Few Roster Activity & Updates From Strongroom Producer Mgmt It has been a very busy year for us so far for the Strongroom Producer Management roster. Here are some highlights: Ken Thomas was shortlisted for the Music Week Producer Of The Year for his innovative production on the Sigur Ros album. He is currently producing hotly tipped new Icelandic band Minus. Mike Neilsen just completed co-writing and producing tracks for the forthcoming Natacha Atlas album (Mantra). Dave Pemberton was shortlisted for a Grammy Award for his mixing of the Groove Armada single "Superstylin'". He is currently mixing the forthcoming Kinobe album (Jive). Jon Collyer just completed programming the forthcoming David Gahan album. Current remixes include Rob D "Furious Angels". Strongroom is pleased to welcome producer/engineer Pete Lewis to the Management roster - Pete is currently mixing Rachel Fuller'S debut album. Aidan Love is currently CO-writing with various artists including new Jive signing Bobby Birdi. James Loughrey is currently mixing tracks for new Warner signing Keisha. Ben Dobie is currently programming the forthcoming Bryan Adams album. For further info, biog's or Showreels please contact Coral Worman at Strongroom Management 020 7426 5100. ^BACK UP^
RPM Direct Announces Unsigned Volume 3 - Don't Miss This One!
Now that Unsigned Volume 2 has been released, RPM Direct is back with Volume 3 in the RPM Direct Presents: Unsigned compilation series. We are now accepting submissions so if you are an artist or an artist manager, attorney or producer send us your music and we will screen it for Volume 3. If your track makes the cut, it will go on an exclusive CD that will be distributed directly to 2,000 top creative execs - talk about exposure with an impact! For the full scoop, rules & regs, frequently asked questions, submission form and all, click here. If you have any questions, please send email to Submissions@rpmdirect.com ^BACK UP^
Spymob, N.E.R.D.'s Backing Band, Sets StarTrak/Arista Release
Remember back in the day when RPM Direct used to pound you over the head about then unsigned MN act Spymob? Well if you haven't been living under a boulder, you know that the band was the first rock band signed to Arista/StarTrak, the joint venture between Arista Records and N.E.R.D. masterminds the Neptunes (Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo). July 22nd has been set as the in-store date for their long-awaited debut album, Sitting Around Keeping Score. In advance of the album, "It Gets Me Going" is scheduled for April 21st impact date at Adult Radio formats as the first single pick. Spymob first made waves when it was announced last year that they would serve as opening act and as N.E.R.D.'s backing musicians on their first major U.S. headlining tour. Once announced, word soon got out that, as far back as 2001, when the Neptunes decided to re-record their alter ego's debut album, 'In Search Of' (Virgin) using live instrumentation, the call went out to Spymob. It resulted in one of 2002's hottest tracks and MTV video favorites, "Rock Star," whose clip actually costarred"those four white guys," as the St. Paul Pioneer Press characterized Spymob. 'Sitting Around Keeping Score' reveals the unique voice and phrasings of lead vocalist, keyboardist and lyricist John Ostby. The album's piano-driven rock glows with a range of influences from Todd Rundgren and Steely Dan to Jellyfish and Split Enz. Ostby's imagination soars on "Thinking of Someone Else" (dreamy remembrance of childhood and mother's nurturing); "2040" (domesticity in a not-so-surreal future); "National Holidays" (a heartbreaking look at a divorced couple's custody of their only daughter); and "German Test Drive" (in which listeners are transported from their late-model Corollas and Civics to the cockpit of a sports car on the Autobahn). The Minneapolis-based 4-piece Spymob is driven by Ostby, Eric Fawcett on drums and vocals, Brent Paschke on guitar and vocals, and Christian Twigg on bass. 9 of the 12 tracks on 'Sitting Around Keeping Score' were produced by Stephen Lironi (Black Grape, Hanson), while Minneapolis' own Alex Oana produced the title track as well as "Walking Under Green Leaves." The Neptunes, known for their hit making mega-platinum productions with Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Usher, Kid Rock, Janet Jackson, Jay-Z, Limp Bizkit, Jermaine Dupri, and N*Sync (to name a few), declined to lay a finger on the finished results of 'Sitting Around Keeping Score'. "We didn't want to touch this one at all," says Pharrell, explaining his and Chad's decision to accept the role as executive producers. "They reminded me of the music I grew up with," Pharrell continues. "Their songs sounded like Steely Dan crossed with the Meters and Prince and it just blew me away." www.spymob.com ^BACK UP^
Checking In With 3AM's Jeff Castelaz Regarding Client Tony Hoffer
It's been a while since we checked in with LA-based producer/mixer Tony Hoffer. Aside from being featured in the current issue of Filter magazine and producing demos for LA band The Sons, Hoffer has been quite busy building a stellar rep in the UK. Hoffer recently completed production and mixing duties for the debut record of Dublin's The Thrills. It seems the band are all the rage in England and Europe, being touted as the next coming of The Smiths. The lead single 'One Horse Town' is a staple on British radio at the moment. The Thrills is Tony's second record running for Virgin UK MD Philippe Ascoli. 'Ether Song,' Turin Brakes' sophomore record is the other. 'Ether Song' sold 50,000 copies in its first week in the UK alone. In four weeks at retail, the record has sold over 300,000 worldwide. The explosive UK picture is based on massive radio play for the singles 'Pain Killer' and 'Long Distance,' plus the band's 250,000 sales base from their debut 'The Optimist LP.' For this important second release Hoffer built a muscular, throbbing rhythm section with Air drummer Brian Reitzell and Beck/Ima Robot bassist Justin Meldal-Johnsen and recorded live to tape with minimal overdubs. The entire 16-song session was tracked in 15 days. Hoffer also produced and mixed the critically-acclaimed new Supergrass album 'Life on Other Planets' for Parlophone MD Keith Wozencroft. Hollywood Records head of A&R Geoffrey Weiss tapped Hoffer for a radio mix of The D4's 'Heartbreaker.' For more information contact Jeff Castelaz at 3 Artist Management, (818) 380-0449 www.threeam.net ^BACK UP^
London's Britannia Row Studios Sessions Highlights
We recently caught up with Mark Cox, manager of London's famed Britannia Row Studios for recent sessions highlights. Here is some of the latest action in the studio: Studio 1: Polydor's Snow Patrol have just finished a five week stint recording their brilliant forthcoming album with Producer Garrett 'Jacknife' Lee and Dan Swift. The amazing vocal talent that is Siobhan Parr has been recording and mixing tracks with Brit Row's own Dillon Gallagher. Island's Kid Symphony have just started a long run with producer Carl Rosoman recording tracks for their forthcoming album. Studio 2: Joseph Ross and Howard Francis have been writing new tracks with Will Young. Steve Robson has also been writing tracks for various artists. Edel's Cassius Henry has been recording vocals and mixing tracks for a forthcoming album. London Records' Bella Monte Negro has been hard at it programming and recording several new tracks. Stuart Zender has been producing for Mel Blatt. Studio 3: Holly James has been recording vocals for forthcoming tracks. Blazing Squad have been making preparations for their forthcoming tour. After a trip over to LA, Chris Braid will once again be utilizing the studio 3 to continue writing for the masses that are in demand for his work. For more information and studio availability contact Mark Cox or Kate Koumi on 020-7371-5872, or visit www.britanniarowstudios.co.uk^BACK UP^
April Sessions News At Atlanta's Georgia's ZAC Recording
Since dropping the custom SSL 4080 G+ console in October, 2002, ZAC Recording has seen steady bookings. Jive Records A&R exec, Nancy Roof, sent several artists to Stonehenge last month. Brian Michael Cox was in producing cuts for Raheem and Jasmine's upcoming releases. Former components of Aquarium Rescue Unit, including guitar wiz, Jimmy Herring (recently recruited to replace Jerry on the upcoming "Dead" tour) and ZAC resident composer/arranger/bassist/producer, Ricky Keller, hung out with fellow Unit drummiester, Apt. Q258 [aka Jeff Sipe] and keybaordist, Jason Crosby to record live in Stonehenge. Rumours circulate that this will be another Project Z release as a follow up to 2000's self-titled debut on Terminus Records. Capitol Records artist, Goldie, was recently in ZAC A tracking vocals with producer Manuel Seal. Flash engineered with assistance from Dred. Atlanta blues woman, Francine Reed stopped in to put the vocal touches on the title track "A Time To Dance"by local playwright and producer, Candace Long. The play premiered in Atlanta in September 2001 and starred Reed. Universal Recording artist, Da Entourage, was in mixing their debut release with Miami based mix wizard, Ray Seay. For more information and studio availability contact Jim Zumpano at 404-603-8040 www.zacrecording.com ^BACK UP^
Jean-Marie Horvat Mixes Top Acts On SSL XL 9000 K
Jean-Marie Horvat, stellar mix engineer and producer who mixed the J.Lo chart topper "Jenny from the Block" and works with top acts such as TLC, Michael Jackson, 'N SYNC, Whitney Houston, Ginuwine, Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys and Celine Dion, recently completed mixes for the artist Tyrese at Pacifique Studios on one of their two Solid State Logic XL 9000 K Series SuperAnalogue consoles. With Horvat's extremely positive XL experience, he now is looking to track and mix 5.1 sessions on SSL's latest industry defining console. "I recently completed mixes for TLC, Toni Braxton and Blu Cantrell on an XL in New York at The Hit Factory and with Tyrese at Pacifique," says Horvat. "Both rooms are tremendously well designed and well tuned, yet each has a distinct sound. After I finished at Pacifique, I knew the common denominator was the XL. I now know I can go into a top-level studio with an XL and get fantastic results. The actual sonic feel of an XL is amazing, it's very smooth and musical, and allowed me to quickly take the mixes to the next level." Horvat is a big "old school SSL" fan. Initially it was friends in the industry who encouraged Horvat to use the XL 9000 K, prompting him to do his first session. The clarity and musical nature of the XL allowed Horvat to really appreciate the depth offered by the onboard EQ and dynamics processing. "In discussing the XL with one of my mentors, Tony Maserati, he said that the center section bandwidth had been improved. However, in my experience with the console, I believe that the improvements also affect the sound of the EQ and the dynamics. "On the Tyrese project, I was actually using less outboard EQ and focusing more on balances," continues Horvat. "The onboard EQ and dynamics are really true so I didn't have to overly compensate for these in my mixes. It makes me feel more inspired when I play back the mix because it sounds much more defined. Mixing on the XL at Pacifique Studios was a really great experience." ^BACK UP^
Meet The Most Recorded Horns Section in American Pop Music
The Memphis Horns have been busy in the last year - highlights include appearing on The Tonight Show with Beyonce' Knowles, plus recording projects w/ Doyle Bramhall, Marcia Ball and a rock band from Croatia. They are going to be the featured artists with The Memphis Symphony Orchestra for the final night blow-out of Memphis in May. The Memphis Horns are always available for studio/tour inquiries. If you aren't familiar with the hundreds of major hit songs they've played on, they've worked with Aretha Franklin, Al Green, BJ Thomas, U2, Otis Redding, Primal Scream, Elvis, Collective Soul, Dusty Springfield, Peter Gabriel, Neil Diamond and more, more, more. Wayne Jackson of the Horns is also a major force in arranging and production. He worked very closely for years with producer Arif Mardin (Norah Jones) at Atlantic on many sessions doing arrangements together. For more information, contact Adam Sloat at 323-663-0060. www.miasmamanagement.com
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Reelsound Mobile Recording Has Busy First Quarter
Reelsound Recording Co's mobile audio truck studio has had a busy new year with the release of the new George Strait live CD "Live from the Astrodome". The project was recorded at the 2002 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo before 68,000 fans. Produced by Tony Brown, the show was engineered by Malcolm Harper, Matt Leroy and Bob Cornielus. The show was recorded on 48 tracks of IZ RADAR recorders. Sparrow Records artist Nichole Nordeman recorded her new CD release for May in Dallas with the Reelsound mobile and crew. Brad O'Donnell produced the project with Russ Long and Malcolm Harper engineering assisted by Woody Woodard and Joey Lomas. The concerts were recorded at The Door in Deep Ellum music district. The truck recently headed on to Abilene to record The Jeff Berry Band for a new release on Cross Wind records. The live praise and worship service was recorded at the historical Paramount Theater. Engineering was Malcolm Harper assisted by Gerard Bustos and Gene Krieger. Harper states, "Most of the recordings I do are on IZ Radar recorders with mixing to be done later on Pro Tools. The transfer is done using Damsel software. In this process all of the sonic quality of the Radar Nyquest converters are preserved with no clocking or jitter errors." For more information contact Malcolm Harper 512 312-1610 or visit www.reelsound-usa.com. ^BACK UP^
Checking In With Jane Dittrich of Vancouver's Armoury Studios Armoury Studios in Vancouver, Canada was the studio of choice for Universal Records artist Sam Roberts to mix his debut full length release with mix engineer/producer Brenndan McGuire. Mixer Randy Staub was also in recently mixing tracks for Florida-based Atlantic Records rock band Shinedown with producer Rick Beato. Crooner Chris Isaak was in for a vocal session, for use on his network TV show "The Chris Isaak Show" (shot in Vancouver). Juno Award winning singer Jann Arden returned to the Armoury to mix her latest, and self-produced, Universal Music Canada release (which was tracked at Armoury in 2002) with mixer Russell Broom. 3 Doors Down drummer Daniel Adair spent a day tracking new material for the forthcoming Martone record (ddm/Lion Music) due out later in the year. Composer/producer/arranger Dave Pierce spent 4 days tracking the Calgary Stampede Grandstand 2003 material, with Vancouver's best ensemble of session vocalists, and rhythm section players. Legendary Canadian engineer/producer David Bottrill (Peter Gabriel, Tool, Godsmack, Silverchair) spent 6 weeks at the Armoury recording and mixing the debut record from Illinois rockers V Shape Mind, whom are signed to Universal/Republic Records. For booking inquiries, please contact studio manager Jane Dittrich at (604) 737-1687 ^BACK UP^
SRS Labs Showcases Circle Surround Technology at NAB
SRS Labs, Inc., a leading provider of innovative audio, voice and ASIC technology solutions, recently hosted seminars with Emmy-Award winning mixers, who have chosen SRS Labs' Circle Surround (CS) technology as a premier surround sound format at last week's National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) conference in Las Vegas. Speakers included Tom Huth, Ed Greene, Gary Baldassari, and Ron Scalise with real-time demonstrations and tutorials on how to mix for and use Circle Surround to deliver 5.1 or 6.1 channel surround sound over any existing two-channel carrier. SRS Labs representatives were also available at NAB to provide demonstrations of CS encoding and decoding, using the company's CSE-07 and CSD-07 professional hardware products. Mike Canevaro, director of sales, professional audio for SRS Labs, Inc. states: "Circle Surround has been very well received in professional broadcasting and post-production. Broadcasters have been thrilled with the superior performance that CS brings to the table. We have been listening to what the industry needs and I believe our upcoming encoding tools are going to significantly improve the way 5.1 or 6.1 audio is produced and delivered." Since many of today's professional audio engineers are using PCs and digital workstations in the production and post-production of audio/video material, SRS Labs recognizes the need for software tools to make Circle Surround encoding more broadly available to content producers and engineers. Over the coming months, SRS Labs expects to unveil software products and plug-in tools that support the leading production software standards, such as TDM/ProTools, VST and Windows Media Encoder. The patented Circle Surround technology is a highly versatile, multichannel audio encode and decode system capable of supporting a wide range of surround sound creation and playback applications. CS hardware and software encoders can encode up to 6.1 channels of discrete audio for distribution over existing two-channel carriers such as broadcast television, cable, streaming media over the Internet, CDs and VHS tapes. For more information about SRS Labs, Inc. or SRS technologies, please visit www.srslabs.com. ^BACK U P^
A Few Brief Producer and Producer Management Roster Updates
Engineer/Producer Jacquire King's recent project highlights include recording a fantastic all acoustic album for Silvertone/Jive artist Buddy Guy. Eric Clapton and BB King make guest appearances on this vital work of a true blues legend. Dennis Herring produced the record as a follow up to the acclaimed 2001 release "Sweet Tea". Jacquire was in the studio at the end of the year with Atlantic Records artist and Toronto, Canada natives Billy Talent tracking their hard rock major label debut with producer Gavin Brown. Jacquire also recorded and mixed the february release of "Furthermore", an amazing live in the studio acoustic recording by this year's Grammy Award winner's, the Jars of Clay. Most recently Jacquire could be found hard at work starting a new album with Hollywood Records recording artist Scapegoat Wax. For more info contact Jacquire King
Columbia Recording artist Our Lady Peace,
engineer Brian Garcia, and producer Bob Rock recently tracked
at The Boat (a studio owned by the Dust Brothers) in the Silver Lake area
of Los Angeles. OLP laid down some song ideas in preparation for a new
album. If you want to know more, get in touch with Brian
Garcia
Sylvia Massy Shivy recently produced Acroma "Sun Rises Down" which was among the most added at Active Rock. The album was recorded at her studio in Weed, California. Rich Costey produced, engineered and mixed Cave In's new album which recently debuted at #169 on the Billboard Top 200. The first single, "Anchor," was among the most added at Alternative and Active Rock. John Fields produced Switchfoot's album "The Beautiful Letdown" which has two songs at radio: "More Than Fine" is #1 at Christian CHR and "Meant To Live" has been #1 at Christian Rock for 3 weeks. For more info and a total roster rundown, contact Frank McDonough, McDonough Mmgt. (805)-446-3370
Precision Mastering veteran, Don C. Tyler, recently mastered the new Kumbia Kings LP which now sits atop the Billboard Latin charts. For more info contact Precision Mastering www.precisionmastering.com For more information, get in tough with Claudia Lagan or Don C. Tyler
^BACK UP^RPM Direct Print Studio Directory On Pre-Sale, Order Yours Today! Looking for the ultimate studio directory that you can hold in your hands and share with your loved ones? RPM Direct is currently producing a print version of our new online studio directory for a January '04 release. But we're only printing a limited number so make sure you secure your copy today! All pre-sale orders will include a complimentary copy of RPM Direct's 2004 Studio Calendar so don't miss out! Please visit Directory Subscriptions for more information about how to pre-order your copy of our forthcoming 2004 International Studio Directory and how to become a subscriber to our online producer/engineer and studio directories.
Missing Out? Check Out The New RPM Direct 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 and recording studio directories but you aren't a subscriber, contact contact Jerimaya Grabher to request a password for access. ^BACK TO TOP^
Nick Addison
Tony Alvarez
Greg Archilla
Rod Argent
Mark Arnell
Chris Arvan
Rob “Fonksta” Bacon
Andy Baker
Boilerhouse Boys
Charlie Brocco
Warren Bruleigh
Ronnie Champagne
Phil Chill
Tracy Chisholm
Rob Christiansen
Warren Croyle
Tony Alvarez
Greg Archilla
Rod Argent
Mark Arnell
Chris Arvan
Rob “Fonksta” Bacon
Andy Baker
Boilerhouse Boys
Charlie Brocco
Warren Bruleigh
Ronnie Champagne
Phil Chill
Tracy Chisholm
Rob Christiansen
Warren Croyle
Jamie Cullum
Lee Curle
Lee De Carlo
Mike Denneen
Anjali Dutt
Guy Eckstine
Phil Ek
Tim Friese-Greene
Noel Golden
Jim Goodwin
John Gosling
Kelly Gray
Roger Greenawalt
Tom Grimley
Ray Hedges
David Hemming
Dave Hillis
Stephen Hilton
Alain Johannes
Bob St. John
Paul Kimble
Bob Kraushaar
John Lee
Andres Levin
Paul Logus
Ken Lomas
Eric "E" Miller
Richard T. Norris
Eddy Offord
John Pace
Mike Peden
Jon Plum
John Porter
Tim Russell
Micajah Ryan
Shad Scott
Malcolm Springer
Dave Swanson
Paul Taylor
Eric "E.T." Thorngren
Haig V. (Vartzbedian)
Peter Van Hooke
Marc Waterman
Andrew Williams
Sam Williams
Aaron Zigman
Peter Zizzo
Please send press releases and other interesting news items to News@rpmdirect.com
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