>> from the RPM Direct desk...

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Visioneering Design recently completed a total renovation package for Santa Monica's Eleven Sound, one of SoCal's busiest audio post houses. Opened five years ago, Eleven Sound abandoned its previous DSP workstations for 128 channels of ProTools HD3 in each of the two rooms, and an HD1 system in the machine room for off-line work. The studios feature ProControl master units with two additional fader packs, Martinsound Monitor Max in combination with Multi Max for 5.1 monitoring, and nearly 1 terrabyte of sound effects online at all times via a 1 gigabit ethernet network. Visioneering Design Co., a leading turnkey audio, video, film design and integration firm underpinned by Ron Lagerlof, provided design and integration services for the original build-out of Eleven Sound, in addition to other clients such as Pixar, Disney, Fox, Revolution Studios, Todd-AO, and The Dave Matthews Band's personal studio. Working mainly on National TV commercials, the facility's clients include Nike, Acura, Apple, Dodge, Chevy, Ford, and Sprint. "Given just one week of downtime for the facility, Visioneering's crew transformed the machine room and studios. Everything worked perfectly, including talkback, cue, studio playback and surround monitoring, " explains Eleven Sound owner Jeff Payne. Payne explains that the upgrade was necessitated by a dramatic shift in work flow over the past two years. "We have very little use of tape, DATs, or D88s anymore. About 80-90% of material comes via the Internet. We go to FTP sites, download the files and load it into the system. Typically, we handle the sound effects here, even Foley, plus voiceovers and the final mix." For more info contact: Jeff Payne, Eleven Sound (310) 526-2911 or Ron Lagerlof, Visioneering Design (818) 882-7271 www.visioneeringdesign.com,

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>> Manhattan Center and NewYorkDVD Partner for DVD Authoring

Manhattan Center Productions (MCP) recently signed an agreement with DVD design and authoring firm NewYorkDVD, in which NewYorkDVD will be the preferred, in-house provider of expert-level DVD authoring and project development for MCP clients. Manhattan Center clientele includes live music and performance acts that are booked into the Grand Ballroom and the Hammerstein Ballroom, the venues operated by MCP's sister company, Manhattan Center Studios. The agreement between MCP and NewYorkDVD provides a virtual one-stop video production, post production, and DVD development location for MCP's live and studio acts, and further solidifies Manhattan Center's reputation as New York's premier live venue and production suite. NewYorkDVD will operate from studio and office space located in MCP's Studio 9, where MCP's post-production suites are housed. "With the addition of NewYorkDVD, Manhattan Center can now offer its clients yet another in-house service--expert-level DVD authoring and project development. As more of our music clients view DVD as both an integral promotional and long-form tool, we need to offer these services, and NewYorkDVD provides exceptional service," said Peter Ross, president of MCP. "In addition to promoting a live musical event, one that can be broadcast live for television or recorded for later broadcast, and in addition to making a live album of the same event, clients will now be able to produce a related DVD product." NewYorkDVD maintains several complete authoring suites, including Sonic Solutions Creator and 1:1 Final Cut Pro motion graphics stations, as well as Digidesign Pro Tools 6.2.3. "We are very pleased to join the Manhattan Center Productions team. They are a stellar facility, and will enable NewYorkDVD to expand its music DVD business, including work on live-event titles for Manhattan Center clients," said Brian Brodeur, principal of NewYorkDVD. "Now, with the exciting growth and acceptance of the DVD format, DVD development is more of a bundled service for clients--whether for promotional or reference means, or as a full-featured retail title. Our partnership with Manhattan Center raises the DVD opportunity level for clients, while providing top-flight, end-to-end production services." For more information visit Manhattan Center Productions www.mcp-studios.com or NewYorkDVD online at www.NewYorkDVD.com

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>> Studio Sessions News From Vancouver's Armoury Studios

Armoury Studios in Vancouver has had a busy 2004 so far. Vancouver rock band Suspect (with 3 Doors Down drummer Daniel Adair) tracked and mixed two new tracks with producer Brian Howes (vocalist, Closure). Mixer Randy Staub was in the studio working on several projects in a row, including the debut release (Roadrunner Records) from Thornley (Ian Thornley, of Big Wreck) with producer Gavin Brown, tracks for new Wind Up band Seven Wiser, a track for Columbia Records band Midtown and the sophomore album from Wind Up metal band Drowning Pool featuring their new vocalist. Hollywood Records band Forty Foot Echo (who recently had their single "Brand New Day", featured in the film Freaky Friday) tracked and mixed new material, and Vapor Records artists (and Calgary, Alberta natives) Tegan and Sara mixed their anticipated new release with Vancouver producer/mixer Howard Redekopp. Armoury Studios client Sam Roberts (Universal Records) recently won three Juno Awards (rock album of the year, album of the year and artist of the year) for his record "We Were Born In A Flame", mixed at the Armoury. For Armoury Studios booking information, please call Jane Dittrich at 604-737-1687, or send e-mail to janed@armourystudios.com

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The 37th Annual Music City Golf Classic held May 14th and 15th, 2004 at Montgomery Bell State Park. Also known as "The Beckham", the tournament raises money for both Middle Tennessee State University's Si Siman Scholarship and Belmont University's Don Gant Scholarship. These scholarships are given to outstanding students pursuing degrees in Music Business studies. Past recipients of these scholarships include award-winning recording artist Brad Paisley and Nashville studio owner/producer Luke Wooten. Last year, the Music City Golf Classic was able to donate $18,000 from tournament proceeds toward music education. Music industry veterans who have participated in the Classic in previous years include Bob Beckham (founder of the event), Tim Wipperman, James Stroud, Byron Gallimore, Scott Siman, Gary Overton, David Malloy, and Pat Higdon among others. As an added bonus of entertainment, the golf gala also hosts a Hall of Fame Writers' Night during the weekend's festivities featuring performances by some legendary songwriters as well as terrific new talent. Entry fee covers two days of golf, lunches, dinners, beverages and the songwriters' show. Tournament organizers expect to raise funds in excess of $20,000 for scholarships this year.

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>> TBA Entertainment Corporation To Be Acquired

Irving Azoff, Chairman of azoffmusic management, and entertainment industry executive Robert Geddes have established a partnership with JHW Greentree Capital LLC, an affiliate of Whitney & Co., LLC, of Stamford, CT. The partnership recently signed a merger agreement for its first acquisition, TBA Entertainment Corporation. The partnership was created to explore, initiate and develop entertainment marketing and corporate communications opportunities and is positioned for additional acquisitions. The transaction will enable TBA to expand services, accelerate growth and provide a more comprehensive level of event-driven entertainment marketing and corporate communications services for new and existing clients. The transaction is expected to close during the second quarter of 2004 subject to shareholder approval. Following completion, Mr. Geddes will assume the post of CEO, TBA Entertainment Corporation. Irving Azoff and Mike Stone, managing partner of Whitney & Co. LLC and of JHW Greentree, will assume Co-Chairman posts and will continue in their present capacities. "By leveraging the combined resources of the partnership and TBA, we will create an unparalleled level of communications services and music marketing expertise," said Mr. Azoff. "We have an impressive track-record of creating some of the most successful corporate marketing events in our industry, whether it be a product launch or worldwide music tour." TBA will continue to operate its regional offices in Los Angeles, Nashville, Atlanta, Chicago, Salt Lake City, and San Diego. Current TBA Chairman, Jock Weaver, will serve in a consulting capacity throughout the transitioning and following completion of the merger will the leave the company to pursue other interests. Whitney & Co., LLC is an alternative asset management firm with in excess of $4 billion of capital under management

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>> Evanescence Song "My Immortal" Becomes All Time Best Selling Sheet Music Download at Musicnotes.com

Musicnotes, Inc. announced that the Evanescence song “My Immortal,” has become the company’s all-time best selling sheet music download. Customers have downloaded over 7,000 copies of “My Immortal” since July of 2003. The song recently surpassed Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles,” which was the previous all-time best seller for Musicnotes. “Downloadable sheet music is still a relatively small part of the overall sheet music market, but it is an emerging market and definitely the future of the business,” stated Kathleen Marsh, Musicnotes’ CEO. “Despite low awareness of digital sheet music, 7,000 downloads of a single song is a very meaningful sales number even in the traditional print market. Our research tells us that digital delivery can dramatically expand the sheet music market, which will be good for consumers as well as music publishers and the songwriters they represent.” "’My Immortal’ is a very moving song that is certain to become our first 10,000 unit seller,” stated Tim Reiland, Musicnotes’ Chairman. “Interestingly, the song actually carries a premium price of $5.50 per download because the sheet-music is synchronized to the customer’s CD. We have also mail-ordered a couple of hundred copies of 'My Immortal' at the traditional $3.95 price point, but our customers love the ability to get their sheet music instantly, and they are willing to pay for value-added features.” The Musicnotes’ multi-genre digital offering includes everything from Coldplay and Evanescence to George Gershwin and Beethoven. Visit Musicnotes on the web: www.musicnotes.com

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Jim Marshall, founder of Marshall Amplification, is renowned the world over for his contributions to the sound of modern music. Mr. Marshall can now add another distinguished achievement to his impressive list, as he has been formally awarded the Order of the British Empire, a coveted honor bestowed to those who render valuable service to the United Kingdom and its people. Mr. Marshall will now be known as “Jim Marshall, OBE” to signify this order of chivalry, which is just one level under Knighthood. The award was established in 1917 to recognize extraordinary efforts and vision in a wide range of activities, and its recipients are nominated by admirers of their accomplishments. Mr. Marshall was honored as a pioneering force in music whose success has been a source of inspiration to many. He was further recognized for the extensive charitable work he does, as he actively seeks to help others realize their dreams. Visit www.marshallamps.com for a message from the Guv'nor.

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>> BiCoastal Music Installs SSL C200 Digital Production Console In New Facility

Fulfilling a lifelong dream of operating a world-class music recording facility, Grammy Award nominee and BiCoastal Music owner Hal Winer built his new facility around a Solid State Logic C200 Digital Production console. Nestled on several acres in Westchester County in New York, BiCoastal represents the first state-of-the-art studio to serve this area. "We put this facility together to attract major artists and engineers interested in working in an intimate setting,” Winer explains. “The C200 sets us apart from the pack by delivering the sound and functionality found in the major recording centers. The Russ Berger Design Group designed our rooms and they fully compliment the high quality of the C200. Coupled with our HD Pro Tools set up, we now offer a truly excellent creative space.” The studio is a converted house that offers a wedge shaped control room 25-feet long and 20-feet at the end narrowing to 14-feet in the front. The “Living Room” studio is a magnificent 25x30-foot room with a 22-foot cathedral ceiling. “The acoustics of the room are excellent, providing a live feel that allows the instruments to breath,” says Winer. “The C200 really captures the essence of the room very cleanly and accurately. The sound is fantastic and it translates very well in the outside world” The C200 represents the latest adaptation of SSL’s popular in-line console heritage with a dedicated knob per function control surface with analog emulation of proven SSL equalizer and dynamics sections. Based on entirely new Centuri processing technology, the C200 operates at 48kHz, or 96kHz for exceptional audio quality while retaining all of its extensive bussing capabilities at both sample frequencies. For demanding mix sessions, the C200 incorporates SSL’s powerful automation with new capabilities such as integrated DAW control, scalable DSP and complete layer and signal path metering. BiCoastal Music ordered the C200 with 96 analog and 128 digital inputs and outputs to further enhance the flexibility of the console. Additionally, there is an extensive patchbay to accommodate outboard gear brought in by outside engineers. “There are a great number of fine engineers living in this area that commute to the city every day to work,” Winer explains. “We have built a facility that allows these engineers to work near home and still produce world-class results.” Solid State Logic is the world’s leading manufacturer of analogue and digital audio consoles for broadcast, post, music and film facilities. SSL’s product range includes the C100 new-generation Digital Broadcast and C200 Digital Production Consoles, the Avant Plus Digital Console for Film and Post, the XL 9000 K Series SuperAnalogue™ Consoles and the SL 4000 G+ Analogue Console.

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>> Universal Audio New 2-1176 Debuts On The New Norah Jones Album Feels Like Home

Universal Audio, a manufacturer of high-quality vintage audio hardware and DSP software plug-ins for digital audio workstations, today announced that the new 2-1176 Twin Vintage Limiting Amplifier was used extensively on the acclaimed new Norah Jones album Feels Like Home. Feels Like Home, is the follow-up album to Jones' Grammy-winning debut Come Away With Me. Engineer and Mixer Jay Newland worked with Producer Arif Mardin on both albums and used one of the first 2-1176s on Feels Like Home. Newland owns two vintage 1176s and two LA-3As that he used on Jones' first album. Before embarking on the second album he acquired a UA 6176 and the 2-1176. "The 2-1176 was used on every song on Norah's new record. Recording and mixing. I would have to call it the perfect everyday, 'go to' piece of gear. From subtle to slamming it sounds great on so everything Great for overheads, room mics, acoustic guitars, vocals...really fantastic," commented Newland. "On Norah's record there are a lot of songs with two guitars...left and right. The 2-1176 pulls them out but somehow connects them together in a very cool way. At my home studio it is the path for all the vocals-lead and background." Newland, well known for his mix and engineering work for Jazz labels Verve and Blue Note is now planning to add the UA 2192 Master Audio Interface AD/DA to his arsenal. Visit Universal Audio for more information.

>> Mark Mothersbaugh To Receive BMI's Career Achievement Award

Composer and artist Mark Mothersbaugh will receive the 2004 Richard Kirk Award for Outstanding Career Achievement at the BMI Film & TV Awards held May 12 at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills. The event is a black-tie affair and will be hosted by BMI's President & CEO Frances W. Preston. Composers of the top-grossing films of the past twelve months as well as the top-rated prime-time network television series and cable programs will also be honored that evening. The BMI award for Outstanding Career Achievement is named after past BMI Vice President Richard Kirk and is given annually to a composer who has made significant contributions in the field of film and TV music. Former recipients of the award include John Barry, Randy Edelman, Danny Elfman, Charlie Fox, Jerry Goldsmith, Earle Hagen, Michael Kamen, Alan Menken, Thomas Newman, Mike Post, Lalo Schifrin, Alan Silvestri, Richard and Robert Sherman, W.G. "Snuffy" Walden, John Williams, Patrick Williams and Hans Zimmer. One of the most unique and prolific contemporary composers in film, television, interactive media and commercials, Mothersbaugh was a founding member of influential rock group DEVO parlaying his avant-garde musical background into the world of scoring for filmed and animated entertainment. An artist both musically and in the literal definition, Mothersbaugh has created an aural framework with his scores for the forthcoming films "Lords of Dogtown" and "The Life Aquatic;" as well as having scored the hugely successful "Rugrats" television, stage and film franchise. He has also scored a diverse array of films and television shows, including "Thirteen," "The Royal Tenenbaums," "Rushmore," "200 Cigarettes," "The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle," "Happy Gilmore," "The Mind of The Married Man," "Power Puff Girls," "Pee Wee's Playhouse," "Beakman's World" and more. With over 100 credits in the medium including over 400 commercial credits, Mothersbaugh is also co-owner of Mutato Muzika, an umbrella company that is home to a full-time staff of composers and music editors. www.mutato.com

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>> Sound On Sound And Thwak! Music Join Forces

Sound On Sound Recording (SOS) has announced a strategic alliance with recording artist/electronic drumming ace Tony Verderosa's Thwak! Music to offer original music for commercials on the premises of the world-class recording company located in the heart of Manhattan. Verderosa, a composer and executive producer himself, represents a roster of musicians and producers exclusively for spot music. "Thwak! Music offers Sound On Sound an exciting link to Madison Avenue," said Christopher Bubacz, chief operating officer of SOS. "Our alliance with Tony opens up a new market for us and provides Tony with a solid support network that enables him to react quickly to tight agency schedules with all the tools he needs at his fingertips." Thwak! Music has access to Sound On Sound's top-of-the-line resources primarily used by leading names in the music industry. Verderosa can tap any of the company's four recording and mixing rooms which offer video capture, lock to picture in all video formats and 42-inch plasma screens; all are 5.1 surround capable. "Tony's clients can walk out with video burned to a DVD, or Beta tape plus each studio and lounge is wired for T1 web access for project delivery via FTP or email. They can create, finish and deliver at one of the city's top sound and music facilities," added Bubacz. Thwak! Music has already completed an AT&T campaign and is working on an ongoing Dr. Pepper campaign at Sound On Sound. David Mann, Philippe Saisse, Teddy Kumpel, Jamie Myerson, Phil Clendeninn and DJ Josh Byrnes top the roster of established recording artists and producers whom Verderosa represents for original spot music. Verderosa and the Thwak! Music talent roster are ideal choices for agency producers looking to capitalize on the convergence of Madison Avenue and the recording industry which has given new spins to vintage hits and put today's performers behind the mics. "Most of us have established our reputation in the recording industry. We bring that wealth of experience to the table for each of our agency clients," Verderosa pointed out. Thwak! Music at Sound On Sound is outfitted with the latest music production tools including the Yamaha DTXTREME IIS sampling electronic drum set, a Yamaha Motif music production synthesizer which seamlessly integrates MIDI and audio phrases, Steinberg's Nuendo digital audio workstation, and a new Yamaha Birch Absolute Nouveau acoustic drum set, which Verderosa used on the latest AT&T and Dr. Pepper campaigns. For more information visit Sound on Sound at www.soundonsoundstudios.com and Thwak Music at www.thwak.com.

>> Weedfiles.com Seeks Indie Artists And Labels To Sign Into The Weed System

Weedfiles.com is a new website that uses a revolutionary file format to change the model of digital music file sharing. Weedfiles.com uses Weed(sm) file sharing technology (pat. pending) from Shared Media Licensing, Inc. to make it easy and cost effective for independent artists to make money through digital distribution of their music. Weedfiles.com signs artists into the Weed system, encodes their files and promotes and distributes their music online. Instead of spending thousands of dollars manufacturing CDs independent artists and labels are now empowered to make a profit almost immediately by converting their songs to Weed files. Already, thousands of songs have been converted to Weed files and distribution sites for the music have appeared in countries all over the world. Consumers now have the opportunity to seek out a substantial catalog of independent music, fairly compensate the artists for their work and make money promoting the music they love. How Weed Works: A digital music file is converted into a Weed file. A music fan can download a Weed file and listen to it on his computer three times for free. The fourth time he tries to play the song, a prompt asks for payment for the file. If the file is not purchased, it is locked forever and cannot be played again on that computer until it is paid for. If the music fan buys the song, it can be played on his computer, burned to audio CDs and transferred to portable devices. Then, if he chooses, he can resell the file on his own website, share the file through p2p networks, etc. If he sells that Weed file, he gets a percentage of the sale price. The seller also continues to earn money for two more generations of sales. The artist or rightsholder always gets 50% of each sale. Essentially, Weed offers a multi-tiered distribution strategy on top of a secure digital file format. Instead of trying to stop music fans from sharing their music, Weed encourages them to further distribute their favorite songs. And instead of punishing them for doing it, the system encourages fans and gives them legal financial incentive to continue to distribute their music. Effectively, this could turn millions of file sharing fans into the biggest and most influential sales force in history. For more information on Weedfiles.com, contact Jeff Leisawitz at (206) 547-4214 or visit www.weedfiles.com Weedfiles.com and SML/Weed (www.weedshare.com) are separate business entities.

>> EMI To Outsource Manufacturing

Putting an end to years of speculation on the issue, the EMI Group announced at the beginning of the month that it would outsource its disc manufacturing needs and close its facility in Jacksonville, IL. The major record company simultaneously announced a long-term agreement with Cinram International for the supply of CDs and DVDs to EMI labels that currently receive product from the Jacksonville facility. EMI also plans to transfer its CD and DVD manufacturing facility and associated assets in Uden, The Netherlands to MediaMotion, which will become the company's primary European CD/DVD manufacturer. As a result of the new agreements, EMI said, its manufacturing costs "will not only be reduced but will also become fully variable, insulating the business from the effects of changing volumes." The company expects the Uden transfer and the Jacksonville closure to be completed by the end of this summer, resulting in the cutting of some 900 jobs. EMI will still maintain its supply group, physical warehouse and distribution facilities and functions at both locations. The company will also retain its stake in its manufacturing joint-ventures in Japan (in partnership with Toshiba) and Australia (in partnership with Warner Music), and will keep its manufacturing facility in Canada as well. www.emigroup.com

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>> Bits & Pieces...

Rich Costey is now living and working in New York. He just finished mixing an album for
The (International) Noise Consipracy. For more information contact Frank McDonough, McDonough Management LLC. (805) 446-3370 fmcd@earthlink.net

The next Pro Tools|Users meeting will be held in Los Angeles, California after the Las Vegas NAB, on Thursday May 6th 2004 at 7:30PM. The topic under discussion will be Mixing inside and outside Pro Tools. It should be a great session for everyone. Bruce Botnik (The Doors, Rolling Stones) will share his mixing tips, we will be debating the merits of mixing inside your DAW and we will have special previews of the new Digidesign ICON, Command|8 and mixing products from Mackie and other leading manufacturers. If you're not already a Pro Tools|Users member, be sure to visit www.protoolsusers.org and join for news, information and your invitation to the next meeting in the first week of May 2004.

The new Narcotic Thrust single 'I Like It' is a new entry at no.9 in this weeks UK top 40. Dance production team Narcotic Thrust (Stuart Crichton and Andy Morris) are already well known for their debut single 'Safe From Harm', plus remixes for The Pet Shop Boys and Kylie Minogue, but 'I Like It' is the groups biggest hit to date. The top line to the track was written by Robert de Fresnes who is making a name for himself in the industry as a writer, producer and re-mixer. 'I Like It' is due to be released worldwide later on this year. For more information contact Zita McQ at Z Management at +(44) 208 874 3337.

Fits & Starts Productions, LLC begins its latest surround sound seminar tour on April 19, 2004. The tour covers six cities in Colorado and Idaho, and features surround sound authority Mike Sokol conducting a 3-hour, in-depth surround clinic. All seminars are free and open to the public. Go to www.fitsandstarts.com for dates, times and sites, and simply contact the local RSVP contacts listed. For sponsor information contact Hector La Torre, Fits & Starts Productions, 732-741-1275. Fits & Starts Productions is North America's leading provider of audio seminars and workshops for the professional and student. We have conducted over 300 surround seminars at colleges, AES sections and Recording Academy chapters.

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