>> Last Call --- Update Your Listing Or Else; We Are Releasing Another Print Directory

This is your last chance. RPM Direct and The Music Business Registry are teaming up again to bring you another print edition of the online directory found at RPMDirect.com. Please take a minute to review your online listing and notify us of any needed updates or changes. Go here for more information about how to update us. Send all updated discographies, client rosters and contact details to Info@rpmdirect.com. If you are interested in advertising in this directory please go here for affordable ad rates. We barter too - no reasonable offers refused. Meanwhile, please add us to your lists for your studio, client or company press. If you have recording industry related news, producer, engineer news, studio sessions news, announcements, producer client updates, pro audio product news, music for review or something else to contribute, send it to News@rpmdirect.com We Want to hear from you.

>> Client News from Mike's Artist Management

We recently caught up with Mike's Artist Management for a quick rundown of client news. Here's the latest: Nick Raskulinecz just finished up the highly anticipated double album for Foo Fighters for RCA. Nick also produced The Exies album "Head For The Door" who are currently on tour with Breaking Benjamin. Stuart Sikes recently worked on tracks for Be Your Own Pet for Rough Trade America and produced a track with the band for the Queen Tribute on Hollywood Records. Jim Dickinson was recently in London for the It Came From Memphis Festival at the Barbican, supported by MOJO. The North Mississippi All Stars were one of the many acts performing at the festival. Jim has also been busy with his own radio show that he has weekly on Thacker Mountain Radio in Mississippi. He will also be attending the Tape Op Convention as a guest on the panel board on June 9th and 10th. Paul Kolderie & Sean Slade recently finishe up the latest Spookie Daly Pride album, "Medicine Chest", for Funzalo Records. Paul and Sean have been very busy at their Camp Street Studios producing the latest album for Lost City Angels on StayGold Records, mixing the album "Back To The World" for The Street and working with great local bands The Explosion and Dear Leader. Steve Gallagher produced tracks for the upcoming Sugar Ray album and has been working with McG on the new album for Rodney Sheppard, the guitar player from Sugar Ray. Steve also recently mixed some tracks for the great upcoming band Lemon Sky with Azoff Music Management. Dusty Wakeman has been busy working at Mad Dog Studios on the Michelle Shocked album, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell. He also co-produced and played bass on the latest Anne McCue album, "Roll" on Messenger Records. Mike Terry just finished up the final touches on the Foo Fighters double album which he engineered and is available for upcoming projects. Andrew Weiss has been in the studio producing and mixing the latest Ween album on Sanctuary, which is a collection of their older material. He has also been busy composing/producing/recording many show openers and closers for The Sundance Channel. For more information contact Jessica Oseran at Mike's Artist Management (520) 628-8655

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>> Zoe Thrall Named Dir. Of Studio Operations for New Studio at The Palms, Las Vegas

The Palms Casino Resort's new recording facility, The Studio at The Palms, has hired former Hit Factory GM Zoe Thrall as director of studio operations. The first recording facility to be placed in a hotel resort and casino, The Studio is an integral part of the $600 million expansion of The Palms. The new studio is the brainchild of George Maloof, owner of The Palms and the Sacramento Kings, and Larry Rudolph, tv producer and former manager of Britney Spears and others. Prior to joining The Studio, Thrall was general manager at The Hit Factory in New York City, until its doors closed this past February. Thrall was the first woman named president of a major recording facility in the U.S. when she joined Avatar Studios New York in 1996. "We are excited to bring Zoe aboard to run our new studio," stated Maloof. "Her experience and impeccable sensibilities will be integral in guiding the venture to success." The Studio at The Palms is scheduled to open in November of 2005, an 8,000-sq. ft., multi-room studio, designed by the top New York-based design firm Francis Manzella Design. The facility will include a large tracking and mixing room with an SSL 9000K, 80 input mixing desk. A second studio with an acoustically identical control room and a mid-sized overdub booth will be available primarily for mixing. Through an exclusive arrangement with Harmon International (Lexicon, Crown, JBL, AKG and many other professional product lines) and an extensive selection of vintage equipment, the studio will provide a top-shelf selection of microphones, processing, amplification and recording equipment and will remain on the bleeding edge of recording studio technology. The Studio is part of a $600 million expansion to the The Palms. As it is an integral part of the Palms Casino Resort, The Studio will offer client amenities that are not available at any other recording destination. 24 hour a day VIP treatment is what the Palms Casino Resort is known for as it is already the choice of many music and sports celebrities when visiting Las Vegas. The new studio aims to increase the appeal for recording artists in scheduling more extended stays in Las Vegas. The Studio will also offer luxury suites 'wired' to the studio for the convenience of recording clients staying at the resort. There will also be portable DAW-based recording stations that can be brought to a guests room for a more private recording experience. The new studio will additionally feature a screening room complete with concierge and private access.

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>> Industry Pros Form Intelligent Acoustics

A team of architectural, acoustical design and pro audio industry veterans, including Courtney Spencer, Dave Malekpour, Ken Harrison, Beth Walters and John Storyk have announced the formation of Intelligent Acoustics, LLC. A full line supplier of acoustical materials and products, Intelligent Acoustics has been created to service a wide range of markets including audio and video studios, broadcast facilities, audiophile/home theaters, performance venues, houses of worship, schools, and corporate clients. Acoustical consulting services for IA customers will be provided by a team headed by leading studio designers and acousticians Dirk Noy and John Storyk. Intelligent Acoustics will also provide contractors and builders with expert assistance in applying or installing specialized acoustical materials and products. “Intelligent Acoustics (IA) has developed a range of its own acoustical products and will continue to expand this line,” states company president/CEO Courtney Spencer. Commenting on the reasons for creating Intelligent Acoustics, Dave Malekpour said, “We have felt for some time that there was a need for a comprehensive, full-service acoustical resource. There are other acoustical products companies and there are acoustical consultants, but very few can tie the various elements together and provide a complete one-stop solution that’s convenient and affordable. That is the mission of Intelligent Acoustics.” Courtney Spencer has over 30 years of experience in the audio industry, and was VP of Sony’s pro audio division from 1989 to 2001. Dave Malekpour is the founder and owner of Boston-based Professional Audio Design, a studio integrator, equipment supplier and the exclusive seller of certified pre-owned SSL Consoles. Ken Harrison is an award-winning contractor specializing in stretched fabric systems and related installed acoustical products. Beth Walters and John Storyk are principals of Walters-Storyk Design Group. One of the world’s leading studio architectural and acoustical design firms, WSDG has designed over 2000 studios and audio facilities throughout world. Intelligent Acoustics is based in Montville, New Jersey. Contact information: Courtney Spencer Intelligent Acoustics, LLC Phone: (973) 263-3950 Or visit www.iacoustics.com

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>> Howard Benson Rolls With Productions for My Chemical Romance and The Used

Nettwerk Producer Management client Howard Benson is having a phenomenal year so far in 2005. Not only has Howard had 5 records in the Billboard Top 200 over the past month (Hoobastank, My Chemical Romance, Trust Company, Papa Roach and Theory Of A Deadman) Howard produced the My Chemical Romance and The Used's cover version of the classic Queen and David Bowie track “Under Pressure.” The new version of the song has become one of the top downloaded tracks on iTunes. All of the money generated by the track on iTunes is going to benefit victims of the devastating Tsunami’s that hit Southeast Asia earlier this year. Howard has also been working on albums for Vendetta Red, All American Rejects, Evan Taubenfeld, Flyleaf and tracks for The Starting Line and Fefe Dobson among others. For more information contact Alia Fahlborg, Nettwerk Producer Management at 310 855 0668 or via email at alia@nettwerk.com.

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>> Rupert Neve Returns To Manufacturing With Portico Series

Mr. Rupert Neve has returned to manufacturing with a series of all-analogue products that will be released during 2005 under his own brand, Rupert Neve Designs, following over 15 years of design consultation for others. Custom designed transformers, very short signal paths, minimal negative feedback plus single-sided transformer-coupled amplifier designs form the essential building blocks for the new Rupert Neve Designs Portico product range. The series includes meticulously crafted modules that comprise all the principal elements for sound control. The first Rupert Neve Designs Portico unit to be launched will be the 5012 Duo Mic Pre, a dual-channel microphone preamplifier that incorporates a number of unique features. The classic warmth and presence of Mr. Neve's renowned audio circuit designs may be added to both outputs through the front panel "Silk" switch. The first of an integrated series of Portico products, the 5012 Duo Mic Pre will be joined by equalization, filtering, dynamics control, assignment, mixing and monitoring modules, and even a tape emulation channel. Existing high quality, transformer-coupled modules, including those genuinely of Mr. Neve’s design, may be confidently used within the Portico module chain. During the past two decades Mr. Rupert Neve, revered for his vintage mixing console designs, put his audio design talents to work for a number of manufacturers under the ARN Consultants LLC moniker, including Amek, Legendary Audio Masterpiece Mastering, Summit Audio and Taylor Guitars. Now trading as Rupert Neve Designs, the company recently expanded its staff roster and moved into larger premises in Wimberley, TX to meet the increasing demand for products embodying the principles of very high musical quality that has become synonymous with Mr. Neve's name over the years. For further information on the Rupert Neve Designs PorticoSeries, please visit www.rupertneve.com.

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The Nashville Association of Professional Recording Services held their annual membership meeting at ASCAP conference room in Nashville where the 2005 board was elected. The new board consists of : Scott Paschall of Sound Emporium, Steve Tveit of OmniSound, Laura Morena of Platinum Lab Recording, Janet Leese of Starstruck Studios, Vance Powell of Blackbird Studios, Mark Greenwood of Quad Nashville, Sharon Corbitt of Sound Kitchen, Barry Cardinael of Iron Mountain, David Martin of Nashville Source, Ryan Smith of Shure Inc, and Rolff Zwiep of Blackbird Rentals. The 2005 NAPRS officers core were also elected. They are as follows: President, Rolff Zweip; Vice Presidents Carl Tatz and Janet Leese; Treasurer, Michael Koreiba; Secretary Laura Morena; Sergeant-at-Arms, Scott Paschall; Executive Director, Tamera Petrash; and Chairman Barry Cardinael. This meeting also served as an opportunity for the new NAPRS board and officers to outline the agenda items that the organization will focus on this year. They include, but are not limited to: seeking health insurance opportunities for members, creating a town hall panel discussion with local A&R professionals, and marketing initiatives that reach out via the web and embrace new markets for Nashville recording scene exposure. For more information about NAPRS or visit www.NAPRS.org or to become a corporate sponsor call Chairman Barry Cardinael at 615-641-7812.

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>> Advanced Alternative Media (AAM) Client Update

Checking in with AAM, we find their clients to be busier than ever. Rob Schnapf recently produced debut albums from Nine Black Alps (Island UK – Nick Gatfield / Interscope – Luke Wood) and Marjorie Fair (Capitol – Julian Raymond) as well as the new album from The Redwalls (Capitol - Julian Raymond). Rob is currently producing and mixing the new Starsailor album (EMI – Chris Briggs). Jerry Finn is in the studio with AFI (Interscope – Luke Wood), producing the follow-up to Sing The Sorrow. Jerry recently produced and mixed several tracks for The Offspring (Columbia – Tim Devine). Chris Shaw recently mixed several tracks from The Crimea’s upcoming album (WB – Perry Watts-Russell) and is currently producing and mixing The Exit's new album on Wind-Up (Diana Meltzer / Greg Wattenberg). Mike Birnbaum is currently producing Coheed & Cambria's forthcoming album on Columbia (Matt Pinfield). Brian Deck recently produced and mixed Iron & Wine's EP, Woman King (Sub Pop – Jonathan Poneman) and mixed the Alaska! album Rescue Through Tomahawk (Altitude). Brian is currently in the studio producing Josh Ritter’s upcoming album (V2 – Scott Graves). Brad Wood is currently producing the new album from The Working Title (Universal – Kevin Law). Matt Bayles recently produced Minus The Bear’s upcoming album (Suicide Squeeze) as well as Mastodon's latest release Leviathan (Relapse). Matt’s upcoming projects include Scars Of Tomorrow (Victory) and From Ashes Rise (Jade Tree). Brian McTernan is currently producing June's debut album on Victory (Tony Brummel) and recently produced new albums from Scary Kids Scaring Kids (Immortal – Jason Markey), Biology (Vagrant), Circa Survive (EVR), and Bane (EVR). J Robbins recently finished mixing and producing Clutch's upcoming album (DRT – Derek Schulman). Next, J will be producing and mixing new records from Against Me! (Fat) and Glasgow’s Stapleton (Gravity DIP). Thom Manahan recently produced and mixed the forthcoming Pernice Brothers album (Ashmont) with Joe Pernice. Thom is currently in the studio working with Devendra Banhart. GGGarth Richardson recently produced From Autumn To Ashes' forthcoming album (Vagrant – Rich Egan / Wayne Pighini), as well as new albums from Still Remains (Roadrunner – Mike Gitter), The Adored (Columbia – David Andreone) and Bloodsimple (WB – Damon Booth). For more information, contact Andy Kipnes, Mark Beaven, Heather Hawkins, Mio Vukovic, Becky Scott, Tara Kelly, or Justin Gressley Advanced Alternative Media 212-924-2929.

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Potent Orange County punk metal rockers Avenged Sevenfold have completed their third album at LA's renowned Ocean Way Recording Studios. Sessions in Studio B, equipped with a vintage/customized API console, included a 14-piece orchestral string date. The album was produced by Andrew "Mudrock" Murdock, known for his work with such groups as Godsmack, Powerman 5000, Eighteen Visions, and Alice Cooper. The Warner Bros. album, titled "City of Evil" is slated for early summer release, coinciding with the band's appearance in the nationwide Warped Tour '05. For information about Ocean Way, visit the website: www.oceanwayrecording.com. For bookings, call 323.467.9375

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>> New NIN Single Released As GarageBand File

Trent Reznor has released "The Hand That Feeds," the first single off NIN's new album, With Teeth, as an Apple GarageBand file for fans to remix. The 70 MB download is available on www.nin.com. Introducing the concept to fans, Reznor had this to say: "For quite some time I've been interested in the idea of allowing you the ability to tinker around with my tracks--to create remixes, experiment, embellish or destroy what's there. I tried a few years ago to do this in shockwave with very limited results. After spending some quality time sitting in hotel rooms on a press tour, it dawned on me that the technology now exists and is already in the hands of some of you. I got to work experimenting and came up with something I think you'll enjoy. What I'm giving you in this file is the actual multitrack audio session for 'The Hand That Feeds' in GarageBand format. This is the entire thing bounced over from the actual Pro Tools session we recorded it into. I imported and converted the tracks into AppleLoop format so the size would be reasonable and the tempo flexible. So... You need a Macintosh and you need GarageBand 2.0. If you have a newer Mac, you already have the software. The more RAM you have the better. I did this on a PowerBook 1.67 w/ 2G RAM but it has been running on far less powerful systems. Drag the file over to your hard disk and double click it. Hit the space bar. Listen. Change the tempo. Add new loops. Chop up the vocals. Turn me into a woman. Replay the guitar. Anything you'd like. I gave this to my crew and band to test out and all work effectively stopped for a while--it's fun to mess around with. I've now heard a country version of the track as well as an abstract Latin interpretation... Giving this away is an experiment. I'm interested to see what comes of it, what issues are raised and what the results are. Have fun." ---- Trent Reznor. The album, due out in stores on May 3, is being released on standard CD, DualDisc and vinyl. The DualDisc contains the standard album as well as advanced resolution stereo and 5.1 surround sound mixed by Reznor and James Brown. GarageBand

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May 28 - 31, 2005 will mark two important events in Barcelona. The 118th AES Pro Audio Expo & Convention has selected the Catalan Capital as its host city and, the spectacular new Centre Convencions Internacional Barcelona (CCIB) will celebrate its first birthday. Designed by architect José Luis Mateo, the new convention centre is considered one of Spain’s most breathtaking examples of modern architecture. As the venue for the first AES convention in Barcelona, the CCIB will host thousands of audio professionals travelling from around the world to participate in this historic event. Designed for physical convenience as well as sheer beauty, the CCIB is ideal for the 118th AES Convention. The Complex is conveniently situated close to the sea, the city, nearby hotels, a wide variety of restaurants and a modern shopping centre. The Metro, a new Tramway and frequent busses provide brief rides from the CCIB to Placa Catalunya in the heart of the city. A high-speed train leaves departs from there to the airport at 20- minute intervals. “Barcelona is a vibrant cosmopolitan city,” said AES executive director Roger Furness. “We are confident that AES members will embrace it as an attractive new destination point for our European conventions.” For current news on the AES 118th Convention visit www.aes.org

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>> Bennett Studios Spring Sessions News

We caught up with Englewood, NJ's Bennett Studios for the latest sessions run down. Legendary producer / keyboards Jason Miles was back in the North and South Rooms for a second round of ALL-STAR Tracking with singer Suzy Bogguss. Guests included Chris Parker (drums), T-Bone Wolk (bass), and James Genus (Upright Bass). Brian Dozoretz engineered the live tracking sessions. Interpol invaded Bennett Studios' South Room with Bob Mould (Husker Du, Sugar, Blue) producing a remix on the SSL 4080 G+. Drummer Sam Fogarino and Bob Mould worked with Albeton Live on the "electronic" arrangement of the Interpol Re-Mix before it was mixed on the SSL by Brian Dozoretz. Kevin Shirley completed a week of production with Estonian Rock Band House of Games. Brian Dozoretz engineered on the Neve in the North Room, and then Kevin Shirley mixed on the SSL in our South Room. Kevin and Michael Bacon, brought their band back for their second CD project as The Bacon Brothers. Dae Bennett is handling the tracking, Mixing, and Mastering in the North, South and Pro Tools Suite's. Bennett Studios Owner / Chief Engineer Dae Bennett provided our unique 5.1 Treatment for Post Production on the new DVD for Amici (the world's first opera band) Bennett Studios regular, Mitch Maketansky produced the sessions in Bennett Studios South Room. For more information visit Bennett Studios

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>> Breathing Protection Client Update

Breathing Protection's Dave Fridmann recently produced new albums for Low, Mercury Rev, and Sleater-Kinney. He is working on the surround sound remix of The Flaming Lips Soft Bulletin (Warner Bros.) after the completion of the acclaimed surround sound mix of The Lips’ Yoshimi. John Agnello recorded and mixed the new album by The Kills, No Wow, and will be behind the boards for the upcoming Son Volt album. TV On The Radio's Desperate Youths, Bloodthirsty Babes, co-mixed and recorded by Paul Mahajan, went on to win the Shortlist Music Prize. Paul also recorded The National's acclaimed new album Alligator. Tony Doogan recently produced Modern Dog, whose single "Found" went o #1 in their native Thailand. Doogan also continued his longtime collaboration with fellow Glaswegians The Delgados on their new critically acclaimed album, Universal Audio (Chemikal Underground) as well as Belle & Sebastian’s critically and commercially successful Dear Catastrophe Waitress (Rough Trade). Bill Racine continues to receive great notice for his work on Rogue Wave’s debut album for Sub Pop. Sandy Pearlman continues to push the envelope by proposing to combat illegal file sharing by selling all songs for 5 cents. Sandy is currently serving as the technology mastermind to various internet companies and is a visiting scholar at McGill University while continuing to run San Francisco bay area studio Alpha & Omega. Bill Whitten recently put the finishing touches on the next Grand Mal album after the critically acclaimed Bad Timing (Arena Rock). Here's what the New York Times said about the band: "Grand Mal mixes three parts Rolling Stones, one part Velvet Underground and the wit to come up with lines like, "I'm going home I can't sit still/When I'm with you I feel incurably ill," for rock with an unabashed swagger." For more information contact Peter Shershin at Breathing Protection.

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>> Digidesign Launches Pro Tools 6.9 With Post Production And Mixing Enhancements

Digidesign recently announced Pro Tools 6.9 software, which brings a new cross-platform feature set to Pro Tools|HD and Pro Tools LE systems, with an emphasis on post production and advanced mixing functionality. Pro Tools 6.9 software works with Avid Mojo and Digidesign AVoption|V10 video I/O peripherals and the Avid Media Station|PT companion application to give video post production facilities an integrated audio-for-video solution that is both powerful and affordable. With deeper support for hardware interfaces, new software features, tighter integration with Avid picture systems, and a broader range of file standards, Pro Tools 6.9 software provides the key to smooth collaboration throughout the post and broadcast production cycle. Audio mixing functionality is greatly enhanced as well. Both experienced Pro Tools users and engineers who are more familiar with traditional consoles will benefit from powerful new software features that streamline mixing. By combining support for the new medium-format ICON D-Command tactile worksurface, new capabilities for ICON D-Control systems such as inline console emulation, new automation features, AFL/PFL Solo, and more, Pro Tools 6.9 software makes creating great mixes faster and more intuitive than ever. Pro Tools 6.9 software also delivers additional features that will benefit all Pro Tools|HD and Pro Tools LE system owners. Pro Tools 6.9 includes the powerful new high-resolution EQ III plug-in to help fine-tune your tracks, and it enables users to organize all plug-ins by type and/or manufacturer. In addition, Pro Tools 6.9 offers enhanced integration with third-party sound library managers on Windows XP and incorporates a "Send to DigiDelivery" command to facilitate collaboration through the DigiDelivery file delivery system. Pro Tools 6.9 software combines features introduced in Pro Tools 6.4, 6.6, and 6.7 software. It is available as a free update for Pro Tools|HD system owners with Pro Tools 6.4 software or later and for Pro Tools LE system owners with Pro Tools 6.7. For more information visit www.digidesign.com

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>> Bits & Pieces...

Death Cab For Cutie recently recorded basic tracks in the Barn at Long View Studios. At the Neve 8078 was producer/engineer, and Death Cab guitarist, Chris Walla, working with assistant Mike Lapierre. The Massachusettes-based Bose Corporation also booked Long View recently for some 5.1 surround sound recording and mixing in The Farmhouse, equipped with a Trident A Range console and Digidesign's Pro Tools. Producer Steve Ruggere worked with sound designers Fran Flannery and Ian Hatton, and engineer Steve Drown on these sessions for Bose. Long View Recording Studios www.longviewstudios.com

Tsunami Entertainment welcomes producer/writer/programmer/mixer Chris Vrenna to the producer roster.
Chris' work can be heard on seminal recordings by Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, Killing Joke and others. Chris co-produced Cold’s Gold debut for Flip/Geffen and his solo albums under the moniker Tweaker feature appearances from legends such as Robert Smith, Johnny Marr and David Sylvian. Chris has been playing drums on Marilyn Manson's recent tour and working on videogames including the forthcoming AREA 51 game (scoring) and DOOM 3 (producing/writing). For more information contact Adam Katz at Tsunami Entertainment (323) 210-2525 x129

Producer Anthony J. Resta recently signed a publishing deal with universal and has been working on beats and bass lines for a potential DMC/Steven Tyler duet as well as Ethereal Girl Donna Delory’s next solo CD, and Teen Prodigy Millie Manning's next CD. Other Collaborations include Russian Super Model Songstress Andrea Surova’s Sophmore Release, Dave Caira’s self titled Debut, Prog rockers Common Thrill, Zoe’s Choice. For more info visit www.anthonyjresta.com

Detroit garage rockers the White Stripes have finished their fifth album, Get Behind Me Satan. Guitarist/vocalist Jack White and drummer Meg White worked at a frenzied pace at Jack's Detroit home studio, and then mixed the album with John Hampton at Memphis' Ardent Studios. The June release of the 13-track follow-up to 2003's Grammy-winning Elephant is preceded by the release of the first single, "Blue Orchid," and the launch of a tour of Central and South America beginning in May. Visit Ardent Studios at www.ardentstudios.com

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