>> Send Us Your News, Your Press, Your Audio For Review

Summer is here. Do you know where your next recording project is? RPM Direct Inc. and The Music Business Registry have again partnered to publish the 2nd Edition Producer & Engineer print Directory. To order the 2nd Edition Producer & Engineer Directory go to www.rpmdirect.com, or call 1-800-377-7411. If you have recording industry related press, 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.

>> Steven Scharf Entertainment Producer/Composer Activity

Julius "Juice" Butty - Hamilton, Ontario based "Juice" has just finished the follow up CD to Alexionfire's Multi-Platinum "Watch Out " CD at his Silo Recording Studios and Metalworks. CD is due out late Summer/Early Fall on Distort/Universal in Canada. Recent records "Juice" has produced include the City & Colour CD "Sometimes" on Dine Alone Records which has been certified Gold in Canada; Protest The Hero's "Kezia" CD just released in the U.S. on Vagrant/Universal and the debut "Great Lakes" CD for The Gorgeous on Distort/Universal. Mark Suozzo - Based in New York, Mark's score can heard in the new Feature film "The Notorious Bettie Page", Starring Gretchen Mol. The film was Produced by HBO/Killer Films and directed by Mary Harron. 5 pieces of Mark's Score can be found on the Original Soundtrack CD from Lakeshore Entertainment. Rob Friedman - Based in New York, Rob has just joined the producer roster at Steven Scharf Entertainment. Rob produced, recorded, mixed and played on the debut CD "Nothing To Say" by Ali Eskandarian at his little life studios in New York. The CD was also mastered by Mark Wilder at Sony Music Studios. Rob has also recorded, mixed and played on the forthcoming Dan Zanes "Catch That Train" CD for Festival 5/Hear Music Records to be released in May. This is the 4th CD that Rob has done with Dan. Rob has also produced, recorded mixed and played on the Dragonflys debut "When We All Come Home" CD on Dflys Records featuring the keyboard talents of Rob Barraco of the Re-formed Grateful Dead and Phil Lesh's Band. Rob is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter (Co-writer of "Don't Shed A Tear" for Paul Carrack). Barry Goldberg - based in Los Angeles Barry has most recently produced the Live CD/DVD release "Buried Alive In The Blues" for The Chicago Blues Reunion, which he is a member of, on Out The Box Records. The CD garnered a 4 star review from David Fricke in Rolling Stone magazine. Barry also produced last years Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductee Percy Sledge's CD "Shining Through The Rain" for Varese Sarabande Records. Michael Vail Blum - based in Los Angeles Michael has just produced, recorded and mixed the debut CD "Oasis Motel" for L.A. based singer-songwriter Julia Othmer. Michael has also recorded, mixed and mastered the Live CD/DVD release "Buried Alive In The Blues" for The Chicago Blues Reunion on Out The Box Records and recorded and mixed Percy Sledge's CD "Shining Through The Rain" for Varese Sarabande Records. Miles Wilkinson - based in Nashville, but always mobile, Miles has been making records on his portable TAWS system both in the U.S. and Canada. Recent production projects include the Virginia based Doug & Telisha Williams "Barroom Stories" CD for No Evil Records; the late Billy Cowsill's Co-Dependents "Live At The Crystal Ballroom CD for Indelible Music; Karla Anderson's "The Embassy Sessions" for Indelible Music and Mike Gouchi's "Bad Boys And Angels " CD for Alberta Arts Foundation. Miles also recorded Darrell Scott's "Live From North Carolina" for Full Light Records, recorded, mixed and mastered Wayne Scott's "This Weary Way" CD also for Full Light Records and recorded and mixed Johnsmith's "Break Me Open" for Blue Pine Productions. For more information contact Steven Scharf at SSCHARF@carlinamerica.com or visit www.stevenscharf.com

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>> 120th AES Committee Provides Insights Into Paris

With only days remaining before the opening of the 120th AES Pro Audio Expo & Convention in Paris, members of the Convention Committee have provided some insights into the program. Convention Chairman Klaus Blasquiz reports, “I’m proud to say that we created the most comprehensive program ever seen at a European AES Convention. I am confident that every visitor will find something of value, both in terms of industry news and in specific information. My particular favorite is the growing trend towards HD in all fields of audio. I see HD as a very positive development in our industry, as it puts the focus back on high quality audio.” The Paper and Poster Sessions cover an extremely broad range of topics at this year’s convention. “We have designed a very compact and multifaceted paper program, which together with the parallel poster sessions, will provide visitors with an intimate and informative atmosphere,” says Papers Co-Chair Mike Williams on the concept behind this year’s sessions. Workshop Co-Chair Claire Mérienne, points to the integration of different areas of Broadcasting as the strong ingredient of the Workshops: “We have designed a total of 16 different topics, and made sure to integrate the most timely issues. Two of my favorite Workshops are 5.1 in Broadcast (W15) and Audio Quality Measurement in New Media (W13).” Workshop Co-Chair Phillippe Herzog adds “I am certain that the topic of networking will also become a highlight. The Audio via IP (W4) Workshop is sure to generate a great deal of interest.” The AES Convention is much more than just a forum to showcase the latest innovations, it is also designed to provide visitors with a strong focus on the fundamentals. “The tutorials at the 120th Convention will give attendees a wonderful opportunity to learn about basic issues in digital audio, such as filters and low bit-rate coding, or practical matters such as choosing a live sound system for a venue,” says Francis Rumsey, Chair of the Tutorial program. Rumsey is especially passionate about two topics: “Jeff Levison will lead a tutorial on Mastering for Multichannel Audio, and,” he adds, “there will be a critically important session on the Causes and Prevention of Hearing Loss – a must for all sound engineers.” The 120th AES Pro Audio Expo & Convention runs from May 20th to the 23rd at the Paris Expo. Visitors can pre-register at www.aes.org.

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>> The Grand Opening of New SAE Location In Hollywood

SAE Institute, the world's largest educator in pro audio and multimedia, has opened its new 6565 Sunset Boulevard campus in the heart of Hollywood, CA, and started classes in January. The new facility offers SAE's world-class pro audio facilities and instructors to the crucial Hollywood audio, post production and multimedia/film markets. This continued expansion of SAE's network of worldwide facilities, headquartered in Byron Bay, Australia, marks its 4th U.S. campus to date, with further locations planned in the near future. Offering SAE's hands-on education and industry involvement, the Los Angeles campus encompasses the latest in pro audio technology and network integration for its 25 purpose-built studios, control rooms and workstations. The 19,000 square-foot facility will include an integrated mixing theater, blue screen stage and three surround sound-equipped studios. Course offerings will include Audio Technology (diploma), Digital Film Producer (diploma) and Electronic Music Producer (certificate). All students completing the Audio Technology curriculum will participate in interactive demonstrations lectures from top artists, engineers, and producers in the industry. Students also have the option to continue their education to obtain a university degree in conjunction with SAE's worldwide academic partners. Educational partnerships with industry leaders Apple and Digidesign provide each student with their own laptop computer with a complete Pro Tools recording setup and built-in ireless networking for seamless data and audio integration throughout the facility. Additional technology and student incentive programs will be supplied by Blue Sky, Focusrite, Guitar Center and SE Microphones, among others. Commenting on the announcement, SAE Institute founder and CEO, Tom Misner, stated "We are proud to expand our world network of facilities to Hollywood at such an exciting time in the audio industry. The Hollywood facility, besides its obvious advantages in location, will serve as a west coast center for audio technology and multimedia education from which we will continue to offer SAE's unique combination of top-notch instruction and world-class facilities." Visit SAE Institute Los Angeles at www.sae-la.com

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>> Switchfoot's Jerome Fontamillas Chooses Korg

Alt-rock favorites Switchfoot have toured practically nonstop for over 10 years, playing to an ever-growing fan base. Most recently, they’ve been out supporting their gold album Nothing Is Sound, the follow-up to 2003’s major success, The Beautiful Letdown. Jerome Fontamillas, keyboardist and self-styled ‘tweaker’ for Switchfoot, showcases a few pieces of essential road gear on tour: the new Korg TR Music Workstation, along with his KP2 KAOSS Pad and microKORG. Fontamillas comments, “There are a couple of things Korg does that no other keyboard companies do. There is this feature called RPPR (Realtime Pattern Play/Recording) that no other keyboard manufacturers can emulate. And because Switchfoot is a live band, we have to trigger everything live. That function is the one thing I value most about my Korg gear. The new TR has it, and when I was using the TRITON Classic, it had it as well. I love it.” Fontamillas adds, “I grew up in an analog world, so everything I know and learned about keyboards had to do with tweaking knobs, filters and oscillators. When I saw the new Korg RADIAS it really got my juices flowing. The possibilities are endless. I do use an analog keyboard live, and I’m thinking the RADIAS has a lot of versatility. I could see myself using it live.” Switchfoot, already heading out on their second tour of 2006, have completed a new video for the single “We Are One Tonight.” For more information, visit www.switchfoot.com or www.myspace.com/switchfoot.

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>> Recording Academy's P&E Wing Returns As Video Games Live Sponsor

For the second consecutive year, the Producers and Engineers Wing (P&E Wing) of The Recording Academy was a key sponsor of Video Games Live, an immersive concert event featuring music from the world's most popular video games performed by live orchestra and choir combined with synchronized lighting and video. Video Games Live took place at the San Jose Civic Center on March 24, 2006, as the cap to the successful Game Developers Conference held there March 22 – 24. The Game Developers Conference is the world's largest gathering of game creators, where more than 12,000 attendees enjoyed more than 300 lectures, panels, tutorials and roundtable discussions on a comprehensive selection of game development topics by leading industry experts. Increasingly, games utilize music in the form of scoring and songs. In recognition of this, the Producers & Engineers Wing helped sponsor both the 4th Annual G.A.N.G. (Game Audio Network Guild) Awards, which honors top achievers in the field of game audio, and Video Games Live. "The game industry has become an incredible new outlet for music of all kinds, with tremendous opportunities for composers, engineers, producers and musicians," observes P&E Wing Executive Director Maureen Droney. "It’s a really exciting time in this field, and the P&E Wing is thrilled to help support and acknowledge the innovation and creativity of the game music community." The Video Games Live performance included memorable melodies and songs from hit games old and new including "Myst," "Dragon's Lair," "Punch Out," "Tetris," "The Legend Of Zelda," and "Sonic The Hedgehog." Placing the thrill and emotional power of game music and audio before a live audience, VGL showcases the extent to which games and music now relate, and how interactive the experience of gaming and music has become. An especially powerful moment from the show highlighted the game "Medal Of Honor" by showing actual World War II footage as music from the game was performed live. Executive Producer/CEO of Video Games Live and P&E Wing member Tommy Tallarico, one of the game industry's leading music producers, states, "Video game music has really come of age over the past five years and is just as important and legitimate as any film or television score. The Recording Academy and the P&E Wing represent a standard of prestige and quality, not only from within the music industry, but to the entire world as well. To have them be associated and committed to what we are doing is an incredible honor that we are very fortunate and grateful to have." Tallarico, also President/Founder of the G.A.N.G. and host, writer and co-producer of "The Electric Playground" and "Judgment Day" television shows, was the first musician to release a videogame soundtrack worldwide (TT's Greatest Hits Vol. 1 on Capitol Records) and also helped create and produce the longest running videogame TV show in history ("The Electric Playground"). For more information visit Grammy.com

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>> BMI Forecasts U.S. Ringtones Sales to Hit $600 Million in 2006

BMI released its annual projection for U.S. ringtone sales in 2006, predicting that the music ringtone market will surpass $600 million in retail sales, up from $500 million in calendar year 2005. BMI pegged the market at $245 million in 2004 and $68 million in 2003, respectively. BMI's estimates are based on more than 360 million individual, detailed ringtone transactions analyzed by the organization over the past seven consecutive quarters. BMI tracks census sales data on more than 325 outlets for the sale of mobile entertainment in the U.S. "We see the market maturing in 2006 with growth fueled by an increase in multimedia handsets and more aggressive marketing by wireless carriers," said BMI vice president of business development, Richard Conlon. "We believe that the market will grow by 20 percent for the ringtone sector alone in '06. We also see 2006 as the make or break year for the ringback tone market, which is still in the novelty phase in the United States. Additional music-based revenues should be realized from mobile subscription music services, which have just begun U.S. roll out." Since entering the market in 2001, BMI has tracked and processed more than 360,000,000 individual ringtone sales by title, artist and gross retail revenues generated. BMI's database of earnings and titles is believed to be the most comprehensive in the industry. BMI uses the data that it collects to distribute public performance royalties on a pro-rated basis to its affiliated songwriters, composers and music publishers. Visit BMI at www.bmi.com

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>> Sugababes Push The Focusrite Button

Snake Newton is giving some of the most popular bands in the world a better live sound, thanks in no small part to several Focusrite Liquid Channels. 20 years ago Snake Newton got into sound engineering 'by mistake' as he thought that giving his band of the time a better sound would get them noticed. And to a certain degree his thinking paid off. The band didn't get noticed but Snake's quality sound did and soon his services were in demand the world over. "Since 1999 I have done two years with the Pet Shop Boys, three years with Craig David and two and a half years with Duran Duran who exploded back on the live scene having reformed in their original line up. I have also worked, mixing FOH, on many TV Award shows including the MTV Europe awards, the MOBOs and the Brits, and have supervised the band mix at dozens of TV and radio performances around the world." That's quite a resume and Snake's latest tour saw him oversee the live sound of one of the world's hottest girl bands, the Sugababes, during which time his Focusrite Liquid Channels played a huge role. "I have spent the last eight months with the Sugababes having just finished a highly successful British tour," he explains. "I used the Liquid Channel for the first time on this tour. The effects and dynamics onboard my Yamaha desk are excellent but with the Sugababes there were times in the set when I felt the vocals weren't quite sitting correctly. I tried a Liquid Channel on Heidi's vocal, set on a combination that I was convinced would work from previous experience in the studio with them, and it worked a treat. The next day I deployed two more Liquids on Amelle and Kiesha. All three were now on the Liquid Transformer pre and 1176 emulation." "The Liquid has such a variety of pres and compressors that it means that you only really need the one box. There is no need to try different hardware during production anymore because it's all there at your fingertips. It's so simple to just change the pre/comp and you haven't got to justify the extra cost of getting another piece of equipment delivered just to try it out." Snake is currently on tour with Darren Hayes, formally of Savage Garden. After that he will be going back into the studio. "I can't wait to hear the results [using Liquid Channel] in the studio," he says. "It makes a big difference live so what the results will be like in the studio I can only imagine!" Further information from www.focusrite.com

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Cups 'N Strings Studios, launched in 2002, has relocated nearby to a newly expanded facility designed to accommodate growth and diversification. The studio continues as a full service Santa Monica recording center--featuring voiceovers, surround mixing, mastering, post-production, as well as restoration and archiving to a variety of analog and digital formats. Adjacent within the new facility is DNS Digital Post, which has formed a strategic alliance with Cups 'N Strings. DNS offers both offline and online TV and film post-production, featuring the Avid Symphony with real-time color correction, plus Sapphire visual effects and Boris motion graphics. Three additional Avid bays are available for rental or with DNS staff editors. "Basically, we can now offer true one-stop video and audio post," explained Bruce Maddocks, Cups 'N Strings founder and chief engineer. "DNS can prepare all video assets offline, assemble edit lists, pull the shots together and then Cups can add any voiceovers, other sound elements, and prepare the audio mix. Then DNS does the online work, color correction, audio layback, and final output." "With Cups 'N Strings right down the hallway, we eliminate messengering tapes back and forth across town for audio fixes," remarked Doug Nolan, DNS owner/editor. "This can literally save days on a project with a tight deadline. We are also fully networked here for easy and instantaneous swapping of files." Maddocks added, "The client can have an entire project completed here very efficiently and once finished, we can upload everything to our FTP site through our T1 lines, or deliver by traditional overnight services or couriers." For more information contact Cups 'N Strings 310-453-1615

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>> Studios Piccolo Takes A Big Step Up With Solid State Logic AWS 900

Studios Piccolo, located in Montreal, Quebec, was named Studio of the Year in six of the last seven years by Canadian music industry trade association ADISQ, and has enjoyed a surge in session activity and subsequent hit songs since the installation of a Solid State Logic AWS 900 Analogue Workstation System in Studio C. "It's a big step up for that control room," says Studios Piccolo co-owner Denis Savage, who also serves as the sound designer and front of house engineer for Celine Dion's long-running show, A New Day, in Las Vegas. "To me, it was a simple decision: either I get a DAW controller for roughly the same price, or I get an extra 24 channels of SSL analog processing. The AWS 900 is like having a mini SSL console plus a DAW control surface, all in one. "After a trial period in Las Vegas, my mind was quickly set: this board was designed for us." Artists in the AWS 900-equipped Studio C, designed by Montreal-based architectural firm Bosses Design, have included Celine Dion, Roch Voisine, Garou and Amélie Veille, along with clients such as Sony/BMG, Warner Music, Universal Music and Cisco Systems. In addition, many producers and engineers working in Studio C have testified to the AWS 900's superior attributes. "Welcome to the new way of mixing," remarked François Eric Lalonde. The AWS 900, added Ghyslain Luc Lavigne, is "the best of both worlds. Switching from analog to digital so quickly is amazing!" Many of Studios Piccolo's clients are using Logic as well as Pro Tools and other DAW platforms, Savage reports, so the AWS 900's compatibility with various professional recording systems was important. "It's the only analog console that is also a controller for Pro Tools and Logic and Digital Performer, so it allows us to switch from one platform to the other while always having the 24x8 analog console," he explains. "That was a major plus, because a lot of producers are using Logic these days." The AWS 900's monitoring section was also important, says Savage. "It is a full monitoring console, like a larger SSL. It's something you don't find on anything else. We have a booth in that studio, so the AWS 900 allows us to track in there as well—we've done drums that sound really great." For more information visit Studios Piccolo online at www.studiopiccolo.com

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>> Digidesign Brings Back Hardware Exchange Programs

Digidesign is bringing back its popular ExchangePack plug-in offer one last time, allowing customers to exchange legacy Pro Tools hardware for Pro Tools|HD systems at the lowest prices ever, while getting up to $14,600 in free plug-ins. This special offer is available through May 22 and will not be extended. Digidesign is also announcing an exchange program for ProControl owners interested in moving up to an ICON D-Control worksurface. Customers can take advantage of up to $19,000 in trade-in value if they act before June 16. When customers exchange their Digidesign Pro Tools|24 MIX system or another legacy Pro Tools system up to a Pro Tools|HD 2 Accel or Pro Tools|HD 3 Accel system before May 22, they will receive the lowest exchange prices and be able to select additional ExchangePack plug-ins valued at up to $14,600-for free. Pro Tools customers who didn't have the opportunity to take advantage of the ExchangePack plug-in promotion before it ended in March now have one last chance. Customers who exchange up to Pro Tools|HD 3 Accel can choose up to 10 ExchangePack plug-ins from a large selection; those who make the switch to Pro Tools|HD 2 Accel can pick up to 5 ExchangePack plug-ins. In addition to the ExchangePack plug-ins, customers are also entitled to Pro Tools HD 7 software, HDpack plug-ins, and Pro Tools Ignition Pack collection of creative tools, all of which are included with every new Pro Tools|HD system. This collection of plug-ins, valued at $14,600, is available when customers exchange up to a Pro Tools|HD 3 Accel system. According to Digidesing, hardware exchange prices have never been lower, and they will increase on May 23. Customers who exchange their systems now can still save $2,500 by exchanging up to a Pro Tools|HD 2 Accel or Pro Tools|HD 3 Accel system for PCI or PCIe. They can save $2,000 by exchanging up to Pro Tools|HD 1. This offer will not be extended. For more information and a complete list of ExchangePack plug-ins, visit www.digidesign.com/exchange. To participate in the exchange, customers can contact a local authorized Digidesign dealer or Digidesign Telesales at 888.636.3444. An iLok USB Smart Key (included with the HDpack that ships with all Pro Tools|HD systems) and an email address is required for plug-in authorization of ExchangePack plug-ins. Visit www.digidesign.com/exchange for information about this and other exchange programs.

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>> B. U. Enrolls WSDG For New Recording Arts Facility

Boston University will add a recording arts program to its curriculum in the fall of 2006. To provide students with the highest level technical training support, Norman Brzycki, Director of Operations for The Center for Digital Imaging Arts at B.U. has retained the Walters-Storyk Design Group to create the new facility. Jeanine Cowen, CDIA Recording Arts Program Director reports the new program will focus on creating music and sound for film and video/computer game production. “As an adjunct to our film, animation, graphics and web-design programs, we have now developed an intensive course to immerse students in the design and production of music and sound for emerging as well as existing applications. Because audio design is evolving rapidly, we were committed to providing students with a cutting edge facility. Architect/acoustician John Storyk is a recognized expert,” Cowen adds. “We are confident that our WSDG-designed complex will meet our students’ immediate and long-term needs.” Situated in the Center for Digital Imaging Arts building on the B.U. campus at Waltham, the 5,000 sq. ft. CDIA Audio Studio complex will include spacious control and live rooms, dedicated classrooms and related support space. The highly specialized 9 month course will be capped at 12 students per instructor. Enrollment in multiple classes is currently underway. "Beyond his reputation for world-class recording studio, broadcast production facility and performance venues, John Storyk’s commitment to education was a key factor in our decision to retain WSDG,” Norman Brzycki concludes. “In addition to designing large-scale audio facilities for Full Sail and Expression, he lectures regularly at the University of Colorado, The Berklee School of Music, Yale and many other leading schools. We believe his experience as an educator provides a singular appreciation for the unique audio education needs of both students and instructors.” “The quality of the students and instructors at B.U.’s CDIA program is extraordinary,” John Storyk said. “Our Project Manager Romina Larregina and I are honored to have been entrusted with the design of this important addition to this historic campus.” The Walters-Storyk Design Group (www.wsdg.com) has designed over 1800 media production facilities in the U.S., Europe, the Far East and South America. Their credits range from the original Jimi Hendrix Electric Lady Studio in Greenwich Village to NYC’s new Jazz At Lincoln Center performance complex and studios for Whitney Houston, Bob Marley, Hollywood film composer Carter Burwell and Aerosmith; broadcast facilities for The Food Network, Interlochen Public Radio, CBS and WNET, and corporate clients such as Hoffman La Roche. Recent WSGD credits include Allaire, a multi-million $ Woodstock, NY destination studio, and private studios for Timbaland’s Tim Mosley, Tracy Chapman and Alicia Keys. WSDG principals John Storyk, Beth Walters, and Dirk Noy lecture frequently at universities and industry events, and contribute regularly to industry publications. A six-time winner of the prestigious TEC Award for outstanding achievement in Acoustics/Facility Design, WSDG maintains offices in NY, SF, Switzerland, Argentina and Brazil.

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>> Bits & Pieces...

John Fields mixed two new songs for THE REPLACEMENTS "best of" compilation; produced six new songs for SOUL ASYLUM's forthcoming disc; produced a new single for BRANDI CARLILE and is currently producing new songs for GRAHAM COLTON. For more info contact Frank McDonough at McDonough Management (805) 446-3370 or frank@mcdman.com

Worlds End is currently looking for a Production Coordinator. Prior knowledge of recording, budgets, studios and working with producers is required. Please email resumes to info@worldsend.com

Dianna Bates joins Mike's Artist Management, taking over for Jessica Oseran. MAM represents Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters / The Exies / Velvet Revolver), Paul Kolderie & Sean Slade (Radiohead / Hole / Dresden Dolls), Jim Dickinson (North Mississippi AllStars / John Hiatt / Ry Cooder), Dave Dominguez (Staind / Papa Roach / QBO), John Morand (Cracker / Mint / Carbon Leaf), Craig Schumacher (Calexico / Neko Case / Devotchka), Brian Brown (Juliana Hatfield / Natalie Merchant / Amelia White). For more information contact dianna@mikesmanagement.com or phone: 520-628-8655

Rick Rubin has commissioned a new album to be completed at NRG Recording Studios under the watchful eye of producer Josh Abraham. This will be the first album recorded by the original Slayer lineup since their 1990 release Seasons in the Abyss. For more information, please contact: Vince Quintero 818-760-7841 vince@nrgrecording.com or visit www.NRGRECORDING.com

A&R Executive Jenny Price has joined The BK Entertainment Group as a new manager. Jenny will be managing producers, writers, and mixers as well as developing talent. Jenny can be reached at: 818-728-8200 or jennyprice@bkentertainmentgroup.com

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