RPM Direct Newsletter - May 14, 2002 - Record Producer and Engineer & Recording Studio News

The RPM Direct Newsletter

May 14, 2002

Hello RPM readers - sorry for the break in transmissions. This edition of our newsletter was set to go out last week but we encountered some "mechanical difficulties" with ye olde mailserver that bumped us back to this week. But we're back on track now. Don't forget you can always visit the archive to see what you may have missed. Are you a studio manager/owner? Please read on for details about the RPM Direct 2003 Recording Studio Calendar. And be sure to keep your eye on your inbox, Volume 2 of the RPM Direct Presents: Unsigned series is about to get underway. All press releases, industry news, music for review and other materials of interest should be sent to Jerimaya Grabher at the RPM Direct headquarters in Manhattan Beach, CA.

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Nettwerk Mgmt. Mixer Randy Staub Wins 2002 Juno Award Mixer/Engineer RANDY STAUB took home the 2002 Juno Award for Best Recording Engineer for his work on the NICKELBACK singles "How You Remind Me" and "Too Bad" from the band's multi-platinum album "Silver Side Up" on Roadrunner Records. NICKELBACK also took home awards for best group, best single for "How You Remind Me" and best rock album for "Silver Side Up," all of which Randy mixed. Randy is continuing his relationship with NICKELBACK by mixing their forthcoming Live DVD and by mixing the lead single from the SPIDER-MAN film entitled "Hero," featuring CHAD KROEGER (Nickelback) and JOSIE SCOTT (Saliva). Randy also mixed THEORY OF A DEADMAN's debut which was produced by CHAD of NICKELBACK and is the first release on Chad's new label 634300 B.C. Ltd. through Roadrunner. In addition, Randy has recently completed mixing forthcoming albums for OUR LADY PEACE (Sony), EPIDEMIC (Elektra), DAYSLEEPER formerly Blue Mondays (Interscope) and singles from the forthcoming BUTCH WALKER album (Arista). Nettwerk Producer Management is pleased to announce that SCOTT HUMPHREY has joined the roster. SCOTT HUMPHREY is well known for his work as a Producer/Mixer/Writer with ROB ZOMBIE on the "Hellbilly Deluxe" and "The Sinister Urge" records as well as his mixing on POWERMAN 5000's "Tonight The Stars Revolt." Scott's other mixing credits include KORN , STATIC X, THE CRYSTAL METHOD, METHODS OF MAYHEM, TAPROOT, THE DANDY WARHOLS, THE CULT, BT and many more. Scott just completed producing ANDREW W.K., producing, mixing, writing TOMMY LEE'S new album and mixing the DROPLINE (formerly "Subatomic") album for Warner Bros. For more information on RANDY STAUB, Scott Humprey or other Nettwerk Producer Management clients please contact Alia Fahlborg at (310) 855-0668. ^BACK UP^

Kevin Beamish Scores with No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem! Watching the charts? Then you probably already know that Kenny Chesney debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 Pop Album chart for the week ending 5/11/02. This big opening week is the result of the continued working relationship between Kenny, Buddy Cannon and Norro Wilson and Kenny's longtime engineer/mixer Kevin Beamish. Chesney and Beamish, with the first single "Young" from the LP "No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem", have collaborated on a string of 8 consecutive number one singles, selling nearly 10 million CDs! If you don't know Kevin Beamish, he's spent the last 25 Years as a highly sought after recording engineer & record producer. He has producer/engineer credits albums and singles that have sold over 50 million copies worldwide. Beamish has also been a part of more than 40 number one singles mixed in rock, pop, R&B, and country. Speaking of, Kevin has worked on more than 25 # 1 & Top 5 Country singles from 1996-02. Some artists from his long discography include: Reba McEntire, Clint Black, Martina McBride, Lorrie Morgan, Mindy McCready, Kenny Chesney, Pam Tillis, Collin Raye, Bryan White, Lonestar and many more. Kevin has also helmed DTS 5.1 surrond sound mixes for the Reba McEntire "If You See Him" and Collin Raye "The Walls Came Down" albums. For more info, contact Kevin Beamish at On The Green Productions, Inc. (615) 504-5522 or Beamo45@aol.com. ^BACK UP^

Digital Media Wire To Host Upcoming "Digital Music" Panels Digital Media Wire has announced dates for its upcoming "Digital Music" panel series. The panels, which are part of the Digital Media Wire Presents 2002 panel series, co-sponsored by RPM Direct, will be held in Los Angeles on June 20, Washington, D.C. on June 25 and New York City on June 27, and will be focused on "What's Next?" in digital music. CEO, Ned Sherman, had the following to say about the series: "Our focus this year is positive and forward-looking - we will look at what's working in an industry that, despite all the litigation, file-sharing and DRM issues, can and will benefit from technological developments. There's no question that Napster, and now the new file-sharing services, have shaken up the industry, but it's where the industry goes from here that's the really interesting story. I see a slew of new opportunities on the horizon for companies that are open to digital innovations. We want to explore what's out there now and what's to come." Digital Media Wire is a news organization devoted to the objective coverage of stories related to the convergence of entertainment, technology and the Internet. Its free daily email newsletter, which is considered a "must read" for many industry insiders, covers such topics as digital music, interactive television, e-publishing, online film, wireless multimedia and interactive games with a focus on financings, legal issues and business deals. Each month, the organization hosts 2-hour panels on such topics in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York and Washington, D.C. Their last "interactive television" panels held in LA, SF and NYC in April featured panelists from NBC, Showtime, Microsoft, AOL, WorldGate, GoldPocket Interactive, Spiderdance, BBC Technology, Liberate, Fox and Intertainer and were attended by more than 200 industry executives and professionals. Spiderdance CEO, Steve Hoffman, shocked Los Angeles attendees by making the Company's first announcement of its decision to go into "hibernation." To sign up to receive the Digital Media Wire newsletter, please visit www.digitalmediawire.com. Individuals interested in being considered for the upcoming "Digital Music" panel series or the July "Wireless Visions" series should contact the Company's COO, David Peebler ^BACK UP^

Rafelson Media Launches New North Hollywood Facility RMC Studios has opened it's new production facilities in North Hollywood, CA. The 7,500 sq. foot North Hollywood location consists of six complete digital recording studios with multiple "live rooms", a digital audio/video and post suite, administrative office spaces, and two full-blown sound stage with a virtual set, and a lighting grid for film, video and photography production. The entire facility is intra-networked for the purpose of multitasking and ease of media and data transfer. Although the primary business is in-house media production, the space is also be available for limited outside clientele on a daily basis. This includes space for special events, functions, and film shoots. Formed in April 2000, Rafelson Media is a company specializing in the field of new media, technologies and entertainment. RM develops and produces original content, with a comprehensive group of highly specialized individuals who work together in a synergistic manner to include aspects of Business, Entertainment, and New Technologies. Skilled in the fields of Music, Film, Television, Internet, Audio/Video integration and installation, Software research & development, Marketing, Public Relations and Celebrity coordination, RM provides the highest quality combination of resources and services. With over 68 combined years of professional experience, RM is able to deliver a complete "turn key" package to its diverse clientele. For more information, contact Peter Rafelson at (818) 753-9300 or visit www.rafelson.com ^BACK UP^

Putomayo Presents Congo to Cuba CD Release Party
Congo to Cuba is an Afro-Latino musical odyssey from Africa to Cuba and back again. A musical reunion between the irresistible swing of Cuban son and the soul of West African salsa, Putumayo's Congo to Cuba is a killer collection of Afro-Latin grooves. Congo to Cuba features a blend of tracks by Afro-Cuban artists such as Chico Alvarez, Chocolate Armenteros, Alfredo Valdés, and Monte Adentro, with West Africa devotees of the Latin sound like Laba Sosseh (Côte D'Ivoire), Tshala Muana (Congo), Mama Sissoko (Mali), Gnonnas Pedro (Benin), Balla Tounkara (Mali), Mama Keita (Guinea), and Pape Fall (Senegal). The Congo to Cuba release party will feature live, full-band performances by Balla Tounkara from Mali, and New York's own Chico Alvarez and his Cuban band Afro Caribe. This event is open to the general public. Admission $15 or $10 before 10PM. Wednesday, May 22 Nells 246 W 14th St, New York City 212-675-1657 9PM For Media, retailer, and VIP guestlist please RSVP to: Media & VIP: leandro@putumayo.com ^BACKUP^

Checking In With Valerie Biggin, Mgr. Of Mushroom Studios We checked in recently with Mushroom Studios manager Valerie Biggin. She reports that they've had a good start to the year with Gordie Johnson from Big Sugar in producing the up and coming band JOHN FORD. The BE GOOD TANYA'S have been working in with their producer FUTCHER who has been in the studio with FLYBANGER as well. GOB was in recently tracking an old KICK AXE tune for a compilation CD. Dave Pierce Music from Calgary have been in tracking all the grandstand music for the Calgary Stampede. Sub Pop artists HOT HOT HEAT will be in with Mr. Jack Endino producing. Chris Isaak was back in this Vancouver studio for some tracking and over/dubs. Mushroom Studios has also been involved donating studio time for " A BURIED HEART" this CD will benefit a detox center in downtown Vancouver to support the 54 missing downtown eastside women that were brutally murdered and as of now, it's taken the police dept. over 4 years to track down and arrest a suspect. For more info or if you'd like to help check out www.aburiedheart.com For more information on Mushroom Studios and availability, contact Valerie Biggin at (604) 718 9091 ^ BACK UP^

Don't Forget The 2002 Detroit Electronic Music Festival
Celebrating electronic music, the DEMF 2000 and 2001 drew 1.5 million people from around the globe to dance on the city's waterfront. 3 days and 4 stages featuring free-of-charge, non-stop dance music with performances by Detroit legends and internationally acclaimed artists make this a true world party. DEMF 2002 will be held May 25-27 from noon to midnight each day once again in Hart Plaza. This is a free event! for more information contact: Pop Culture Media at (313) 392-9200 or info@popculturemedia.com. Also watch electronicmusicfest.com for more info. ^BACK UP^

Need Producer & Engineer Discographies & Contact Info? RPM Direct has compiled updated discography and contact info. for nearly over 2,500 top record producers, engineers, mixers and more. Here's what a subscription will get you: Access to Updated Discographies for top US, Canadian, UK and Australian Record Producers, Engineers & Mixers; Access to nearly 1,000 Confidential Producer/Engineer Management and Production Company Contacts Including: Contact Name(s), Address, Phone/Fax, Direct Email, Website URL, Full Company Client Roster; Worldwide Producer Locator Service and coming soon, access to our international recording studio directory featuring listings for 1,500 of the world's top recording, mastering and post facilities. If you don't already have your own password, send email to Jerimaya Grabher to request one. Or click here to sign up today. ^BACK UP^

Checking In With Alan Cowderoy of JPR Management
We recently checked in with JPR Producer Management's Alan Cowderoy to find out what the roster has been up to in the studio. DAVE BASCOMBE is mixing a number of single and album tracks for Skin (EMI) and has recently mixed current and upcoming singles for Incubus (Epic), Charlatans (Island), Bellefire (Virgin) and Aurora (EMI). GIL NORTON is producing an album for Feeder (Echo) having recently worked on a new single for Halo (S2). IAN STANLEY As well as Top 10 success in the UK, Ian is enjoying US chart success with the Natalie Imbruglia (RCA) single 'Wrong Impression' and album 'White Lilies Island'. He is currently producing an album for Lucia (Universal). AL CLAY is completing production work on a number of songs for BB Mak (Telstar) . The A (London/WEA) album which Al produced, continues to spawn hit singles - 'Starbucks', the follow up to the Top 10 hit 'Nothing', has just been added to the radio 1 'B' list. CHRIS SHELDON has recently returned from Australia where he produced an album for Motor Ace (Mushroom). He is now producing a record for Spunge (B-Unique) as well as a new single for Biffy Clyro (Beggars Banquet). IAN BROUDIE is putting the finishing touches to the eagerly anticipated debut album for The Coral (Deltasonic). HUGH JONES is producing the debut album for The Burn (Hut) having just finished a new song for Gene (Contra) as well as an album for Easyworld (Jive). CENZO TOWNSHEND is recording an album for Alfie (Parlophone). He recently engineered Mansun (Parlophone) and Skin (EMI) and has mixed singles and album tracks for Moth (DB Records) and Lucia (Universal). For more information please contact Alan Cowderoy or John Reid at JPR Management Ltd +44 (0)20 8749 8874. www.jprmanagement.co.uk ^BACK UP^

Rollins Band To Release Live CD on June 25th
Sanctuary Records recently announced it will release of "The Only Way To Know For Sure", the new live album from Rollins Band due in stores on June 25th 2002. The album was recorded during two sold-out shows at the Metro Club in Chicago this past March. Both evenings were recorded analog 24-track and were engineered by Cliff Norrell, who has engineered and mixed several albums for Rollins Band. The two disc set feature 28 tracks with enhanced materials including three music videos, extensive photo gallery and link to band website on Disc Two. The discs were mixed and mastered in Los Angeles, Ca. The Only Way To Know For Sure is the beginning of a very busy season for Rollins. He has recently closed a deal with Comedy Central for his new live stand up one hour special entitled Up For It, which is set to air in July and August of 2002. Rollins will be on the road for a two-month theatre tour this fall, has just completed a cameo appearance for the MTV movie Jackass and will appear in the film The New Guy to be released by Revolution Studios on May 10th. For information regarding Cliff Norrell, contact Andy Kipnes at Advanced Alternative Media at (212) 924-2929. For further media information regarding Rollis please contact Deborah Radel or Penny Guyon at DRPR, (323) 656-9031 ^BACK UP^

A Few Quick News Bites...

Rick Rubin was recently at the Steakhouse studio tracking and overdubbing IDJ recording artists "Palo Alto" with engineer Ed Thacker. Prior to that, Sean Odwyer tracked and Mixed "Fenix TX" for their upcoming release on MCA. Sally Browder also tracked and mixed "The Young Dubliners" for Virgin as well as "Dwight Yoakam" for Warner Brothers with guitar legend and Producer Pete Anderson. Joe Baresi recently was in cutting guitars with Leisure for Dreamworks. For bookings call Kelle Musgrave (studio manager) on her direct line (818)353-5098 or you can call The Steakhouse main number (818)985-2620 and ask for Kelle.

Moir/Marie Entertainment client David Holman mixed "Seein' Red" by Unwritten Law, which went to #1 last week on R&R's Alt. chart. Past Holman mixes include Adema, Bush, No Doubt, The Flys, & Everclear. Contact Bennett Kaufman for more information. 818-995-8707

DigiWorld returns to Los Angeles: An exclusive two-day event showcasing the newest products from Digidesign and Digidesign Development Partners, DigiWorld Los Angeles presents you with the opportunity to get your hands on the most powerful tools for audio production, including Pro Tools HD - the most audibly superior digital audio workstation on the planet. Where:
Universal Studios, 3900 Lankershim Blvd. Universal City, CA 91608, Enter at Gate #3. When: Friday, May 31, 2002 12 pm - 8 pm and Saturday, June 1, 2002 10 am - 6 pm. Reservations are limited. Sign up for your FREE space today at www.digidesign.com, or call 1.800.333.2137.

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

Looking For Some Fun and Games To Ease The Work Day? Bummer work load got you down? Looking for some fun distractions to take the edge off? Try Mini-Putt, desktop mini golf. The best round is reported to be a 27, see if you can beat it! Need a good laugh? Check out producer/engineer John Agnello's answering machine - be sure to listen to the Kim Deal message - classic! ^BACK TO TOP^

Feel Like You're Missing Out? Visit The Newsletter Archive Feel like you're missing out on what we do? Then visit the RPM Direct Newsletter Archive to catch up on reading you may have missed. If you'd like to browse our producer database but you aren't a subscriber, request a password for access. ^BACK TO TOP^

"Missing" Producers

Due to constantly changing management rosters and a handful of unexplained "disappearances", we have lost touch with the folks on the list below. If you know where they are or are able to reach them, please ask them to get in touch with RPM Direct. We want to update their listing in our database so that people who can hire or collaborate with them know how to get in touch. We are currently trying to make contact with:

Nick Addison
Michael Andrews (Elgin Park)
Mark Arnell
Chris Arvan
Rob B./Da Loops
Kevin Bacon & Jonathan Quarmby
Rob “Fonksta” Bacon
Andy Baker
Ball & Vauk
Chad Bamford
Martin Bisi
Boilerhouse Boys
Charles Bouis
Charlie Brocco
Bruce Brody
Bug City
Bonzai Jim Caruso
David Castell
CC Groove
Laurence Jay Cedar
Ronnie Champagne
Phil Chill
Rob Christiansen
Jessica Corcoran
Jason Coreare
Warren Croyle
Jamie Cullum
Lee Curle
Andre Cymone
Da Lata

Darkman
Lee De Carlo
Dave Dederer
Peter Denenberg
Steven Dubin
Anjali Dutt
Phil Ek
EZI-CUT
Steve Fisk
Tom Frederikse
Eric E. Garten
Eric O’Brien Garten
Global Communications
Dito Godwin
Jim Goodwin
John Gosling
Richard Gottehrer
Lindsay Gravina
Roger Greenawalt
Tom Grimley
Mark Haley
Ray Hedges
David Hemming
Dave Hillis
Stephen Hilton
Mike Hoffman
Dave Hummel
Stephen Hussey
ILS
Loren Israel

Ivan Ivan
Bob St. John
Vincent Jones
Juno Reactor
Ben Kape
David Kershenbaum
Ken Kessie
Neill King
Rob Kirwan
Ko-Jo
John Lee
Ken Lomas
Reggie Lucas
M Beat
Jamie Maher
Ollie Marland
Ray Martin
Glen Matlock
John McEntire
Eric "E" Miller
Gustavo Moratorio
Roli Mosimann
Richard T. Norris
Eddy Offord
Doug Olson (Mr. Colson)
Jon P.
Randy Pekich
Dave (Deptford) Pine
Marco Pirroni
Pistachio Boys

Tony Pizarro
Poetic
Prince Paul
Prophecy Entertainment
Rickidy Raw
Mykaell Riley
Jim Rondinelli
Tim Russell
Micajah Ryan
Michael Schlesinger
Paul Schroeder
Shad Scott
Skold
Soulshock & Karlin
Mike Stewart
Studio 7
Dave Swanson
Paul Taylor
Louie Teran
Eric "E.T." Thorngren
Tim & Bob
Tosh
Haig V. (Vartzbedian)
Simon Vinestock
Marc Waterman
Richie Wermerling
Mark Wilkin (Solo)
Geoff Wilkinson
Sam Williams
Aaron Zigman

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

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

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