RPM Direct Newsletter - June 26, 2002- Record Producer and Engineer & Recording Studio News

The RPM Direct Newsletter

June 26, 2002

Do you like to win things? Read our lead in piece for an exciting new development surrounding the RPM Direct Presents: Unsigned project. We can't help plugging it - if you have music for us to review go on and send it now. The RPM mailbox is once again packed with submissions for Volume 2 and we want to hear what you are working on. Are you new to this handsome side of RPM Direct? Click here for the basic info and a link to get your own copy of Volume 1. We are also pleased to announce the re-opening of the RPM Direct Forum. Access to this feature of the RPMDirect.com site is free - no subscription necessary. We encourage you to go there, register, create some crazy alias with which to act out your alter-ego urges, and post your ideas and opinions. All press releases, industry news and music for review should be sent to News@rpmdirect.com or to the RPM Direct offices in Manhattan Beach, CA.

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RPM Direct Adds Contest To Volume 2 in Unsigned CD Series New to Volume 2 - all music submitted for Volume 2 of the RPM Direct Presents: Unsigned CD series will also count as an entry into RPM Direct's "Submit To Win" contest! Prizes include a CD replication package from Crest National in Hollywood, CA, high-end musical instruments, home recording equipment, subcriptions to MIX and REMIX Magazines, and other great prizes. Stay tuned to your favorite RPM Direct Newsletter for more information on contest prize details and supporting sponsors. For more details about the RPM Direct Unsigned compilation series and the "Submit To Win" contest, please visit our Rules & Regulations page. Submissions are now being accepted - send your music today! ^BACK UP^

Checking In With Michelle Moore, Mgr. Of LA's Studio Atlantis We recently caught up with Studio Atlantis manager Michelle Moore for all the latest session action at this world class Hollywood facility. Earlier this year Studio Atlantis housed Ken Andrews for his remix of the Pete Yorn single "Strange Condition", which has just been certified Gold. They also hosted John Travis, for his mix of "Live For The Moment" by Monster Magnet for the WWF Forceable Entry CD, also just certified Gold. In addition, the soundtrack to the hit film "About A Boy", featuring Damon Gough, AKA Badly Drawn Boy, was recorded and mixed at Studio Atlantis by Tom Rothrock. Currently, Studio Atlantis is hosting Engineer/Mixer Neal Pogue, Producer Martin Pradler, and pop group Boomkats who are signed to DreamWorks Records. Lead singer of the group is Taryn Manning, the actress featured in the film "Crossroads" along side Brittney Spears. The album is due in August. Studio Atlantis' pre-production suites are finally open! Atlantis has 6 rooms, which have been newly built and are perfect for Pro-Tools projects. If you are outgrowing your spare room or garage, give them a call. They still have 1 room available and will be happy to show you around. Groundbreaking for Phase II of the continued Studio Atlantis expansion started on May 30th. They have taken over another 2200 square feet of the building which adjoins Studios A & B. The construction plans, which are designed by Studio Bauton, include a spacious client lounge, a Pro-Tools edit room with an overdub booth, and a producer’s office/lounge. Construction is expected to take 4 months, and of course, you can expect them to throw a gala event when it is finished. If you'd like to be invited, be sure let them know so they can get an invitation to you! The construction will not interfere with the day-to-day business Studio Atlantis, so don’t hesitate to call them during this period for your tracking or mixing needs. For more information and studio bookings contact Michelle Moore at (323) 462 7761 or visit Studio Atlantis online. ^BACK UP^

Sonicbids Redefines Artist Marketing, Promo & Booking Through its Web-based services and extensive national music industry connections, Boston-based Sonicbids is providing an easier, more cost effective and inexpensive way for artists to promote and sell their music, increase their public exposure, and most importantly, connect with a wide assortment of booking agents at various wide-ranging venues throughout the country. Sonicbids connects musicians to industry promoters through the use of the Sonicbids’ EPK (Electronic Press Kit). Effectively, Sonicbids members are able to create professional EPKs, which contain artist biographies, backgrounders, email ready MP3 files, pictures, press reviews and contact information that are stored and updated on the Sonicbids.com Web site. The EPKs are then available to be accessed by national booking agents and venues, as well as forwarded via email to anyone, by the artists themselves. "It's faster, less expensive and far more efficient than mailing out traditional press kits. Plus, our growing database provides a centralized place for artists to reach live music buyers," said Panos Panay, Sonicbids CEO. "It's one-stop shopping for live music, available around the clock." Sonicbids has relationships with several major music conferences. "Through our relationships we are able to help music conferences and festivals electronically collect and sort thousands of EPKs for artists who are
submitting material for showcase consideration. All and all, we save
organizers time, money, and resources, while giving Sonicbids’ member
artists inside access to significant events." Up and coming artists are not the only one’s who have been singing Sonicbids praises. Internationally renowned pianist and composer Chick Corea recently signed an exclusive worldwide representation deal with Sonicbids. As part of the deal, the company’s talent services division will handle all live engagement bookings and explore innovative marketing strategies and promotional opportunities for jazz legend. The company is also well on its way to enhancing its EPK™ offering by providing video capabilities as well as fan list and contact management options. Check out Sonicbids.com for more information. ^BACK UP^

In NY? Don't Forget The Media Music Expo This Weekend
The first annual Media Music Expo will take place Thursday, June 27 through Sunday, June 30 in New York City. This conference is expected to draw 3,000 attendees and features top international A&R reps, music agents, entertainment companies, and media outlets. The Media Music Expo is a networking summit for artists, directors, media executives, musicians, and numerous companies. For musicians or those seeking music licensing deals, there will be A&R listening panels on site. The worlds of music, film, fashion and media will all come together at the 2002 Media Music Expo. Come network with the industry for 4 days of creativity, talent, and deal making, and go home with the contacts that you need. Registration includes admission to 35 international showcases taking place at 8 different NYC venues. Check out Media Music Expo additional information. ^BACK UP^

Anti-tobacco Campaign Truthsm Kicks off INFKT Truthsm Tour truthsm, the largest anti-tobacco campaign for teens, recently announced its summer 2002 INFKT truthsm Tour (pronounced "infect"). This action-packed tour starts in June 2002 and runs through September 2002 with venues in seven major cities: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Kansas City, Seattle, and Denver. The INFKT truthsm Tour delivers strong messages on the tobacco industry's marketing practices and more at some of the summer's hottest events and venues that draw large teen crowds. Throughout the summer, 60 truthsm youth marketers will reach out to young people at these events and infect hundreds of thousands of teens with truthsm. The INFKT truthsm Tour arrives at events in high-tech truthsm trucks rigged with state-of-the-art DJ equipment and video monitors, video gaming stations, XM satellite radios, and Internet access. Each stop brings out the city's hottest DJs to guest spin and features impromptu rap sessions, join-in free-style demos and giveaways of wildly popular truthsm gear, like hats, shirts, bandanas, and towels designed exclusively for this year's tour. The tour will stop in 200 cities in 41 states over four months. "This is a great way for people to really get their hands on truthsm and have a great time doing it," said truthsm marketer Arion Fletcher of Atlanta. "Plus, we will be able to reach more teens than ever before. For almost everyone in the U.S., the INFKT truthsm Tour will be coming to a city near you. Look for truthsm at the hottest summer events." The INFKT truthsm Tour is comprised of approximately 60 youth who travel to some of the summer's hottest teen venues with 13 state-of-the-art truthsm trucks. The tour provides an excellent opportunity for youth to hang with truthsm, have some fun and get the low-down on Big Tobacco. The effort is funded by the American Legacy Foundation, which was created by the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement between the tobacco industry and attorneys general of 46 states. To find out more about the INFKT truthsm Tour, go to www.thetruthpress.com ^BACK UP^

Studio Mega Installs Europe's Largest SSL XL 9000 K
Studio Mega of Suresnes, France has ordered the largest XL 9000 K SuperAnalogue Series Console in Europe. The 96-channel console, supplied in a four-wing configuration, will be delivered in August for installation in Studio A, a 30-square foot control room and the premier studio in Mega's four-room, all-SSL facility. The studio holds an international client roster including Lenny Kravitz, Celine Dion, Sting, Roger Waters, Bryan Adams and Elton John, coupled with movie credits encompassing many box office hits such as the musicals Ten Commandments and Romeo and Juliet. Consequently, Mega is regarded as one of Europe's most successful and forward-looking studios. Last Year Thierry Rogen, manager of Studio Mega, was convinced that, with two MT Plus digital multitrack consoles and a second SSL 9080 J Series installed in Studio B, his clients could enjoy the best of both the analogue and digital worlds. When he saw the XL, "It really was love at first sight," he maintains. "The new K Series computer, which we enjoy in our MT Plus studios, is a familiar and much appreciated asset and the sound quality of the 9K is an industry benchmark," says Rogen. "To improve on this was a fantastic feat from SSL's engineering team but I had no doubt that they would succeed. As for the innovative 5.1 mixing tools, that's the icing on the cake!" The installation of the XL console represents the latest phase of expansion in one of France's most successful studios. Studio Mega started operation 15 years ago as a two-studio facility in a converted concrete bunker on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne. In 1996 the studio moved to its more spacious Suresnes location. Studio A, for example, has a large 53.3 square-foot live room, capable of accommodating 70 musicians. Now, with the imminent arrival of his XL, Rogen asserts, "In offering our clients the choice of recording and mixing in analogue or digital environments, Studio Mega maintains its unique position in the premier league of world class studios." For more information contact Véronique Vincent, Studio Manager or visit Studio Mega. Also visit www.solid-state-logic.com ^BACKUP^

Checking In Jeff Castelaz of 3AM Producer Management We recently caught up with 3AM producer manager Jeff Castelaz for a quick run down on his client's recent activities: TONY HOFFER produced/mixed on the new Supergrass album for Parlophone UK. Tony produced/mixed on Turin Brakes album for Virgin Records UK and co-produced/mixed various Beck tracks for his 2003 release. Hoffer also mixed/co-produced various Scapegoat Wax tracks from the forthcoming Hollywood Records release ‘Swax.’ ROBERT CARRANZA produced/mixed the 7 Nations album “And Now It Comes To This” for Razor & Tie and engineered the Peak Show album with producer Mario Caldato Jr. for Atlantic. CHARLIE CLOUSER produced/mixed Opiate For The Masses demos for Concrete Management is also tracking debut album for Revenge Of The Triads cohorts Jason Slater of SRC and Troy Van Leeuwen of A Perfect Circle. DAVE COOLEY produced/co-wrote "Lost Cause", the new Scapgoat Wax single and produced/co-wrote a song with RPM Direct Presents: Unsigned Volume 1 featured artist Wes Cunningham. RUPERT HINE served as executive producer on forthcoming LEN record for Dreamworks and was instrumental in bringing UK artist Martin Grech to Jimmy Iovine and Mark Williams at Interscope. Hine is currently shopping pop singer Teiture and is developing projects for Universal Records/Cherry Entertainment and Hollywood Records. RAE DILEO co-produced/engineered the new Filter album ‘The Amalgamut and produced, engineered and mixed various new tracks with Veruca Salt. For more information contact: Jeff Castelaz at 3AM (818) 380-0449 ^ BACK UP^

3rd Annual Midwest Music Conference and Film Festival
The 3rd Annual Midwest Music Conference and Film Festival is a complete
independent entertainment industry event, with workshops, industry panels, a trade show, film/video screenings, and music showcasing. It was designed to bring together independent artists and businesses of both the music and
film/video industries to encourage new development, networking,
collaboration, and opportunity awareness between the two industries, with a
special focus on the independent level. The conference takes place in
Lexington, Kentucky August 21 to 24, 2002 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and
Convention Center. The conference is actively accepting music (of all genres, for bands, singer/songwriters, and DJ's/Electronic Music) for showcase consideration. Film/Video submissions (in the categories of feature, documentary, short film, animation, and music video) for and screening consideration in the festival. Early registration for the MMCFF is cheap; Registrations get you access to EVERYTHING for the week, including all showcasing venues, screenings, workshops, educational sessions/panels, and the trade show (one of the best early registration rates for any national conference of this size and caliber). Visit www.midwestmusicconference.net for further information, or send email to midwestmusic2002@aol.com ^BACK UP^

RPM Direct Upgrades and Relaunches Forum, Register Now The RPM Direct Forum is back and is waiting for you to register and post your thoughts, gripes, opinions and comments. Registration is free and does not require a subscription or membership to RPMDirect.com. Go to: The RPM Direct Forum. We are currently seeking Forum Moderators so please get in touch if you are interested and feel you have what it takes. ^BACK UP^

Get Your So. California "Quik-Reference" Studio Rental Guide If you are in Southern California making a record, you NEED to know about this! The Official Southern California "Quik-Reference" Studio Rental Guide lists the top rated equipment rental companies in Los Angeles. Compiled from and used by all of the major L.A. recording studios, this guide is an invaluable tool for obtaining anything from recording quality guitars, basses, amps, drums, keyboards and sound systems to multi-tracks, microphones and outboard gear. Organized by category on a laminated, easy to read "one sheet", this guide will save a lot of time and effort when advancing your next record. These things are REALLY COOL and (for now) they're free! You can get a copy by contacting Lon Cohen at (818) 762-1195 or email by sending email to: info@loncohen.com. If you happen to have read the article in the May issue of Mix Magazine, you will see why so many hit records have been recorded with guitar gear from Lon Cohen Studio Rentals. Currently, you'll find his awesome guitars and amps with: "Crushed" Mike Clink producing at Glenwood Place Studios "Wakefield" Mike Wallace producing at Rumbo Recorders "Matchbox 20" (studio and producer unknown) "Ben Harper" Sunset Sound Studios "Paul McCartney" tour "Tonic" Bob Rock producing at Henson Studios "Reef" George Drakulious producing at Cello Studios, Lon Cohen Studio Rentals tel: (818) 762-1195, info@loncohen.com, http://www.loncohen.com ^BACK UP^

The A/B CD - Sonic Comparisons of Recording Technologies
In the jargon of audio engineers, to "A/B" means to compare two different things to each other. The A/B CD is an audio CD with over 52 minutes of comparisons covering 15 categories of recording technologies and techniques including comparisons of: analog vs. digital 24 track recorders, analog vs. digital 24 mixers, home studio recording vs. commercial studio recording, instruments and modeling comparisons including a 1708 Stradivarius vs. standard violin, stock home computer vs pro-digital 24 track, tube vs solid state, native vs hardware, modeling, acoustics, wiring and playback format comparisons. For it to be of further value and for it to be scientifically valid, The A/B CD also includes comparisons of what the people are doing to influence the sonic quality of a recording under the category of "Elements of Production". The A/B CD is comprehensive so that recording enthusiasts have the opportunity to not only hear if different formats of recorders, for example, make much of a difference, but also whether or not other "components" in the recording process have more of an impact on a recordings sonic quality. All of the comparison categories are designed to offer insights that should be of use by music producers, engineers, studio owners, engineering students and musicians. Can a 16 bit ADAT-Mackie home studio produce a demo that sounds "bigger" than the record label's distributed release recorded in a commercial studio with 16 foot ceilings, Trident board and 2" 24 track? Does a multitrack recording using the stock -10db RCA inputs of an Apple computer really sound inferior to a professional +4db balanced digital multitrack? This is what The A/B CD is all about - comparing the sound quality of one thing "A" to another thing "B" for the purpose of assisting the recording engineer in production decisions and equipment choices. All of the comparisons were done under controlled and repeatable conditions. Included are two reference tracks where the particular technique used for a number of the comparisons is validated. For more information contact Steve Carr or check out www.theabcd.com
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Raymundo Barajas Wants To Put His Skills To Work For You!
Experienced Tour/Production Manager seeks new opportunities with touring artists/bands. To view Raymundo Barajas' resume click here. ^BACK UP^

Let Us Be Your Rolodex, RPM has 2,500 Producers & Contacts RPM Direct has compiled updated discography and contact info. for nearly over 2,500 top record producers, engineers and mixers. If you are a creative executive, 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 2,000 of the world's top recording, mastering and post facilities. If you would like to borrow a guest password to check out the site, send email to Jerimaya Grabher to request one. Or click here to sign up today.^BACK UP^

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, contact ontact Jerimaya Grabher to request a password for access. ^BACK TO TOP^

Help Us Find These "Missing" Producers

Due to constantly changing management rosters and a few 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 reconnect 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
Loren Israel

Ivan Ivan
Bob St. John
Vincent Jones
Juno Reactor
Ben Kape
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
Richie Wermerling
Mark Wilkin (Solo)
Sam Williams
Aaron Zigman

Please send press releases and other interesting news items for this newsletter to News@rpmdirect.com

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

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