The RPM Direct Newsletter
Monday June 30, 2003
Our deepest appreciation to all the good people we were able to catch up with on our recent trip to the UK. A return visit is already planned for later this year, so we'll be sure to get together with anyone we may have missed this time around. Stay tuned to this newsletter, a design and layout overhaul is coming your way very soon. If you do not regularly receive this newsletter and would like to, please click here. If you have news or announcements to contribute, send them here.
 
>> MENC & NAMM Bring Educators, Students & Industry Together
>> The Record Plant Hosts the Top Producers & Acts in the Business
>> Safta Jaffery Productions' Clients Buring Up Summer Airwaves
>> Euphonix Is The Choice For 'Sex and the City'
>> Recording Industry Veteran Launches Freelance A&R Admin Svc.
>> Nick Raskulinecz Delivers Tracks For Top Summer Blockbusters
>> Andrew Brightman Joins Worlds End Management
>> Unsigned Band The Waking Hours Building Steady Buzz
>> Checking In With Giles Stanley From BBC Producer Management
>> Soundcraft Goes On The Road With Wheatus
>> A Few Brief Studio Sessions Updates and Announcements
>> Visit The RPM Direct Newsletter Archive To Catch Up On Old Editions
>> Please Help Us Make Contact With These Producers & Engineers
please get to know our advertisers:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MENC & NAMM Bring Educators, Students & Industry Together MENC, the National Association for Music Education, recently announced plans to work with long-time partner, NAMM, the International Music Products Association, to produce the exhibition portion of the organization's 2004 National Conference. The "Music and Sound Expo" will be held April 16-18, 2004 in Minneapolis, MN. The new partnership was created to serve the membership of both groups while further unifying educators, the music products industry and the music making public. The new Music and Sound Expo will increase exhibitor value by bringing all the magic and excitement of a NAMM show to music makers of all ages. MENC members and the general public will be invited to attend. Preliminary plans include adding special exclusive access times for educators to preview products, instructional clinics run by professional musicians and facilitators, as well as a high profile, celebrity-driven concert to benefit music education. "MENC has enjoyed a long and rewarding partnership with NAMM and the music products industry," said Dr. Willie L. Hill Jr., president of MENC. "This new opportunity allows each organization to do what it does best—NAMM producing another world-class trade show and MENC managing the conference as only we can." "There is no doubt that when the industry and educators work together, everyone benefits," said Steve West, chairman of NAMM. "And both groups are very enthusiastic about the possibilities of what we are going to create together in order to help music educators and the music products industry succeed." In July, the partners will launch a new Web site with more details about the new show and exhibiting information. Interested parties with questions about the new Music and Sound Expo should contact NAMM at 760-438-8001. Questions about the 2004 National Conference should be directed to MENC at 800-336-3768. ^BACK UP^
The Record Plant Hosts the Top Producers & Acts in the Business
The hottest studio in town recently hosted the ticket in town: the stage show, The PussyCat Dolls, who were in Record Plant's SSL-4 (80 input SSL 9000j) with Interscope Records CEO, Jimmy Iovine and A&M Records President, Ron Fair. Producer, Corey Rooney and engineer, Tal Herzberg contributed, working on tracks and cutting vocals with the ladies. They were assisted by Anthony Kilhoffer. A&M artist, Joanna was in SSL-2 (72 input SSL 4000 G+) with producer Aaron Kamin producer/engineer, Tal Herzberg and engineer J.D. Andrew preparing for her upcoming record release. They were assisted by Jun Ishizeki. Composer, John Powell and mixer Alan Meyerson brought the score for Paramount Pictures, "The Italian Job" to SSL-1 (96 input SSL 8000 G+). Also on board for the 5.1 mix project were digital editors T.J. Lindgren, David Channing and Erik Swanson assited by Michael Butler. Pink contributed to Sony Soundtracks, "Charlies Angels II," cutting vocals for the song, "Stand Up" with producer, Ric Wake and engineer, Tom Yezzi in Record Plant's SSl-1 (96 input SSL 8000 G+) Brian Rickerson assisted. Producer, Matthew Wilder and mixer, Mike Shipley finished up the album for Capitol Records artists, Dexter Freebish in SSL-3 (80 input SSL 9000j) assisted by J.D.Andrew. Production team and toast of the town, The Neptunes (a.k.a. Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams) were in SSL-4 (80 input SSL 9000j) with engineer, Pat Viala working on tracks for Arista Records compilation album project, "War Of the Clones." Artists include N.E.R.D., SupaCat, Bow Wow and Vanessa. For more information, contact Amy Burr (323) 993-9300 ^BACK UP^
Safta Jaffery Productions' Clients Buring Up Summer Airwaves
We caught up Safta Jaffery of the UK's Safta Jaffery Productions (SJP) for the latest client activity. Last year Michael Brauer mixed Paul McCartney's album and DVD, 'Back in the World' which was recently released in the UK. Michael Brauer's recent projects have included remixing 'Bringing it All Back Home', 'Another Side of Bob Dylan' in stereo and 5.1 and 'Blonde on Blonde' in 5.1 all for Legacy. Most recently he has mixed upcoming singles for British Bands The Thrills (Virgin), Turin Brakes (Virgin), the forthcoming highly anticipated album by Starsailor for EMI and mixed Delta Goodrem's album and #4 single for Sony. John Cornfield worked on new tracks with Muse for Taste Media as well as doing additional production and mixing the forthcoming album by Kashmir for Sony Denmark. He has recently completed co-producing and mixing the forthcoming One Minute Silence album as well as mixing Shed 7's live album and single for Taste. John Leckie recently re-mastered tracks from The Stone Roses eponymous LP he recorded and produced in 1989. He has also been mixing tracks for Suns of Arqa for EMI release and also completed a stereo mix of A Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harum from the original four track tape. George Shilling recently engineered Steve Winwood's latest album. His most recent production has been with Japanese artist Keigo Iwase for For Life Music in Tokyo. George produced the album in Tokyo and mixed it at Eden Studios in London. Ian Caple has been producing the Tindersticks on their 7th album for Beggars Banquet. He has also been mixing tracks for Siouxsie & Budgie's band "The Creatures" in France. He's due to start work with cult Punk band The Parkinsons next month. Carl Cook has been developing artists for the studio, including Crackout (Hut), John Power and The Open. He also co-produced the current track 'Take It And Run' by the Bandits for B'Unique. Ron Saint Germain will shortly have completed working on the new 311 album. Paul Reeve has recently mixed an album by French band Cox for Barclay as well as working on new tracks for Muse. Sodi Whose past credits include Les Negresses Vertes, Fela and Femi Kuti, D'Angelo and Macy Gray has recently been working with Rike from the Sensemila Band. For more information contact Safta Jaffery +(44) 207 388 8635 ^BACK UP^
Euphonix Is The Choice For 'Sex and the City'
 Having an audio console that you can rely on day in and day out is essential, especially when you're mixing the sound for one of HBO's hottest Emmy award-winning shows. Soundtrack Film & Television post sound facility in New York, is so pleased with the Euphonix System 5 Digital Audio Console for Season 5 of Sex and the City, that they decided to purchase a second System 5 for installation in July 2003. The new System 5-F, 64 Fader Dual Operator, 260 Channel, Digital Film Console will be installed in Soundtrack's newest film and television studio, their flagship Stage B, used for mixing feature films. "With the ever increasing popularity of shows that we mix, like Sex and the City, we needed the best performing console out on the market. The Euphonix System 5 fit the bill offering the highest sound quality the first time around, so we knew it would take care of our needs for our second purchase," commented, Soundtrack Mixing Engineer, Bob Chefalas. "We needed a console that could perform in multiple mix environments. Whether it's a complex TV show like Sex and the City, a 5.1 DVD mix, or a feature film requiring a 2 man mixing console, the System 5 is the most versatile console on the market." Soundtrack is a full service commercial recording studio complex specializing in music production, post-production sound for film and television, and TV/radio advertising. For more information contact Theresa Grant at Euphonix, Inc. 220 Portage Avenue, Palo Alto CA 94306, USA Phone 1-650-855-0400 Fax 1-650-855-0410 www.euphonix.com. ^BACK UP^
Recording Industry Veteran Launches Freelance A&R Admin Svc.
 Mary Hogan has formed Mary Hogan Music offering A&R Administration and Production Coordinating support for the music, TV, film and advertising worlds. An expert in recording budgets and union regulations, Mary has 15 years of experience to offer a variety of projects. "There is a lot of logistics and paper work involved in a recording project. I'm excited to be working one on one with artists, producers and music supervisors and make it all run smoothly," says Mary. Mary was most recently the Executive Director of A&R Administration at ARTISTdirect Records in Los Angeles where she worked closely with artists such as Smilez & Southstar, NAAM Brigade, Blood Brothers and Stagga Lee. She also worked with the iMUSIC roster which included Warren G., MC Lyte and Spearhead. She created both labels' first A&R Administration Department and set up the procedures to take an artist from signing through recording to mastering. Prior to ARTISTdirect, Mary was the Senior Director of A&R Admin for Virgin Records America, Inc. in Beverly Hills overseeing all production coordinating for the label and worked closely with Ben Harper, N.E.R.D., Nikka Costa, Aaliyah, Lenny Kravitz and The Smashing Pumpkins. Mary was also involved with Virgin America's associated labels and worldwide labels giving her the opportunity to work on albums by Cuban guitarist Eliades Ochoa, legendary blues musician Charlie Musselwhite, the original soundtrack for "Human Nature" and Virgin UK artists the Rolling Stones and Spice Girls. Prior to Virgin Records, Mary was a Production Coordinator at Worlds End in Los Angeles from 1993-1995 and was in A&R Administration at A&M Records in Hollywood from 1988 - 1993. For more information about her services, contact Mary Hogan (323) 848-7329 ^BACK UP^
Nick Raskulinecz Delivers Tracks For Top Summer Blockbusters Mike's Artist Management client Nick Raskulinecz just finished two movie soundtracks for two of this summer's hottest films: "The Italian Job" and "The Hulk". The tracks, "Money" and "Set Me Free", respectively, were performed by Duff McKagen and Slash. Nick also completed two songs for SOIL's upcoming CD for J Records and will be going into the studio in mid-August to record Ash upcoming CD. Should you have a project, big or small, now is the time to book Nick. For more information contact Diana Ohodnicki at Mike's Artist Management 520-628-8655 ^BACK UP^
Andrew Brightman Joins Worlds End Management
 Andrew Brightman joined Worlds End back in March and has been instrumental in signing Lou Giordano, Chris Johnson and the production team of Natasha Shneider and Alain Johannes to the roster. As well, Andrew was instrumental in shopping the band Nu who was successfully placed on Universal Records via Andrew Kronfeld and Avery Lipman. Nu's album was produced by Worlds End client Michael Patterson. Andrew is currently accepting inquiries for potential clients and shopping TV Eyes featuring Jason Faulkner, Roger Manning and Brian Reitzell. He will also be shopping unsigned acts World's End producers have developed including AKA, Sunday Driver and Triniti. For more information contact Andrew Brightman Worlds at End Management (323) 965-1540 ^BACK UP^
Unsigned Band The Waking Hours Building Steady Buzz
Los Angeles band The Waking Hours have been building a buzz that won't quit. After selling out of the first pressing of their new CD "The Good Way," The WH are armed with another 1,000 thanks to RPM Direct and Crest National's prize package awarded recently through RPM Direct Presents: Unsigned VOL 2. The lead track "Sunshine" aired on MTV's The Real World - Paris with a lengthy 20-second edited clip of music. The track is also featured on the June 2003 Bandpromote.com sampler that went out to labels, publishers, music supervisors and more. While "The Good Way" is 100% a DIY project recorded, produced and mixed entirely by the band in it's home studio, several songs have been getting spins at New Music Shows at Commercial Modern Rock stations throughout the country, leading to two straight weeks in February on HITS Magazine's Specialty Show Chart (as the only unsigned band on the chart among some big name acts for those weeks, and reaching #19 with a bullet in the second week). The band has placed songs with Fuel TV (new Fox Network about extreme sports and lifestyle programming debuting July 1st) and in two EA Sports 2003 video games for all game formats. The Waking Hours are getting interest from labels and publishers, looking to up the ante with a NYC showcase in late August. They are also currently exploring producers to work with on new songs/demos and for their next album project. They headline the opening night of the IPO Festival (International Pop Overthrow) at The Knitting Factory Hollywood on July 18th. For more information, contact Adam Sloat Miasma Management at 323.663.0060, . ^BACK UP^
Checking In With Giles Stanley From BBC Producer Management We recently caught up with Giles Stanley from BBC Music Managment in the UK. Here's the latest BBC client activities: Nick Patrick has recently been working with Guitar player Dominic Miller on his forthcoming major label debut. Nick recently developed, produced and signed a young classical singer to Sony Classics in NYC. Nick has his own SSL studio in Wiltshire with outboard including two Radar II and a Pro-Tools mix plus system. Phil Bodger's recent projects include Gareth Gates, Sugarbabes, Lighthouse Family, S Club 7, Heather Small, Eagle Eye Cherry. Phil has also mixed the movie soundtrack for the MGM movie Evelyn and is currently mixing all the sound for the forthcoming movie Cole. Chris Trevett, based in NYC, has the following credits in the last 12 months: Aaron Carter - new album no 1 Billboard single in the USA with 'Stutter' by Joe'. Mixed Ash single, 'Candy' UK Top 20. In the last few years Chris has mixed Britney Spears, N-Sync and the Backstreet Boys. Andy Green recently produced Alpine Stars album 'White Noise' for Riverman Records. This album contains a duet with Brian Molko from Placebo. Andy also produced Dave Reece Williams album 'Hidden Colours' for BBC - which was HMV's no 2 Classical album of 2002. James Banbury works as a producer/programmer and musician and recently programmed Holly Valance's UK no 2 single 'Down Boy' and has programmed for Luke Haines, Talvin Singh, Natalie Imbruglia, Tricky, Placebo / David Bowie and 311. Garry Hughes has produced hit records in the USA, UK and Europe including: Co-producer of OPM's 'Heaven Is A Half Pipe' 8 weeks in UK top 10 and USA platinum record with Vitamin C's 'Smile'. He was composer of music for the Pokemon movie and for Coyote Ugly. For more information contac: Giles Stanley, BBC Music Management in London tel: 020 84331726, fax: 020 8433 1741, ^BACK UP^
Soundcraft Goes On The Road With Wheatus
 American pop-punk band Wheatus just completed a low-key tour of the UK, playing smaller club and university venues to try out material from their forthcoming sophomore album. During the tour, London-based FOH engineer and programmer Geoff Kakoschke had to deal with some challenging acoustic environments, but none moreso than the venue in Hull, in northern England. "The P.A. was just awful," said Kakoschke. "It was ancient. I've never seen any of the components before. It looked as though it had been built in someone's garage about 30 years ago! There was a 16-channel console that was so old that there were no markings left on it." Kakoschke placed a call to The Soundcraft Group for help and a new MH3 console was dispatched to Hull. "It was an absolute lifesaver," he said. "It actually enabled me to get a decent sound out of that dreadful P.A. system, and it's confirmed me as a Soundcraft fan. For the last show of our tour, Adlib Audio provided a P.A. that included a Series FOUR, and that was also gorgeous; ergonomically brilliant, I loved it." "The E Series mixer was mainly used for the support band," he continued, "but for Wheatus, it was incredibly helpful to be able to submix the key channels and my Logic Audio setup from 11 into two." For more, visit Soundcraft online at www.soundcraft.com. ^BACK U P^
A Few Brief Studio Sessions Updates and Announcements
Bungalow 8961 is the only Pro Tools project studio in the heart of the Sunset Strip, located just one block East of the Roxy on Sunset Blvd. in West Hollywood. Recent sessions include Balewa Muhammad (Chistina Aguilera, Kely Rowland, Whitney Houston, Donnell Jones, Jaheim) who was in tracking the upcoming Toni Braxton LP. Shep Solomon co-wrote and co-produced "Touch of My Hand" for Britney Spears which has been previewed on MTV's TRL. Shep also just had his ninth Top 10 UK single with S Club 7's "Love Ain't Gonna Wait." The incomparable Robin Gibb also spent two days tracking for his solo LP at Bungalow 8961 when he was in town guest judging American Idol. For more information contact Andrian Adams 310.273.6530 Andrian Adams

The Steakhouse recently hosted Wanda Jackson who finished tracking and mixing her album with some help from Elvis Costello and his band. After that, Brett Gurewitz was in mixing Rancid for Epitaph. Tim Armstrong from Rancid stuck around for a few more weeks writing and recording songs with Pink. For more information contact Kelle Musgrave.

Reflection Sound Studio's Remote truck found itself in Indianola, MS at the Club Ebony for the annual B. B. King homecoming concert sponsored by Mississippi Educational Television. Engineer, Richard Piatt acted as stage manager and audio engineer while Mark Williams manned the Sony MXP 3000 mixing console in the truck with Dan Quam acting as audio tech. Audio and video recordings were made of this year's event, for a DVD addition to the B. B. King Museum Foundation. Once the event ended Mark Williams headed to Reflection Sound's Studio A for 2 days of mixing, assisted by engineers Robert Charles, Dave Puryear and second assistant Michelle Kreuz. For more information contact Michelle Kreuz, Studio Manager, Reflection Sound Studios. Phone: 704-377-4596 ^BACK U P^
Missing Out? Check Out The New RPM Direct 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 and recording studio directories but you aren't a subscriber, contact Jerimaya Grabher to request a password for access. ^BACK TO TOP^
RPM DIRECT Needs Your Help Locating These "Missing" Producers & Engineers
Due to ever 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 directory so that people will be able to get in touch. We are currently trying to reconnect with:
Nick Addison
Tony Alvarez
Greg Archilla
Rod Argent
Mark Arnell
Chris Arvan
Andy Baker
Charlie Brocco
Warren Bruleigh
Ronnie Champagne
Phil Chill
Tracy Chisholm

Rob Christiansen
Warren Croyle
Jamie Cullum
Lee De Carlo
Anjali Dutt
Guy Eckstine
Phil Ek
John Gosling
Kelly Gray
Roger Greenawalt
Tom Grimley
Ray Hedges

David Hemming
Dave Hillis
Stephen Hilton
Bob St. John
Paul Kimble
John Lee
Paul Logus
Ken Lomas
Eric "E" Miller
Richard T. Norris
John Pace
Randy Pekich

Jon Plum
Tim Russell
Micajah Ryan
Shad Scott
Dave Swanson
Paul Taylor
Eric "E.T." Thorngren
Haig V. (Vartzbedian)
Peter Van Hooke
Marc Waterman
Sam Williams
Aaron Zigman
 

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

Not A Subscriber? Send RPM DIRECT An Email To Subscribe To This Newsletter

©2000-2003 RPM Direct Inc. All Rights Reserved.