The RPM Direct Newsletter
Thursday July 25, 2002

 

Hello everyone. There is sad news to report: record producer legend Gus Dudgeon and his wife Sheila were killed in a car accident this past weekend. It is impossible to put into words the impact that Gus had on the sound of popular music, the craft of making records and those who were fortunate enough to have worked with him. RPM was fortunate to have known Gus for the last 5 years. For a man with such an incredible discography and legendary status in the recording industry, he was always warm and open, the consummate gentleman and always the biggest supporter of this venture. Gus Dudgeon was a great and talented man and will be sorely missed. Our prayers go out to his family and loved ones. If you do not regularly receive this newsletter and would like to, please click here. For music submission infomation visit our Rules & Regs page.

>> British Producer Legend Gus Dudgeon Killed In Car Accident
>> Shortlist Organization Returns With '02 Shortlist Music Prize
>> LA's NRG Recording Studios Packs In Nations Top Rock Acts
>> Slamdance Film Fest Taps RPM Direct as "Underground" Music Source
>> Producers & Engineers Wing To Present Master Recording Delivery Recommendations
>> Andy Chase Produces Stratosphere Sound Records
>> Making Movie Music with Le Mobile
>> Bereiten Sie Sich Musik Liebhaber Vor Popkomm 2002!
>> Checking In With Gary Gunton of Gunton Management
>> Musicians Direct Reps London's Finest Session Musicians
>> Billboard Dance Music Summit 2002 Held In NYC 9/30-10/2
>> Digidesign Unveils FireWire Mini Studio
>> A Little Producer Action, Executive Moves, Brief Studio News
>> Subscribe To RPMDirect.com With Your Credit Card And Save $135 On The Annual Subscription Price!
>> Visit The RPM Direct Newsletter Archive to catch up on old editions
>> Please Help Us Make Contact With These Producers & Engineers:
Please Take The Time To Visit RPM Direct's Supporters
Interested in becoming an advertiser on our site, this Newsletter or in our Forum? The RPM Direct Newsletter is received by over 10,000 recording industry readers every 2 weeks! Get in touch for more information - it's fun, easy and is cheaper than you think!
British Producer Legend Gus Dudgeon Killed In Car Accident
Gus Dudgeon was killed in a car accident on July 21st near Reading in western England; he was fifty-nine. Dudgeon's wife, Sheila, was also killed. Best known for his collaborations with Elton John, Gus Dudgeon was one of the most successful British record producers ever. Gus began his career in the mid-60's working for Decca Records as in house engineer. Dudgeon worked on recordings by John Mayall's classic "Blues Breakers With Eric Clapton," the Zombies' hit "She's Not There," the Small Faces, Them and more. A
t the end of the decade, he turned to producing, recording David Bowie's classic "Space Oddity" in 1969. During that same year, Dudgeon was hired to work with an unknown singer/songwriter named Elton John. A year later, John's self-titled album was released, marking the beginning of a long and successful collaborative effort for the two. Dudgeon worked behind the boards for Elton John's classic 70's albums, including "Tumbleweed Connection," "Madman Across the Water," "Honky Chateau," "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" and "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy." After parting ways with John (the two would later reunite for a few albums in the mid-80's), Dudgeon worked with Joan Armatrading, Chris Rea and others in the late-70's and through the 80's. In the 90's, Dudgeon produced XTC's "Nonsuch" and oversaw the reissue of Elton John's classic 70's catalog. "I am devastated by the tragic news," John said. "He was an incredibly talented producer and a very dear friend for many years. I will miss him terribly." For an extensive interview and recent profile on Dudgeon, please visit this archived Sound On Sound page.

Shortlist Organization Returns With '02 Shortlist Music Prize The Shortlist Organization has named Iggy Pop, Beck, Mos Def, India.Arie, Paul Oakenfold, the Neptunes, Jill Scott, Baz Luhrman, Spike Jonze, members of Metallica, the Strokes, the Roots, Blur and Sonic Youth as Listmakers for the second annual Shortlist Music Project. Encouraging leaders of the creative community to share their cultural discoveries directly with music fans, the four-month Shortlist Music Project will culminate in an Awards Concert at the Knitting Factory in Los Angeles on October 29th. The Shortlist Music Project honors today's most creative and adventurous albums, focusing on emerging artists rather than established hitmakers. At a private dinner before the start of last year's concert, Beck, Macy Gray, Aimee Mann, Mos Def and twelve other Listmakers selected Icelandic band Sigur Ros as the first winner of the Shortlist Music Prize, awarding the band a check for $10,000 and a $10,000 donation to a September 11th relief charity of their choice. Sigur Ros, Kweli, and fellow Finalists Dandy Warhols and Nikka Costa performed half-hour sets at the concert. "The Shortlist Music Prize is awarded to the most creative and accomplished album by an emerging artist," says Tom Sarig, cofounder of The Shortlist Organization with Greg Spotts. "It's simple," adds Spotts, "it's artists you know turning you on to other artists you may not know." Throughout the summer and fall, each Listmaker's nominations will be made available on the official website, www.shortlistofmusic.com, along with quotes, music samples, and exclusive videoclips from Shortlist events to be delivered using Microsoft Windows Media Audio and Video. "This year we're teaming up with Microsoft and using Windows Media technology to greatly expand our offering of audio and video from the nominated albums, plus unique video interviews of the Listmakers and the nominated artists," says Spotts, cofounder of The Shortlist Organization. "Exposing new audiences to the music and videos of emerging artists is a challenge perfectly suited for digital media," said Jonathan Usher, director of the Windows Digital Media Division at Microsoft Corp. "By using Windows Media technology, the Shortlist Organization is setting a standard for new and innovative ways to deliver multimedia content." The Shortlist Organization, LLC was founded in 2001 by music industry veteran music exec, producer manager Greg Spotts and MCA A&R VP Tom Sarig to create opportunities for left-of-center culture to cross over to the mainstream. The annual Shortlist Music Project is the organization's first endeavor, and will be joined in 2003 by the Shortlist Fiction Project. Shortlist award projects enable respected members of the creative community to share their cultural discoveries directly with the consumer, without an intermediary or filter. The long-term goal is to build the Shortlist brand into a powerful recommendation engine that will help grow the audience for adventurous creative works of all kinds. For more information, please visit www.shortlistofmusic.com ^BACK UP^
LA's NRG Recording Studios Packs In Nations Top Rock Acts NRG Recording Studios continues its frantic pace of packing in the nation's top rock artists. Studio owner Jay Baumgardner has been on a mixing streak lately, having spent the last four months locked in NRG's Studio C with the 9000J and Pro Tools HD churning out the hits. Baumgardner recently mixed the "Sticks and Stones" album for New Found Glory (MCA), which debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard top 200. Working with New Found Glory Baumgardner says, "was a lot of fun and I was able to capture the energy of their live shows so people will feel the same excitement". Baumgardner also recently mixed some live Papa Roach (Dreamworks) tracks and "Starry Eyed Surprise", a Paul Oakenfold/Crazytown collaboration for Maverick Records. Other recent mix projects include the debut albums from Boy Sets Fire (Wind-Up) and The Blank Theory (New Line Records). Renowned guitarist/producer Richie Zito was recently in NRG's studio B with Adema (Arista), The band was working on a track for the upcoming Mortal Kombat videogame. Adema can be found this summer on the main stage at Ozzfest. Producer Steve Thompson and engineer John Goodmanson were recently at NRG working with (hed)PE (Jive) on their upcoming album. The album is slated for release September 24th. Rooney (Interscope) recently worked on their debut album at NRG with legendary Billy Idol producer Keith Forsey and engineer Brian Reeves. Rooney will be touring this summer with Weezer. Don Gilmore has been busy in NRG's studio A working with up and coming Epic band Orco. Gilmore recently finished Trust Company's debut album "The Lonely Position of Neutral" whose single "Downfall" is gaining modern rock airplay. They are preparing for a July 23rd release date. The band heads out on the Warped tour’s main stage this summer. Linkin Park's "Hybrid Theory", the Gilmore produced No. 1 selling record of 2001, which was recorded in NRG's studio A, will have spent 88 weeks in the Billboard top 200. During 2002 NRG Recording Services is pleased to celebrate ten years of unprecedented success. To commemorate, all of the control rooms at NRG were recently outfitted with Pro Tools HD 3 systems. With this latest upgrade, NRG further underscores its commitment to continuing their position at the technological forefront of the recording industry. NRG owner Jay Baumgardner is excited about the current state of NRG saying "we continue to grow and improve every day. It's a joy owning and working at NRG". Earlier this year Baumgardner recorded the entire album for Wind Up act Seether using the Pro Tools HD 3 system. NRG is also in the process of building a new studio that will add three more control rooms and be entirely Pro Tools based. For booking information please contact: Kelly Garver, NRG Recording Services 818-760-7841 ^BACK UP^
Slamdance & RPM Direct Unite For "Homegrown" Music Series Aiming to develop its support of new musical talent, much in the same way it has done for new filmmakers, Slamdance has launched The Slamdance "Homegrown" Music Series -- live music events which showcase local bands in cities around the US. The largest showcase event will take place during Slamdance (concurrent with Sundance Film Fest.) in during January 18-25 in Park City, Utah. Capitalizing on the success of RPM Direct's Unsigned series, Slamdance has partnered with RPM to deliver the unsigned musical talent that will be featured at all live events. All music submissions for the RPM Direct Presents: Unsigned CD series will automatically be considered for the Slamdance Homegrown music showcases. "RPM Direct is in a perfect position to help connect Slamdance with unsigned artists through the huge volume of submissions currently being received for our own unsigned music series. Their live showcases are yet another great way RPM Direct is helping to expose unsigned talent. I cannot encourage artists, managers, publishers and producers enough to submit their music," says RPM Direct's Jerimaya Grabher. Now entrants will be qualified to win a CD replication package from Crest National, inclusion on Vol. 2 and a possible slot during one of Slamdance's live showcase events. "For years, Slamdance has recognized and celebrated the creative synergy between filmmakers and musicians. The Homegrown Music Series give us the opportunity to more actively cultivate this synergy while providing great exposure for emerging music talent. Homegrown is the beginning of Slamdance's mission to support up and coming bands and solo artists much in the same way we've supported first-time filmmakers," said Slamdance Co-founder, Shane Kuhn. Homegrown producer Chrys Coulter added "We're primarily interested in showcasing energetic and talented musicians of all genres. The events will definitely have a distinct Slamdance flavor, and anyone who's been to Park City for the festivals know we throw some of the best and most unusual parties with the least amount of posturing." Slamdance started in January 1995, when a group of first-time directors screened their films concurrent with the Sundance Film Festival. Today, Slamdance has expanded into a support system for new filmmakers - including a popular screenplay competition and year-round ON THE ROAD screening events. The festival is still organized and programmed by filmmakers (mainly Slamdance alumni). Each year several Slamdance films find distribution deals and almost all receive invitations to other festivals around the world. Slamdance films also have won Spirit Awards, a Palm D'or and even an Oscar! For all inquiries, please please visit our Rules & Regulations and Frequently Asked Questions pages. Or send email to Submissions@rpmdirect.com ^BACK UP^
P&E Wing Presents Master Recording Delivery Recommendations
On July 19, the Recording Academy's Producers & Engineers Wing (P&E Wing) presented its Master Recording Delivery Recommendations during the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Summer Session in Nashville, TN. The Recommendations were created in conjunction with the Nashville Chapter of the Audio Engineering Society (AES) by members of the P&E Wing's Master Recording Delivery Recommendations Committee, which is comprised of producers, engineers, as well as record company executives, archivists and studio owners, among others. As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace; the "master" of today bears little resemblance to the "master tape" of yesterday. Today's finished master product delivery is, at best chaotic, and at its worst an unstable or non-standard format, resulting in the eventual loss of assets for both the record company and the artist. The intention of the 12-page Master Recording Delivery Recommendations document is to provide recommendations for secure backup, delivery, and archive methodologies, for both short and long term. "It was our objective to provide a common solution where previously there was none," said Leslie Lewis, Director of the P&E Wing. "The Committee crafted a context for communication in order to prevent future loss. We want everyone to benefit from the shared experience and expertise of all of those in the recording community." Committee co-chair George Massenburg stated, "We feel that the P&E Wing and the members of the Master Recording Delivery Recommendations Committee, comprised of different, and sometimes contentious and opposing forces, has been the best forum to address these critical issues and, subsequently, to reach a solid consensus." Said Committee co-chair Producer/Engineer Kyle Lehning, "ensuring the proper preservation of the art created in today's music recording technology is not only a practical concern, but a moral obligation. We believe that the Master Recording Delivery Recommendations are a positive step toward preserving the foundation of the creative process, and it is in the interest of all parties involved to endeavor and make them as accessible as possible for as long into the future as possible." The Master Recording Delivery Recommendations document itself can be broken down into three specific parts: the Recorded Delivery Specification, the Media Identification label, and the Recording Map. The primary purpose of the Recorded Delivery Specification is to ensure that a digital recording can be completely and reliably recovered, both in the short-term, and also the long-term if the technology used during the initial recording sessions becomes unavailable. The Media ID label provides a form of identification for each and every element that is being delivered. Finally, the Recording Map is provided, with the recommendation that it be maintained throughout the project, to accompany the physical deliverables in order to catalog and track the information contained in each file. Since the recommendations were established by experts on both sides of the issue, it is the P&E Wing's hope that in addition to garnering a favorable response from individual artists, producers and engineers who will begin incorporating the procedures into their daily routine, the record companies will adopt the recommendations and implement them as their standard for master delivery. In order to create this groundbreaking document, the Master Recording Delivery Recommendations Committee has been meeting at the Recording Academy's Nashville Chapter as often as every other week since September of 2001. Upon completion, the Master Recording Delivery Recommendations were then sent out to the P&E Wing Advisory Council, and to members of the P&E Wing, with a request for frequent feedback as to its relevance. In the future, the Committee will review the Recommendations semi-annually, to incorporate the feedback received from members of the recording community and record company executives, and to ensure its continued relevance within commonly accepted industry standards. The Committee is co-chaired by Lehning and Massenburg. Committee members include Chuck Ainley, Jeff Balding, Steve Bisher, Alison Booth, Tony Brown, Barry Cardinael, Eric Conn, Sharon Corbitt, Tom Endres, Garth Fundis, Scott Hendricks, Steve Marcantonio, Pat McMakin, Betsy Morley, Jake Nicely, Gary Paczosa, Mike Purcell, Traci Samczyk, Kay Smith, John Spencer, and Bil VornDick. The Master Recording Delivery Recommendations will be posted and available for download on the Recording Academy's official Web site at www.grammy.com/recommendations.pdf, and on Massenburg's professional Web site at www.GeorgeMassenburg.com.
^BACK UP^
Andy Chase Wears Hat As Artist, Producer and Studio Owner
Andy Chase, New York-based musician and producer, is best known as a member of the band IVY. He has co-produced and co-written all of the music on IVY's three critically acclaimed albums, as well as IVY's score for the recent Farrelly Brothers movie "Shallow Hal." As a producer, he has enjoyed recent success with the French pop group Tahiti 80, whose debut album Puzzle was a critical and commercial hit around the world, particularly in Japan, where it went gold and led to numerous subsequent production offers including work with Japanese megastar, Chara. Chase recently wrapped up work on the forthcoming Tahiti 80 record, recording it at his own studio, Stratosphere Sound. Chase co-owns Stratosphere Sound with former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha and IVY bandmate Adam Schlesinger. The studio is located in West Chelsea, currently one of Manhattan's most vibrant and exciting areas. All the city's finest art galleries are here and West Chelsea is packed with great restaurants, bars, and stores. The Chelsea Piers sports complex, two blocks from Stratosphere, offers everything from a driving range and bowling to basketball and hockey. And the brand new Hudson River Waterfront Park is just steps from the studio door. Studio A is a world-class tracking and mixing room centered around a fully updated, classic 32-input Neve 8068 Mk II console with GML automation and 64 returns. Analog recorders include a Studer 827 2" 24-track machine as well as an MCI 2" 16-trackmachine. The room includes a fully loaded Protools system and a wide array of choice mic-pres, compressors and classic outboard gear. Studio B is perfect for smaller budgets and is built around a Trident 24 console. Stratosphere clients have included: Tenacious D, Fastball, B-52s, Ben Lee, Deborah Harry, Me'Shell Ndegeocello, Melissa auf der Maur, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Josh Joplin, VH1, New Line Cinema, Fountains of Wayne, Luna and more. For more information contact studio manager Ger FitzGerald at (212) 924.2193. Andy Chase has also recently created a new music project under the name Brookville. It is a project that allows him to balance his talent for songcraft with his love for rich sonic landscapes and textures. Wonderfully Nothing is a record on which he was free to explore the type of languid, atmospheric music that was only hinted at within the tight pop framework of IVY's records. Chase and his manager, Sheila Scott, are currently exploring label options for Brookville. For more information, please contact Sheila @ (323) 665-5590. ^BACK UP^
Making Movie Music with Le Mobile
Mobile recording studio Le Mobile devoted large chunks of time during June and July to recording music for the movies at locations in California and Texas. In early July, Le Mobile recorded John Dabney's score for Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams at the Georgetown High School Performing Arts Center near Austin, Texas. The 95-piece orchestra, conducted by Pete Anthony, was recorded by veteran scoring mixer Alan Meyerson with assistance from Le Mobile's Charlie Bouis in the truck and Ted Barela and Ian Charbonneau in the auditorium. "The Le Mobile crew conducted themselves with the utmost care and professionalism. As a result, we achieved four straight days of music score recording with not one minute of technical down time," says Brian McNulty, post-production supervisor for the film. Score mixer Alan Meyerson was similarly pleased with the results, saying that "the music is mixed and finished, and everybody is very happy." The score was recorded in the Austin area because it's home to the film's director, Robert Rodriguez, while the Georgetown High School venue was chosen for its size, excellent acoustics and facilities for accommodating the sessions. Before leaving for Texas, Le Mobile recorded tracks for the latest project by Christopher Guest (of Spinal Tap Fame), A Mighty Wind. For this project, where Guest turns his spoofs from rock to folk music, Le Mobile recorded performances by his band and two other groups at the Orpheum Theater in downtown Los Angeles during filming of the live concert footage. Le Mobile's Charlie Bouis engineered the tracking date, and the on-stage team of Ian Charbonneau and Ted Barela were filmed (as themselves) for possible cameo appearances in the movie. "Le Mobile let me le do the job I had to do, and focus fully on the recording," comments the film's music director (and ex-Spinal Tap keyboardist) C.J. Vanston. "Everything went great, and Charlie's the best. He has the skills and, just as important, the right attitude. He's calm under fire." Now celebrating its 25th anniversary on the road, Le Mobile ranks as one of the world's premier mobile recording studios. Meticulously maintained and fully equipped with both state-of-the-art digital and vintage analog gear (including an immaculate Neve 8068 console), Le Mobile specializes in the highest quality remote recording of music for CD release, television and radio, videotape/DVD distribution, and film scoring. Both the truck and engineer/owner Guy Charbonneau are recipients of numerous industry awards (including an Emmy), and Le Mobile's headquarters office displays two walls of gold and platinum records. Le Mobile's storied history began in snowy Montreal, but Charbonneau now bases his operations in the sunny Southern California community of Vista. For more information conact Guy Charbonneau at (760) 734-4100 ^BACKUP^
Bereiten Sie Sich Musik Liebhaber Vor Popkomm 2002!
Popkomm, the trade fair for Pop Music and Entertainment takes place August 15th to 17th at the KolnMesse exhibition and conference centre, Germany. In the year 2002 the entertainment world faces new tasks and challenges. Will there be an upturn, further consolidation or an outright collapse? The signs within the industry point in many directions and Popkomm will help to steer a path. Numerous panels, workshops and lectures, which form the Kongress element of the fair, will discuss the most current issues, with an eye on the future strategies and chances of tomorrow's entertainment and pop world. And both the companies and clients attending Popkomm will be offered the best media platform for press conferences and presentations. This year's Popkomm Festival will host 81 gigs, featuring 450 acts from around the world and including both big, established stars and hot newcomers. But that's not all. The Pop:Film Festival and the Clipzone highlight the fusion of music and film within the dedicated section Popkomm Film & Video. Here are just some of the Popkomm panel highlights for 2002: "Artist and Repertoire - U2 would not be possible today." feat. Lou Pearlman (godfather of boy bands and the man behind the Backstreet Boys, 'NSYNC and O-Town), Tom Silverman (Tommy Boy Records) and Marcus Brunds (general manager East/West Records Germany) discuss niche concepts and multi-million marketing campaigns in terms of what they mean in light of current A&R developments. "Most Unwanted Videos - What is wrong with the music video industry and how can it be put right?" The video clip sector is strongly affected by the crisis in the music industry. Budgets are being cut, margins are falling, ideas and special effects are no longer affordable and promos are threatening to become monotonous and indistinguishable from each other. Ray Cokes, former MTV VJ, looks at how the record companies and promo producers can turn the situation around. Plus, "Pop and Politics" Rock'n'Roll in the Reichstag - the debate continues! Panelists include Dr Markus Engels (from the governing social democrats, SPD), Steffen Kampeter (Member of CDU/CSU Bundestagsfraktion), Hans-Joachim Otto (from liberal party, FDP), Gerd Gebhardt (president of music industry organisation the BPW) and Professor Jurgen Becker (Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Adviser of collection society GEMA). For more information and registration details please visit Popkomm online.^ BACK UP^
Checking In With Gary Gunton of Gunton Management
We recently caught up with producer manager Gary Gunton for the latest news and activity on his clients. Mark Endert recently completed J Records act "SPLENDER", which was recently most added at Hot AC. Mark has also been mixing various tracks for Columbia's "PJ OLSSON". Dave Jerden recently completed "AUTHORITY ZERO" for Lava Records. Phil Shenale returned from London last week, arranging and scoring three tracks on the new "TORI AMOS" debut Epic release. Phil used a 66 piece orchestra on the date. Phil has also been producing tracks with "LEAH ANDREONE" and "WILLY DEVILLE".
Bryan Carlstrom and Warren Huart have been producing new tracks for former Stabbing Westward frontman CHRIS HALL. The two have also been working on tracks with "DIXON JAMES" for Lava Records. Marshall Altman has been doing double duty as A&R Exec. at Columbia Records, and also producing "MARK BROUSSARD" and currently working with "D.L.M.A.", two unsigned acts soon to be shopped. Steve Duda has been lending his pro tools & programming talents most recently to "TOMMY LEE" and "POWERMAN 5000". New client, Joe Zook has recently worked on Maverick Records projects, "EBO", "JUSTINCASE", and "TEAM SLEEP", as well as mixing the "MARK BROUSSARD" record with Marshall Altman. Joe also added some additional engineering and pro tools work on the current "COUNTING CROWS"
interscope release. For more information, contact Gary Gunton at Gunton Management (818) 566-7669
^BACK UP^
Musicians Direct Reps London's Finest Session Musicians
Whether you require a single musician for a jingle, an integrated ensemble for a recording session (aka The London Session Crew), a sassy string section for live promo work, a band for a theatre production or a full-size symphony orchestra for a choral concert, you need to know of England's Musicians Direct. As is evident from their credits, they operate across the board and at the highest end of the industry. MD takes cake of all the necessary paperwork in line with industry agreements (BPI, PACT, TMA, SOLT, IPA, etc.) including legalities such as musicians consent forms. The London Session Crew comprise some of the finest session musicians on the London scene today. Here are a selection of projects they've been a part of: Paul Weller - "Heliocentric", Jamiroquai - "King for a Day", Dido - single remix of "Thank you", Film Scores for "Hannibal" - Hans Zimmer, "Bridget Jones Diary" - Patrick Doyle, "Eldorado" - Hans Zimmer, "The Rat", TV for "Children in Need with Andrea Bocelli", "Paul Weller Live at the Albert Hall", "MTV Awards with Madonna", "TFI Friday with Sonique.
" For more information contact Dom Kelly +44 (0)20 8251 9978
^BACK U P^

Billboard Dance Music Summit 2002 Held In NYC 9/30-10/2 An international assembly of dance and electronic music makers and music professionals will gather in New York City for the Billboard Dance Music Summit, held September 30th to October 2nd at the New York Marriott Marquis. The Dance Summit attracts an international and domestic contingent of over 500 attendees to discuss the latest trends in dance music and is packed with performances from the hottest DJ and artists in clubland. For more information on the highlights: The A&R Room - Here's your chance to shop your demo to top U.S. and U.K.dance/electronic labels. New Artist Discovery Contest - The winner will receive a free registration to DMS2002, as well as perform at one of the showcases. DMS2002 National Record Pool Meeting - Pool members from across the U.S. will meet with record label executives in this closed-door session to discuss the current state of record pools. Nightly Events - Badge-wearing attendees will have access to all DMS2002 parties, at which an international line-up of artists and DJs will work more than a few nerves. Exhibits - Featuring the latest in music technology and equipment, merchandising and printing companies, magazines, music industry. Visit www.billboardevents.com for more information. ^BACK UP^
Digidesign Unveils FireWire Mini Studio
Digidesign has unveiled Digi 002, a FireWire-based advance in mini studio technology. Digi 002 offers FireWire connectivity, a touch-sensitive control surface, 24-bit clarity and up to 96 kHz sample rate support, and Pro Tools LE 5.3.2 software for both Windows (XP Home) and Macintosh (Mac OS 9.x). Digi 002 provides the means to create everything from demos to remixes to radio spots. Its analog, digital and MIDI capabilities enable Digi 002 to handle a wide variety of I/O configurations, while dedicated monitor and headphone outputs allow the user to keep a close ear on progress--all with a simple, single FireWire interface to the host computer. What really sets Digi 002 apart is software and hardware access to the intuitive power of Pro Tools. Borrowing the same technology found in Digidesign's Control|24, Digi 002's array of touch-sensitive faders, rotary encoders and LCD scribble strips give a tactile and visual command over nearly every Pro Tools LE feature and parameter, including plug-in manipulation. Additionally, the single-box design includes all inputs and outputs. For live applications, Digi 002 can be uncoupled from Pro Tools and used via standalone mode as an 8x4x2 digital mixer with onboard EQ, dynamics, delay and reverb. Digi 002 ships with Pro Tools LE 5.3.2 software as well as bundled plug-ins, offering more power and flexibility than ever before including up to 32 tracks. Digi 002 is expected to ship in Q3 2002. For additional infor visiti Digidesign at www.digidesign.com ^BACK UP^
A Little Producer Action, Executive Moves & Brief Studio News Over the last six months, Toronto based Lippman Entertainment client writer/producer Gavin Brown, has developed, shopped and signed Three Days Grace to Jive and now Billy Talent with offers from Warners, Atlantic, strong interest from Elektra and now a number of others circling around. For more information contact Kathy Anaya, Vice President Lippman Entertainment (818)567-0624

Scott Austin has moved from Capitol to Maverick Records doing pop A&R and staff production. He can be reached at 310.385.6491 or scott.austin@maverick.com

Jim Ebert has been busy this spring and summer. Jim has additional production, mixing and keyboard credits on Butch walker's solo Arista album. Currently Ebert is tracking new singles for upcoming SR-71 album and Producing and mixing Fighting Gravity's new album for Cue Record's and developing his own artist's, Fidel, Silver City, Nikki Barr, 3rd Degree and Trish Murphy. Look for these acts to be shopped in late August/ September. Jim Eberts discography credits include: Marvrlous 3, Jason Falkner, Everything, Meredith Brook's, Madonna, Shai, etc. He can be reached at www.ebertaudio.com

Nick Didia engineered the new Papa Roach album, "lovehatetragedy," which debuts at #2 on the latest Billboard Top 200. He also engineered the new Bruce Springstreen album, "The Rising," set for release on July 30, as well as the forthcoming album from Train. Currently Nick he is recording some tracks for a Trent Reznor project and is considering several production and mix projects before returning to the studio with Brendan O'Brien later this year. For more information contact Frank McDonough at (805) 446-3370 or visit
www.mcdman.com

A new and unusual recording studio called THE LAIR has just opened on the West Side, just South of Beverly Hills. THE LAIR, designed in the 1920's Spanish Revival style, offers a creative and inviting recording environment. Appointed with antique lighting and rich, red velvet draperies, this studio offers both digital and analog recording formats. Owners Larry Goetz and Robin Francis have been collecting vintage gear for many years which allows the artist the opportunity to mix the old with the new. They are doing "special block rates" for introductory clients, for the next couple of monthsFor more information, please call 310-559-LAIR (5247) or visit their website at www.lairstudio.com
^BACK UP^
Subscribe To RPMDirect.com With Your Credit Card And Save! Subscribe today, bill your credit card monthly and save $135.00 on the annual $495 subscription price! A Subscription To RPMDirect.com Gives You: Access to updated discographies for nearly 2,500 top US, Canadian, UK and Australian record producers, engineers, mixers, remixers and programmers; Access to over 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; Portability - research producer info from anywhere you can access the Web; And coming soon, subscribers will have access to RPM Direct's forthcoming Recording Studio Directory. If you would like to borrow a guest password to check out the site, send email to Jerimaya Grabher to request one. Or click the button below to sign up today.
Click Here To Subscribe And Save! --->
^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 directory 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 directory so that people who can hire or collaborate with them will be able 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
Charlie Brocco
Bruce Brody
Bug City
Bonzai Jim Caruso
David Castell
CC Groove
Ronnie Champagne
Phil Chill
Rob Christiansen
Jessica Corcoran
Jason Coreare
Warren Croyle
Jamie Cullum
Lee Curle
Andre Cymone
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
Loren Israel


Ivan Ivan
Bob St. John
Vincent Jones
Juno Reactor
Ben Kape
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
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

Not A Subscriber? Send Us An Email To Subscribe To This Newsletter

©2000-2002 RPM Direct Inc. All Rights Reserved.

| VOLUME 1 | SUBMISSION FORM | RULES & REGULATIONS | FAQ | RPM DIRECT FORUM |RPM DIRECT HOME |