>> from the editor...

Hello and welcome to the 'all new' RPM Direct Newsletter! How do you like this new format? Hopefully it is easier for you to read and navigate. We like it because we're able to include pictures of our industry friends and associates and have more room to work with. There will be some minor refinements in the coming weeks as well as the addition of a couple new features. Stay tuned for those. Meanwhile, please let us know what you think - we welcome your feedback. If you have industry related press, news or announcements to contribute, send your news here. -- J.G.

>> Solar Producer Managment Update

We recently caught up with Gunther Walker from Solar Management in the UK for a client roster update. Solar's renowned clients have been busier than ever: Nigel Godrich produced the Radiohead album 'Hail To The Thief'; Beck's 'Sea Change' album as well as production on Clinic singles 'Coming To Our Room' and 'Sunlight Bathes Our Home'. Godrich also handled production and mix duties on the radio mix for the U2 single 'Walk On'. Dave Eringa produced and mixed the Idlewild albums '100 Broken Windows' and 'The Remote Part'. Eringa also produced and mixed the Wilt alubm 'My Medicine' including the singles 'Take me Home', 'Distortion' and 'Understand'. He also handled additional production and mix duties on the Ash track 'Envy' and produced and mixed the forthcoming Haven EP 'Tell Me'. Stephen Hague recently produced Afro Celt Sound System tracks 'Falling' and 'Persistence of Memory' and is currently working with Peter Gabriel on eight tracks for a new album due 2004 named 'Big Blue Ball'. Hague produced the forthcoming David Mead album and the forthcoming Bent album featuring tracks 'Beautiful Otherness' and 'Did Your Heart Break'. For further information on these or any of the other Solar Management clients, please contact: Carol Crabtree or Gunther Walker at Solar Management Ltd. Tel: +44 (0)20 7794 3388 Fax: +44 (0)20 7794 5588.

Apple Computer is running a four page feature article/interview on Drew Lavyne and his Mastering studio, a.l.l. digital, on their Pro/Music page. You can see the piece by clicking read more below. Lavyne is noted for the mastering of Elvis Presley's international #1 hit, "A Little Less Conversation," which broke the tie with The Beatles for the most #1 songs in the UK. Lavyne is also responsible for the mastering or editing Grammy-winning tracks for Santana, Sting, The Dave Matthews Band, Foo Fighters, and more. Other recent a.l.l. digital clients include N*SYNC, Aretha Franklin, Marc Anthony, Ringo Starr, Moby, Barenaked Ladies, and The White Stripes. For more information and bookings, Drew Lavyne can be reached at (212)-243-9554.

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>> BOWIE CONCERT TO BE BROADCAST IN DTS DIGITAL SURROUND TO CINEMAS VIA DVB

The latest developments in DTS digital broadcast and digital cinema technology will be united in a unique 5.1 surround sound transmission of a live concert by David Bowie, from the Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, to cinemas across Europe and North America. Broadcast live in 5.1-channel DTS 96/24 digital surround sound on 8 September in London, Paris, Munich and Zurich -- and re-broadcast on 15 September in the US and Canada -- the event will uniquely demonstrate DTS' end-to-end solution for alternative E-cinema programming, by delivering the highest possible audio quality available. DTS will be encoding the multi-channel audio feed at the concert venue, using its CAE-5 professional broadcast encoder. The DTS encoded signal will be fed to TANDBERG MPEG2 encoding equipment for global satellite delivery coordinated by leading live cinema events organiser Quantum Digital, together with a consortium of technology partners around the world. The signal received at the designated cinema sites, using TANDBERG Integrated Receiver Decoder devices, will be fed to DTS' new XD10 Digital Cinema Media player, which will output the 96kHz 24 bit-quality surround sound audio. Produced by Sony Music and digitally delivered globally by the UK based Quantum Digital Network, this broadcast event will mark the launch of David Bowie's new album, Reality, which will be released 15 September on his Iso imprint through Columbia Records. The 90-minute show will be broadcast simultaneously to cinemas via satellite. Cinemas presenting the broadcast in DTS Digital Surround in Europe include Odeon West End in London, CinemaxX in Munich, Cinemax in Zurich and MK2 in Paris. For further information, please visit www.dtsonline.com.

>> Manhattan Center Studios Adds Special Rates

To support the large number of emerging recording artists in the greater New York area, Manhattan Center Studios (MCS) has announced a special rate structure for independent and newly signed recording artists. Under the new rate program, artists entering into the business can come to the Manhattan Center to record at rates they can budget for. These new rates are designed to not only benefit independent local artists, but also the major record labels that will be able to minimize the costs of signing new talent in the area. "By helping local artists emerge and prosper, undoubtedly our local recording business will prosper," says Studio Sales Manager Richie Clarke. Musicians willing to work according to the studios' schedules can record their first album in the same studios used by Timbaland, Missy Elliot, Bon Jovi, Goo Goo Dolls and many more. For more information contact Richie Clarke at 212-695-6600 ext. 212.

>> Euphonix Moves To New Manhattan Address

Euphonix has moved its New York sales and service operations into a new facility that is centrally located to clients and provides better access and improved logistics for the growth of the company. The office is the home for Peter Kehoe, director of sales eastern region; James Tunnicliffe, service manager eastern region; and Tony Langley, VP broadcast marketing. "We have a very strong sales and support team to serve our new and existing clients," Kehoe commented. "Our new location will also help to solidify our position as the leading manufacturer of large-format digital audio consoles." The new address is 424 West 33rd Street Suite 560, New York, NY 10001; Tel: 212-889-6869; Fax: 212-889-6897. www.euphonix.com

>> 15 Solid State Logic C Series Digital Consoles Sold Worldwide Since NAB 2003

The new, trend-setting C100 Digital Broadcast Console and the C200 Digital Production Console from Solid State Logic has generated excitement on every level of the industry. Since the release of the new C Series consoles at NAB 2003 four months ago, the response has been extraordinary with 15 consoles purchased worldwide. C100 Digital Broadcast Consoles have been sold to facilities around the world including two consoles for the Danish Broadcasting Corporation in Denmark; one console for NHK in Japan; one console for The Golf Channel in the U.S.; two consoles for SBS in Korea and one for National Basketball Association Entertainment (NBAE) in the U.S. The C200 Digital Production Consoles are in action on both sides of the Pacific including one console each at Nippon TV (Office Terra) and Imagica Akasaka in Japan, and installations in the United States at Western Carolina University, Underdog Entertainment and Bicoastal Music. "SSL has been serving the broadcast industry for almost 30 years and we have learned a great deal about the demands on facilities and operators," says Niall Feldman, Director of Product Marketing for Solid State Logic. "The C100 and C200 are designed to offer the utmost in reliability while meeting the demanding needs of broadcasters operating in a multi-format HD environment. Our consoles provide tremendous power in a small footprint. We have combined a user-friendly control surface with displays that allow the operator to accurately monitor all signal paths and operational status. The consoles are scalable making them more accessible to a wide range of applications and budgets. "The C100 is primarily focused on feed forward live to tape or air applications," continues Feldman. "The C200 is designed for demanding production and music recording environments. The high volume of orders provides confirmation that our design criteria was correct as the industry embraces these new products." For more information visit www.solid-state-logic.com

>> Armoury Studios in Vancouver, Canada had another busy summer!

Producer GGGarth Richardson recently spent 3 weeks at Armoury Studios in Vancouver with Sony/Epic Records artists Level 4, tracking with engineer Michael "Elvis" Baskette (Limp Bizkit, Chevelle) for their debut release. Relic Entertainment recorded orchestra strings for their upcoming video game sequel, "Homeworld 2" with producer Dan Irish and Vancouver-based engineer Paul Silveira. Grammy Award winner (and Vancouver resident) Sarah McLachlan utilized the Armoury recording room as a shooting backdrop for her upcoming television spotlight, CBC Television's "Life & Times" series. Engineer/Mixer Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Metallica) spent a month in studio this summer. Fraser first mixed the latest offering from Universal Records (NY) metal band Hatebreed, with Massachusetts-based producer Chris "Zeuss" Harris. He then mixed 8 tracks for Toronto (presently Independent) rock band Sound and Fury, with the band's producer, songwriter and front-man, Luke Metcalf. And look for the debut release from Universal & Mainstation Records band V Shape Mind on shelves in the USA on September 9th. The Illinois band tracked and mixed the record with David Bottrill at the Armoury in Spring 2003. For further information or booking inquiries for Armoury Studios please contact studio manager Jane Dittrich at (604) 737-1687

With his new band Brookville and the launch of his own Unfiltered Records label, (through caroline distribution), New York’s Andy Chase, a musician and producer best known as a member of the band Ivy, is joining today’s top tier of artists who are taking complete control of their craft. Flaunting a sleek and slender Euro-romantic sound, Brookville’s debut, Wonderfully Nothing, is a beautifully rendered record that allows Chase to balance his talent for songcraft with his love for rich sonic landscapes & textures. The track "Walking On Moonlight" was featured on RPM Direct Presents: Unsigned Volume 2 earier this summer and was just recently added to the "Morning Becomes Eclectic" playlist at KCRW. An early press review from Harp comments “Andy Chase’s enduring talent for melody and Eric Matthews’ string and brass arrangements create a symbiotic lushness recalling Everything But The Girl or Avalon-era Roxy Music.” Wonderfully Nothing is in stores this week. Also coming from Unfiltered, re-issues of the Ivy back catalogue. www.unfilteredrecords.com

>> WIN A LIVING ROOM DJ SET FROM NINJA TUNE'S KID KOALA

Nina Tune and the Coalition of Independent Music Stores are sponsoring a DJ Kid Koala contest throughout the month of October. The grand prize: world-renowned DJ Kid Koala himself will come to your house for a private DJ session while his girlfriend makes everyone dinner. All the the gear Koala brings to your house, a total DJ setup from Rane that includes a mixer, turntables, an equalizer and speakers -- will be left at your house when Koala and his girlfriend leave. Beginning October 1, ballot boxes will be set up at various independent stores throughout the country (go to www.cimsmusic.com for a list of stores), and a drawing will take place at the end of the month. Stay tuned to the Ninja Tune site for more details at www.ninjatune.com.

>> Production Courses Available Online with Berklee College of Music

Learn the skills you need to produce professional quality home recordings through Berkleemusic's instructor-led online courses. Fall courses begin on October 6th and cover a variety of music production areas including engineering, mixing, mastering, and MIDI recording / sequencing using Reason and other software applications. Berklee has even teamed up with Digidesign to offer an online version of their official Pro Tools 101 course, as well as a three-course Pro Tools suite that will teach you everything you need to know to become a Pro Tools expert. Study anywhere, anytime with Berklee's award-winning faculty. Take your production skills to a new level, with the recognized experts in contemporary music education. Registration is open now for October 6th online courses. Visit Berkleemusic.com to enroll.

Alan Parsons is a legend for his work as an engineer on recordings such as Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon and Al Stewart's Modern Times, and as a producer and artist on his trend-setting work under the aegis of the Alan Parsons Project. Parsons has chosen Acoustic Sciences Corporation's (ASC) Tube Traps as the perfect means of acoustical management for his personal recording studio. Parsons uses approximately a dozen Tube Traps, arrayed around his control room, to handle diffusion of his six-channel main monitoring system. They are crucial tools in the ongoing production of his next solo record, due for release in early 2004. "My days of dedicated acoustical treatment are over," proclaims Parsons. "I've come to the conclusion that studios are now temporary, and that we're living in an age of disposable rooms. No studio of mine has lasted more than three years because I have moved around so much, and the technologies change several generations even in that time. So having an acoustical treatment solution like Tube Traps is a very good thing, because now you have an acoustical environment that can travel with you to the next place you put your studio." For more information visit Acoustic Sciences Corporation online.

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>> Reelsound Mobile Recording Summer News

Reelsound Recording Co's mobile audio truck was called on by Lollapalooza 2003 to record the Houston, TX concert. The sold out performances were recorded on 48 track of IZ RADAR. Performing at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion were The Distillers, Donnas, Queens of the Stone Age, Jurassic 5, Audioslave, Incubus and Jane's Addiction. Michael Abrams was the technical director on the six camera shoot. Malcolm Harper and Matt Leroy engineered from the Reelsound studio assisted by Carl Harper, Sam Harper, Miranda Harper and Joey Luma. Back in Austin Lickonavision and WLIW-TV out of New York contacted the Reelsound mobile to record "At the Drive In". The show will air in the Fall of 2003 on PBS and is hosted by Fabian. Featured acts were some of the most treasured Rock n Roll artist of the 50's and 60's. The Rip Chords, Sufaris, Bobby Vee, Merrilee Rush, Chris Montez, Ray Peterson, Dodie Stevens , The Orlons , a special tribute to Rick Nelson by his twin sons and the surfer sensations Jan & Dean. Michael Davis was technical director assisted by Sharon Cullun. Malcolm Harper engineered the 48 track RADAR recording assisted by Gerard Bustos, Gene Krieger, Carl Harper and Will Harris. For more information contact Malcolm Harper at 512 312-1610 www.reelsound-usa.com

>> Brief Recording Personnel Updates and Studio Announcements

Produced and mixed MANDY MOORE's forthcoming album "Coverage." The first single, "Have A Little Faith In Me," was #1 most added at CHR/POP this week. Fields also produced the title track for DELTA GOODREM's album "Innocent Eyes"
which is the #1 album in Australia. Also produced SWITCHFOOT's album "Beautiful Letdown" which jumps up to #111 on the Billboard 200. For more information contact Frank McDonough, McDonough Management (805) 446-3370

Academy Award-winning scoring composer Hans Zimmer recently mastered at Santa Monica's Cups 'N Strings Studios the soundtrack albums for "Pirates of the Caribbean," (score produced by Hans Zimmer, composed by Klaus Badelt) starring Johnny Depp, and "Tears Of The Sun," (score by Zimmer) starring Bruce Willis, just released on DVD. For more info, visit the Cups 'N Strings website

Producer/enginner Hank Linderman (The Eagles, Chicago, Aimee Mann, America) has been recording the new Jeddrah CD. Jeddrah is the daughter of The Eagles' Timothy B Schmit, and is currently featured on Movietunes. Her single "Maybe" is being played in over 20, 000 theatres nationwide. Her video is being shot in Los Angeles this weekend by director Matt Heckerling, and will be shown by Movietunes, as well. For more info, go to www.jeddrah.com

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