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Welcome to the dog days of summer. But with September right around the corner, it's time to get back to work. If you have recording industry related press, producer/engineer news, studio sessions news, announcements, producer client updates, pro audio product news, music for review or something else to contribute, send it to News@rpmdirect.com.

>> Rive Droit Producer Update

Rive Droite Music's senior producer Ben 'Jammin' Robbins has been busy producing acts from all over the world. After a 7-week stay at the top of the UK Classical charts with the Katherine Jenkins album ‘Premiere’ (Universal Classics), he is now producing Canadian soprano Karine Carusi (FMA). Recently in his studio, he has been co-writing and producing for Atomic Kitten’s Liz McClarnon and A*teen’s Amit Paul on both their solo releases. Along with regular writing partner Steve Balsamo (West End star of Jesus Christ Superstar and Notre Dame De Paris) they have completed five songs for the follow-up to French Pop Idol winner Jonatan Cerrada's gold selling album 'Siempre 23' (BMG), which Ben will also produce. With his production and writing skills on the million selling debut album ‘Freeway’ by Russian superduo Smash!! (Universal), it was only natural they continue this partnership with five brand new tracks on their sophomore offering, which has already spawned the #1 hit ‘Obsession’. After just completing a 52-date UK tour with Westlife, the new boyband on the block Twen2y 4 Se7en (Diablo) have been given Ben’s magic production touch on their singles ‘Hide’ and ‘Where You Are’ (out September) while Sony Music’s Iris has enjoyed the same treatment for five songs on her first album. His songs are also being covered worldwide with cuts for Beglium’s Natalia (BMG) and Canada’s latest answer to Sarah Brightman, GioAria (Isba). For more information on the rest of the Rive Droite Music roster, contact Sir Harry at +44 (0) 208 977 0666 f: +44 (0) 208 977 0660 or on email sirharry@rivedroitemusic.com

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Chuck D from Public Enemy dropped into Threshold to oversee the creation of "Power To The People And The Videos" with Threshold Mixer / Sound Designer Michael Perricone. The DVD, slated for a September release on Universal, is a collection of Public Enemy's music videos spanning the group's 17 year (and counting) recording career and features re-mastered high-resolution audio and a running commentary by the Chuck D himself. Okeh / Epic artist Keb' Mo' was also in with Threshold's Stephen Marsh recently to master his newest album "Peace…. Back By Popular Demand". Coming fast on the heels of his last release (the still charting) "Keep it Simple", Keb's new record features nine covers and one original that speak to America's social conscience. Among the tracks are new versions of Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are A-Changing" and John Lennon's "Imagine". The album release is currently slated to coincide with Bruce Springsteen's "The Vote For Change Tour" beginning October 1st. For more information contact Stephen Marsh, Chief Mastering Engineer at (310) 571-0500 smarsh@thresholdsound.com

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>> Remote Recording's Rockin' Summer Schedule

It’s been a high-mileage summer for Remote Recording. Kicking it all off in Dallas with a two-week, action packed stint, the summer began with a triple-header at Texas Stadium with Alan Jackson, George Strait, and Jimmy Buffet. The following week was an amazing experience. Recording Eric Clapton at Las Colinas, and the warehouse where Robert Johnson made his last recordings. Engineer Alan Douglas, and producer Simon Climie were aboard the Silver Studio for the dates. The Silver Studio then moved over to the Cotton Bowl for the Crossroads Festival. Three days, three trucks, Elliot Scheiner, Ed Cherney…what more can you say! Immediately following Dallas, David Hewitt along with SIA Acoustics Sam Berkow recorded Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Spring Gala at the Apollo. It was then off to Bryant Park for a rain soaked recording of John Mayer. The 4th of July found the Silver Studio in a familiar place. The steps of the Philadelphia Museum. For the 10th consecutive year, Remote Recording was on hand for the celebration, which included the Philadelphia Boys Choir, and the Eisley Brothers. In a departure from the norm, Remote Recording and Bridge Multi-Media recorded “Weights – One Blind Man’s Journey” at Capitol Studios in July. The project is being co-produced by Karen Brinton, and Matt Kaplowitz. Ryan Hewitt engineered the project, while David Hewitt was in Detroit recording Reba McEntire. The Silver Studio then met up with Ed Cherney in Virginia to record the Doobie Brothers for a live DVD coming out on Sanctuary Records this fall. Hewitt and the Silver Studio are back in Detroit, recording Kid Rock, and looking forward to AES coming up in October. Remote Recording is nominated for a TEC Award for their work on the 76th Annual Academy Awards. To contact Remote Recording, call 212-759-0141, or visit their web site at www.remoterecording.com.

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If you're making music, this is the only directory you need for producer/engineer and producer management contacts. Still don't have your copy? Get yours quick - the '04 editions are going fast. RPM Direct is the music industry's leading professional resource for this information. The Music Business Registry is the leader in offering professional directories of A&R, Film & TV Music, Music Publishing and Music Attorney contacts. Two music industry leaders - one must have resource for anyone making music. Go to RPMDirect.com to buy it online or call 800-377-7411 to place your order. But wait - there's more! Want to search a database of the same information? Cross-linking through thousands of artists and producers and their discograpies? Go to RPMDirect.com to sign up for the print edition and online directory access for the most up to date information available. If you're not using RPM, you're not as connected as you could be. www.rpmdirect.com.

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>> SoundExchange Announces Summer '04 Distribution of Over $3Mil In Performance Royalties To Artists, Labels

SoundExchange is pleased to announce the distribution of over three million dollars ($3,000,000) in sound recording performance royalties to recording artists and sound recording copyright owners. SoundExchange has now distributed nearly sixteen million dollars ($16,000,000) since its first distribution in the fall of 2001. For the first time, royalties from satellite radio services XM and SIRIUS were included in the distribution, along with preexisting satellite services (Muzak, Music Choice and DMX). SoundExchange expects that its next distribution will include royalties from webcasters, foreign countries as well as these satellite services. "I'm excited that we have added new licensees to our distribution and that our royalties continue to increase," said SoundExchange Executive Director, John L. Simson. "On behalf of our artist and copyright owner members, I am pleased with the growth of our revenues, the success of our licensees and their ability to bring a much greater range of music to the public." In addition to many hundreds of labels and thousands of U.S. artists, SoundExchange distributed royalties to the overseas performance rights organizations (PROs) RAAP (Ireland), PPL (U.K.) and SENA (Netherlands) for further distribution to the thousands of artists they collectively represent. SoundExchange continues to pursue these types of agreements with foreign PROs to make the distribution process more efficient, by cutting one check to each society, who in turn pay their respective artists. For more information, visist www.soundexchange.com

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>> Shortlist Prize Reflects American Appetite For British Music

The US' appetite for British music was reflected in the Shortlist Prize nominations, which boasted 17 British artists amongst the 73 shortlisted to receive the prize. The "Longlist" features initial nominations for the 2004 Shortlist Music Prize; the US Nationwide Mercury Prize equivalent which honours critically acclaimed albums that have not yet been certified gold by US record companies' association the RIAA. New British artists, including last year's Mercury prize winner Dizzee Rascal and current Mercury nominees Franz Ferdinand, Belle & Sebastian, Keane, The Streets, Ty and Snow Patrol and have all made the shortlist - while established artists such as Elbow, PJ Harvey and David Bowie continue to win praise from US music critics. The Shortlist Music Prize, now in its fourth year, is decided by an eclectic mix of journalists and artists who nominate the acts. The list will be reduced to 10 finalists by late September, with the winner - who gets a $10,000 prize to be named on November 10 at Los Angeles' Wiltern Theater during a concert featuring nominated artists. Investment in new talent the key to international success. The British industry's continuing investment in new talent is paying off, with commentators increasingly identifying 'a new British invasion' of overseas markets, particularly the US. While there has been much coverage in recent years of a recent dearth of UK artists in the US charts, so far this year the US charts have played host to UK acts such as Franz Ferdinand, Joss Stone, Jamie Cullum, The Darkness, Muse, Keane, Lostprophets and Morrissey. BPI Chairman Peter Jamieson said: "Britain's ability to market its artists abroad relies upon the strength of our domestic market. Despite the damage wrought by piracy and illegal downloading, the UK record industry continues to be the biggest supporter of new UK musical talent."

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Visioneering Design, well known as a leading turnkey audio/video/film design and integration firm, has launched a new subsidiary, VisioneeringConnect. Visioneering has provided design and integration services for such major clients as Lucasfilm, Pixar, Disney, and 20th Century Fox. The new division will offer the same level of quality and value to the rapidly growing sector of project studios, boutique post facilities and residential screening rooms. "What we're finding is that many of our newer clients are coming to us with their designs completed and what they are really looking for is a crew to build the cables and do the installation," says Ron Lagerlof, founder of Visioneering Design. Another longtime client of Visioneering Design, Sound Services Inc. (SSI) of Hollywood, has contracted the new division for the installation of their new dubbing stage. VisioneeringConnect is also offering this streamlined cost-effective approach to pro audio/video dealers, allowing them to provide a value-added service to their customers. For more information contact: Ron Lagerlof, Visioneering Design & VisioneeringConnect phone: (818) 882-7271 or visit them on the web at: www.visioneeringdesign.com

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>> Allaire Studios Summer Session Activity

Shivaree were recently at Allaire Studios tracking in the Great Hall with engineer Brandon Mason for a new CD on Zoe/Rounder. A short while ago Staind finished up another project for Elektra/Atlantic. The Staind sessions were produced by David Bottrill in the Great Hall studio with Brian Sperber engineering and Matt Cullen assisting. Also in the Great Hall was the Don Byron Trio with special guests Jack DeJohnette and Jason Moran doing a recording for Blue Note. The sessions were produced by Don Byron & Hans Wendl with Tom Lazarus engineering. RCA artists Longwave just finished a project in the Neve Room with producer John Leckie with George Shilling engineering. The project was recorded on Studer 2" 16 track and Pro Tools HD. At the same time, The Raveonettes tracked a new CD in the Great Hall for Sony Music with producer Richard Gottehrer and engineer Joe Blaney. Finally, producer Craig Street returned to Allaire's Great Hall to record & mix Nonesuch recording artist and Tony Award-winning actress Audra McDonald. Audra worked with an imposing cast of musicians including Kevin Breit (guitar), Greg Leisz (pedal steel/dobro), Patrick Warren (keyboards) and Greg Cohen (bass). Husky Hoskulds engineered the project. For more information contact Mark McKenna, Studio Manager at mmckenna@allairestudios.com

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>> Grammy-Winner Steve Hodge Producing New Soul Asylum Album

Grammy-winner Steve Hodge is producing the new album for internationally acclaimed rock group Soul Asylum. Hodge, a central figure in the record-breaking Flyte Tyme Productions of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, is now producing Soul Asylum’s tenth studio album and their first since 1998’s Candy from a Stranger. Critically and commercially successful, Soul Asylum’s Grave Dancers Union album has sold almost four million copies worldwide. One of the hit singles from that album, “Runaway Train,” was awarded the Grammy for Song of the Year. The preliminary elements of the project are being produced at the legendary Flyte Tyme Studios in suburban Minneapolis, where Hodge worked on more than 40 No.1. Billboard hits, 15 on the Pop charts and 25 on the R&B charts. The album, as yet untitled, is expected to be released in early 2005. Besides the Soul Asylum project, Hodge is also producing albums for the Punk group Rise or Rust and a Capella group Tonic Soul Fa. He is also co-founder of Brain Jar Records, which develops and records promising new artists. Nominated for three Grammies and involved in more than a dozen Grammy Award projects, Hodge won the Grammy in 2001 for his dance remix of Janet Jackson’s “All For You.” For more information contact: Tom Davies at t.davies@comcast.net or on (612) 203-9345

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>> Elvis Costello & EAW: An Unforgettable Performance at the 2004 Lincoln Center Festival

For three weeks every July, the Lincoln Center Festival at Lincoln Center Plaza presents more than 150 performances by more than 30 participating artists and performance groups in its nine venues. The Festival, which began in 1996, traditionally runs from the first Tuesday after Independence Day until the end of July. Its varied program includes plays, musical performances, orchestral works as well as Kabuki, the traditional form of Japanese theater. “Luckily, the core sound designers, production managers and techs have not changed much since the beginning, which is unusual for a festival environment,” said David Meschter, sound coordinator for the Lincoln Center Festival, whose many responsibilities include the collection and fulfillment of each group’s technical rider. Planning for the massive event begins in mid-February, when Meschter and other Festival coordinators assemble and allocate resources. One such audio resource is Simon Nathan, principal of Audio Production Services (APS) in North Westchester, NY. APS partners with New York-based Promix to provide all audio equipment for every Lincoln Center venue during the Festival. For Lincoln Center Festival 2004, Elvis Costello played a week-long series of three shows at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall, home of the New York Philharmonic. The 2,700-seat venue’s unique architecture includes tri-level balcony seating around the interior perimeter, dubbed “the tiers” by Lincoln Center staff. The series highlighted the vast career and musical styles of Costello. The first performance was Elvis Costello and the Dutch ensemble Metropole Orkest, the world’s only full time jazz orchestra with strings. Second, it was Elvis Costello and The Imposters with drummer Pete Thomas, keyboardist Steve Nieve, and bassist Davey Farragher. And finally, the last performance was Elvis Costello and the Brooklyn Philharmonic featuring the North American premiere of Il Sogno, Costello’s first orchestral suite, as well as Costello performing a program of orchestral-accompanied songs. For the Costello run, Meschter and Nathan chose EAW KF730 small line array modules (SLAM). Eight EAW KF730s per side were hung above the lighting truss in Avery Fisher Hall for all three performances. “We needed a sound system that was small, light, sounded good and could throw a reasonable distance,” said Nathan. “The KF730s fit the bill.” “We also wanted a system that can be important in all three of the shows and is versatile enough to be matched with additional cabinets,” said Meschter. “The KF730s worked out very well with the Elvis Costello shows. With the Metropole, the program was mostly amplified and reinforced, with electronics worked into the orchestra. For that, we used the KF730s and four EAW SB1000 subwoofers. With the Imposters, we added eight EAW KF750s and six EAW SB1000s to the KF730s for added punch. And with Philharmonic, only the second half of the show is amplified voice. For that, we stripped the system down and just used the KF730s for Elvis’s vocals.” The KF730s also fit the criteria of a clean sightline, an especially passionate topic for traditional philharmonic patrons and players.

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>> Big Mo Recording back at Bonnaroo 2004

For the third year in a row, The Big Mo Recording trucks and crew were back at the main stage and second stage of Bonnaroo. The music festival's third year proved to be as popular with fans as ever, with an estimated crowd of 130,000 enjoying the music in Manchester, TN. The Big Mo full production truck (affectionately known as "MABEL") recorded artists performing on the main stage, including the Dave Mathews Band, Bob Dylan, The Dead, Steve Winwood, and Trey Anastasio. Mixers in MABEL were Greg Hartman and Mark Williams, with engineers Chris Weal and Rob Preston. On the Second Stage with the Big Mo's smaller truck "SHORTY", Jim Fox mixed Los Lonely Boys, Ani Defranco, Modeski Martin & Wood, and others, assisted by engineers Michael Caplan and John Burke. Drew Doucette and Bernie Burrus were general assistants to both trucks. Hartman, Williams, and Fox blended live stereo mixes of each artist as well as recording their sets to 48 track. The stereo mixes were used for broadcast on XM-Live and are available as downloads from the Bonnaroo web site. Producer John Alagia will work from the 48 track live recordings to create this year's Bonnaroo CD and DVD releases. The CDs and DVDs will both be available directly from the Bonnaroo web site and from retail outlets. Hank Neuberger was instrumental in arranging for production staff and on site facilities. Big Mo Recording is based in College Park, Maryland, near Washington DC. From this mid-Atlantic location, owner Greg Hartman and crews travel over much of the US. For more information visit Big Mo online www.bigmorecording.com

>> Top Songwriters, Artists And Producers Unite To Fight Racism At The 2004 Songwriter's Summit

Top music industry artists, songwriters, and producers gathered for the 2004 Songwriters' Summit for Oneness on August 21, 2004 at the Los Angeles Recording Workshop in Hollywood. The event was hosted by the non-profit organization, Oneness, and 2004 sponsors include Apple, ASCAP, BMI, EMI Music Publishing, The Recording Academy, The Los Angeles Recording Workshop, M-Audio, Remo Drums, Universal Music Publishing, SST, and SESAC. This year's summit provided "an opportunity to create music that changes lives, like the music of Marley, Mayfield and Dylan, that is both socially responsible and commercially viable," says co- founder and marketing director Dennis Stafford. Among this year's supporters are Grammy-winning producer/songwriter Jimmy Jam (Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey); songwriter participants include superstar songwriter Andreas Carlsson (Celine Dion, 'NSync), Andy Vargas (Santana), Kenisha Pratt (Brandy), David Frank (Christina Aguilera), Sami McKinney (Anita Baker, Patti LaBelle), Vitamin C, Allan Rich (Whitney Houston), 2004 Latin Grammy nominated Superlitio's Pedro Rovetto, Francesca "Francci" Richard (Dr. Dre, Bono), Edgar Cortezar (Luis Miguel), and more. "The event is getting bigger and better every year," says KC Porter, 3 time Grammy winning producer and co-founder of Oneness, "incredible talent, great sponsors, The Recording Academy, major publishers and all the performing rights organizations says a lot." "There is no greater force in the world than music to bring people together," adds Oneness' executive director Faith Holmes. Songs created at the Summit will be considered for a compilation CD to promote peace and unity. Oneness supporters include Carlos Santana, Quincy Jones, B.B. King, Macy Gray, Sarah McLachlan, Brian McKnight, and many others. Participants from previous summits include the legendary Lamont Dozier (Barbra Streisand, Phil Collins), Narada Michael Walden (Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey), Shep Crawford (Whitney Houston, Boyz II Men), Pamela Phillips Oland (Frank Sinatra, Selena), Freddie Ravel, KC Porter (Santana, Ricky Martin), Mathew Wilder (No Doubt), Dave Merenda (Sarah McLachlan), and others. Additional supporters of the 2004 Songwriters' Summit for Oneness include Putumayo Records, Spectrasonics, Native Instruments, Boss Audio and WorldBeat Productions. www.ecapacity.org/calendar/events/sws

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>> Bits & Pieces...

Darian Rundall just finished production on Whole Wheat Bread for Fighting Records, tracked at Cell Studios in Orlando FL, and A Small Victory for Lobster Records, tracked at Stall #2 Recording in Redondo Beach CA. Darian can be reached at darianrundall@hotmail.com

Westbeach Recorders' new studio manager Seth Hum and engineer Ben Meyer join forces with owner Don Cameron and engineer Chris Gresham in a bid to rock the Hollywood recording studio scene. Westbeach Recorders is proud to offer 3 new production package rates, the addition of a pair of vintage Neve 1095's, and analog/Pro Tools recording formats. The Westbeach Recorders facility, also known as "Producers Workshop" offers clients high quality at affordable prices. Call 323-461-6959 or go to www.westbeachrecorders.com

Frankie Fuchs is producing and writing material for a new CD release from Greg Walker, noted R&B singer (Santana, 5th Dimension). The sessions are taking place in LA with Fuchs rounding up some of LA's finest for live recordings in Sept, Oct, Nov of this fall. For more info, contact Frankie Fuchs at frankiefuchs@earthlink.net

Joe Jaffe recent finished the Henry Rollins Shock and Awe tour mixing the surround and stereo mixes for DVD. He has also been working on a live concert featuring Carlos Santana and Wayne Shorter from Montreaux soon to be out on DVD as well. Contact Joel Jaffe at Studio D Recording at jomara2@comcast.net

Andy Johns is producing and engineering the new Euphoriaphonic Record at Ocean Studios for Rob Kahane at Trauma Records. Contact Scott Carlson S/T/C Entertainment (818) 787-4065 or Scott@STCent.com

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