>> from the editor...

Did we mention that the last publication of this newsletter marked our 50th edition?! It's a satisfying milestone if we may say so. Now in it's 4th year, the RPM Direct Newsletter remains one of, if not the, leading independent source of information on recording personell, services and fun things you ought to know about. We are still working on refining this new format - but based on the feedback so far, it seems you like it. If you have industry related press, news, announcements or something else to contribute, send your news here. -- J.G.

>> The AES Convention Returns to New York!

The 115th AES Convention, the premier audio event of the year, will explore the latest technological advances in the audio world. A comprehensive showcase of audio technology combined with a stellar line up of papers sessions, tutorials, workshops, technical tours and special events make the AES an invaluable resource for today's audio professional. While addressing the issues our industry is faced with today, the AES also looks ahead to the future of audio. From breakthroughs in coding technology to the impact surround sound production has on today's mastering engineer, the AES has it covered. The 115th AES looks forward to your participation in the largest pro audio event in the world. 115th AES Convention, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York, NY, USA, Dates: Friday October 10 - Monday October 13, 2003 Click Here for On-line Registration ^back up^

Nancy Matter of Moonlight Mastering has just recently mastered "Ray Charles: In Concert", a 29 song, two disk collection. This compilation is from five live albums - with performances that were recorded between 1958 and 1975. The set includes selections from "Ray Charles At Newport", "Ray Charles In Person"; "Berlin, 1962"; "Ray Charles Live In Concert"; and "Ray Charles Live In Japan". Nancy, owner/engineer of Moonlight mastering comments on the experience, "This two disc set takes you through an era of a Legend that shares his talent through his voice and his music. Without a doubt, working on this project shows why Ray Charles is one of our world’s treasured superstars whose career has lasted several decades." Terry Howard, Ray Charles’s engineer and a Grammy Nominated engineer who compiled the tracks for In Concert immediately returned to Moonlight Mastering after Nancy’s previous work on the Ray Charles produced Jimmy Scott CD. Terry states, “Over the years I have worked with the top name mastering engineers such as Bernie Grundman, Doug Sax, and so on. Its one thing to have the right equipment but really knowing how to produce such a sonically great sounding work is another.” Moonlight Mastering is a full service stereo and 5.1 mastering suite equipped with multiple Sonic HD systems, SADiE 24/96, Cedar Restoration and Genelec Monitoring. For more information contact Nancy Matter at Moonlight Mastering Telephone: (818) 841-2987 www.moonlightmastering.com

^ back up ^

>> Brian Virtue Enjoying the Success of Jane's Addiction's "Strays"

Producer/Engineer/Mixer Brian Virtue has been enjoying a successful summer after Co-Producing, Engineering and Co-Mixing alt-rock pioneers Jane's Addiction triumphant come-back album "Strays" with Bob Ezrin. In just 5 weeks of release the album is nearing Gold + status and the smash single "Just Because" has been one of the most played tracks of the summer. Brian's other credits include 30 Seconds To Mars, Crazy Town, Rust Epique, Deadsy and Mellowdrone. For more information on Brian Virtue or other Nettwerk Producer Management clients please contact Alia Fahlborg or dial (310) 855 0668.

>> Le Mobile’s Summer Packed with Tracking and Mixing

During the summer of 2003, Le Mobile’s time was split about 50-50 between going out and about to record and coming back home to mix. Le Mobile owner/engineer Guy Charbonneau recorded No Doubt’s Rock Steady Tour in Long Beach, and then mixed the project for stereo video and 5.1 DVD (both slated for November release) while the truck was parked in its Vista, California headquarters. He did the same for The Pretenders forthcoming Loose in L.A DVD, recording Chrissie Hynde and company at L.A.’s Wiltern Theater. Summer tracking-only projects for Le Mobile covered a broad range of festival, TV and multimedia assignments. Chief engineer Charlie Bouis was in Le Mobile’s vintage Neve for all seven live taping sessions of The WB’s Pepsi Smash TV series at Hollywood’s Ren-Mar sound stage. Le Mobile also recorded two MTV projects, the MTV Bash and the MTV Movie Awards, along with the annual Coachella Festival and the Warped Tour for Warner Brothers. 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. Le Mobile is based in the Southern California community of Vista. More information is available at www.lemobile.com.

>> Wayne Coyne & Dave Fridmann Remix Chumbawamba Hit "Tubthumping"

Six years after taking over the mainstream, Chumbawamba's smash hit "Tubthumping" has been remixed by The Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne and producer Dave Fridmann. The new version will be included with the U.S. release of the band's latest album, Readymades and Then Some, due Oct. 21 via KOCH Entertainment. Nothing short of aural delight, in Coyne and Fridmann's hands, "Tubthumping" is softened, its familiar vocal elements surrounded by lush keyboard arrangements and subtle flourishes. In 1997, more than 13 years after forming, the U.K. collective scored a worldwide hit with the original "Tubthumping." The Flaming Lips endured a similar fate after taking the modern rock scene by storm with what has become known as "the Vaseline song," 1993's "She Don't Use Jelly," a decade after the band was founded. The success of both singles vaulted the bands into the pop lexicon but to some, viewed as novelty acts despite efforts before and after proving both to be deft pop architects. Like the Flaming Lips, Chumbawamba has continued to create music that defies the too often applied "one-hit wonder" tag. Their politically laced work is smart and catchy; danceable, yet thought provoking. With descriptions of the new material like "brilliant," "chaotic" and "gorgeous" applied by critics and fans alike - Chumbawamba seems poised for rebirth and discovery. In addition, the new CD release is packaged with a spectacular bonus DVD featuring excerpts from the band documentary "Well Done, Now Sod Off!" that examines their history before and after the "Tubthumping" phenomena.

Want to hear it? Right Click on the song link and "save as" to download
Tubthumping / remixed by Wayne Coyne & Dave Fridmann (64kbs./mp3)

>> First Car In US to Include DTS as Standard Feature

DTS (Digital Theater Systems, Inc.) announces the availability of the first standard car audio system to feature DTS 5.1-channel Digital Surround in the United States: the 2004 Acura TL. The 2004 Acura TL’s ELS Premium Eight-Speaker Surround Sound System with DVD-Audio, DTS and CD Six-Disc Changer, AM/FM Tuner and Dolby Cassette was designed with multiple Grammy-winning recording engineer and producer Elliot Scheiner. Producing six channels of sound, the system plays DTS 5.1 Music Discs as well as DVD-Audio titles. The first OEM standard vehicle to carry a DTS-capable system was the Toyota Brevis, available in Japan, and DTS-capable systems are currently available as an optional feature in the Lexus RX330 and Lexus GX430. Additionally, most major after-market car audio manufacturers currently produce systems featuring DTS decoders, including Alpine, Clarion, Eclipse, JVC, Kenwood, Panasonic, Pioneer, Sanyo and Sony. "The widespread adoption of home theatre systems has driven increased popularity in surround music in general -- and DTS Surround Sound specifically -- which is quickly leading to consumers' demanding the same experience in the car," said Jon Kirchner, President and CEO of DTS. In addition to many DTS-encoded DVD-Audio titles, there are currently more than 100 DTS 5.1 Music Discs available through DTS Entertainment, including Sting's "Brand New Day", Sheryl Crow's "Globe Sessions" and The Eagles' "Hell Freezes Over." DTS Entertainment titles are also available at many e-tailers and retailers that sell DVDs.

>> TLAMS Entertainment Services Presents: "Battle of the FANS"

TLAMS Entertainment Services (LAMusicScene.com) presents "Battle of the FANS™" to be held at The Knitting Factory, Hollywood, beginning in October, 2003 running eleven nights through December, 2003. Battle of the FANS™ is a FAN-driven contest that will expose the craziest and most popular bands in Los Angeles. Preliminary rounds are Mondays and Tuesdays beginning October 6th and running through October 28th. Judging will be based solely on ticket sales and walkup ballots of FANS. A majority percentage of all monies from tickets sold, up to $25,000, will be awarded to the winner. Additional cash and prizes will be awarded to runners-up. 40 of LA's hardest working, emerging, artists/bands will compete in the ultimate contest, and their fans will be the judge! If you're an artist or band or know an artist or band that has that promotional edge, Battle of the FANS™ is now taking "intent to play" submissions from all areas of the United States. All submissions go through an A&R process performed by a group of industry professionals. For more information visit www.battleofthefans.com.

Professional Audio Design (PAD) recently announced the appointment of industry veteran Chris Walsh as the company's new director of west coast sales. "We are very happy to have Chris join our team," says Dave Malekpour, President of Professional Audio Design, Inc. "Chris brings with him a wealth of experience, from studio engineering and managing at Warner Bros. Publishing to sales management for several large audio firms." Just prior to joining PAD, Walsh served as the Sales Manager for Studio Products for Tannoy North America and as a Product Manager for DPA Microphones. "I'm thrilled to have such an exciting opportunity at a proven company such as PAD," says Walsh. "I look forward to leveraging the experience and industry contacts I have gained over the years to help generate additional exposure for PAD on the west coast."

>> Sanken Introduces CS-1 -- New Short Shotgun Microphone

Sanken will introduce at AES the new CS-1 Short Shotgun Microphone, employing the same innovative technology as previous Sanken mics in a new, smaller, ultra-compact housing. Sharp directivity delivers targeted sound while eliminating background noise. Measuring less than 8 inches in length, the CS-1 is ideal for mounting on video and film cameras, and with a weight of only 3.5 ounces, it is also easy to maneuver on boom poles. Utilizing Sanken's original square condenser capsule, the CS-1 has a flat frequency response beyond 20kHz and accepts sound levels up to 137dB. For more information, contact Sanken's distributor: plus24 at 323.845.1171 or visit the website: www.plus24.net And be sure to see the entire line of Sanken microphones at the 115th AES at Booth #809

>> DMT Rentals: Anticipating the Needs of Scoring and Film Post Industries

Throughout the audio industry, the name DMT Rentals has become synonymous with the highest quality in technical innovations and creative solutions, as well as full-line service and consulting. Many of the world's foremost artists, engineers and recording studios now depend on Digital Music Technologies for forward-looking solutions. And, in light of the changing requirements of the scoring and film post production industries, DMT has been preemptive in anticipating the needs of these market segments, and has developed a number of cost-effective creative solutions. "With continual last-minute picture and sound changes," says DMT Rentals president Doug Botnick, "the film re-recording process now might include replacement and/or update of the score at the 11th hour. So our clients need to work in new and different ways, reacting to time pressures. We have responded with custom-designed systems, plus on-the-ball technical and creative support." DMT owns what it considers to be the world's largest rental inventory of High-Bit/High-Sample-Frequency and Direct Stream Digital recorders, digital audio workstations, converters and processors, as well as selected analog devices. Botnick considers DMT's Secret to Success to be based in the fact that "first and foremost we really care about good audio. And we care about our clients and want them to always look good and for their work to sound as good as the state of the art will permit." For more information on the complete range of DMT Rentals' equipment and consulting services, contact Doug Botnick. (818) 559 2272. DMT, 273 W Alameda Ave., Burbank, CA 91502 www.dmtrentals.com

>> VAPOUR: Metropolitan Festival Of Independent Music

Vapour is to return at the end of October with the launch of an annual event to celebrate independent label culture. Vapour: A Metropolitan Festival of Independent Music will run over three nights of gigs and parties in and around London's East End and will will feature over 25 independent record labels, each hosting their own parties in 12 different venues. Already 4AD, Warp, Haywire, Rephlex, Heavenly, Wall Of Sound, Marine Parade, Wichita, Lex, Sonic Mook, Memphis Industries, Mish Mash, Twisted Nerve and Moshi Moshi are confirmed, with further additions to this special line-up to come. Vapour is the brainchild of Cymon Eckel and Marcus Weedon, who staged their first Vapour event in 1998. Conceived as a reaction to bland production line events and clubs, they wanted to produce an event that broke down the barriers between musical styles and genres, The launch event in London was staged in a 20,000 sq ft warehouse and separated into four special environments featuring Soma, Warp, Heavenly and Wall Of Sound. Vapour then toured the country with even more labels, including Nuphonic, XL, Grand Central, Concrete, Athletico, and Skint. The idea for this new outing has been in development for two years. This Vapour event is being held with the full endorsement of the Association of Independent Music (AIM). AIM is the non-profit trade body established in 1998 by UK independent record labels to represent the vital independent record sector. Visit their website www.musicindie.org for more information.

>> A Few Brief Recording Personnel Updates...

McDonough Management clients are #1 most added at radio! Rich Costey mixed Audioslave "I Am The Highway" which was #1 most added at three formats -- Alternative, Active Rock and Rock. David Thoener mixed Brooks & Dunn "You Can't Take The Honky Tonk Out Of The Girl" which was #1 most added at Country. John Fields produced and mixed Switchfoot "Gone" which was the #1 song at Christian CHR. For more information contact Frank McDonough at (805) 446-3370.

P.O.D. have tapped Chris Vrenna to remix the song “Will You” for their forthcoming CD titled Payable On Death. The upcoming P.O.D. album comes out November 4th, 2003 on Atlantic Records. This will be the third time Vrenna and P.O.D. have teamed up on a remix. Vrenna remixed “Set It Off” for The Scorpion King soundtrack as well as “The Messenjah” for the film A Man Apart. For more info, please check out www.payableondeath.com, tweaker.net and waxploitation.com

Sean Beavan produced Kill Hannah whose first single, "Kennedy" has been added to numerous key tastemaker stations including Live 105, FNX, Q101, TXCC, The Edge and LUM. It's #15 at Specialty Radio and scored a coveted Advanced Warning on MTV recently. Meanwhile, they are scheduled to tape a performance on "Last Call With Carson Daly" on September 30th to be aired in October. For more info and tour dates, visit their website www.killhannah.com Sean is currently in the final stages of producing Interscope's most promising Chronica Future's album. He will become available late September/early October. For more information contact Shannon O'Shea at SOS Management Inc. (323) 654 2828

^ back up ^