>> Send Us Your News, Your Press, Your Audio For Review

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.

>> 117th AES Convention Workshops Run The Gamut

Offering a range of topics stretching from the esoteric to the conventional, the 117th AES Convention Workshops exemplify the diversity of the AES membership. Convention Chair John Strawn reported that Workshop Co-Chairs Christopher Struck and David Harris have coordinated, "an extraordinary program of 14 Workshops. Attendees will benefit from the hands-on experience and carefully researched findings of some of the world's most imaginative engineers, designers, consultants and educators." The convention will be held at The Moscone Center, Oct. 28-31, 2004. Scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 28, "Testing Car Audio Quality" will include a series of unique evaluation clinics of high quality 5.1 automobile audio and movie playback systems. On Friday, Oct. 29, Mark Davis of Dolby Laboratories, Inc., SF will chair "Spatial Coding Of Surround Sound, A Progress Report." The rise in popularity of surround sound has resulted in a duality of formats. As both stereo and 5.1 now enjoy wide acceptance, it has become necessary to implement a common data format. The Workshop will provide an overview of the principles of such systems and examine some of the primary problems and solutions of systems currently under development. Sunday, Oct. 31 Dana Massie - Waves, Inc., London will chair "Future Challenges For The All-Software Studio: Scalability, Stability, Usability." With the rapid maturity of the all-software studio the engineer's fundamental mode of interaction has changed drastically. Today's studio modules are frequently plug-ins which enable the creation of digital effects with an ease and quality that has no counterpart in the analog world. The Workshop will explore issues ranging from an operating system crash in the middle of a billable session to how a pro studio can incrementally add more processing power and, obstacles to entry for new engineers. Additional 117th AES Convention Workshops include: High Resolution Audio In An Age of Universal Playback; Firewire In Studios--Benefits And Challenges Mastering For Low Bit-Rate Perceptual CODECS; How We Made Games In The Hallway Rock!; Architectural Acoustics for Film & Broadcast Studios; Which Audio Recording & Storage Medium for What Purpose The Power of Loudspeaker Models; Signal Processing and Hearing Aids; The Role of Multiple Low-Frequency Signals in the Perception of Reproduced Sound; Lossless Audio Coding: MPEG & De-Facto Standards; A complete schedule of AES 117th Convention events may be found at: www.aes.org.

^ back up ^

Armoury Studios in Vancouver recently had multi-platinum vocal sensation Josh Groban in studio tracking. Groban was tracking a song for the upcoming Tom Hanks animated movie, "Polar Express". The track was produced (and co-written by) Glen Ballard, and was engineered by Scott Campbell. GGGarth Richardson (and his primary engineer, Dean Maher) was recently tracking bed tracks for new Warner Records imprint label artists, bloodsimple. Betty, the female rock band based out of New York City, tracked and mixed new material for use in the Showcase TV show, The L Word. Actress Pam Grier also collaborated vocally on one track, and guest-appeared on the television episode. Vancouver-based metal band Strapping Young Lad (front-man, guitar sensation Devin Townsend) recently started work on their next full-length release with producer Townsend, and engineer Shaun Thingvold. For more information on Armoury Studios, or for booking information, call Jane Dittrich at (604) 737-1687, or by e-mail janed@armourystudios.com

^ Back up ^

>> Genuine Representation Producer Management Update

We recently caught up with Michael Mavrolas for the latest activity from the Genuine Representation producer/writer roster. Producer Pro-Jay is currently enjoying the success of his production/co-write "Can U Handle It" on the 5X Platinum Usher album. Pro-Jay also just wrapped a new song for Disney recording artist "Raven". Producer Brion James recently wrapped the forthcoming 3rd Single for Sony UK act "The 411" who have already had 2 UK top 5 Singles. Producer Gregg Pagani is in the studio with So So Def/Jive recording artists "3LW". Hip Hop Producer Sam Sneed is enjoying the success of the nearly 3X Platinum lp from G-Unit featuring his cut "I Smell". Producer "Kookie" recently wrapped a production for Sony UK act "Lemar". He recently had the #5 UK single "On My Knees" for Sony UK act "The 411". Genuine Representation recently started a new artist development divison which has already resulted in recording deals for 22 yr old R&B artist "Tren'L" signed to Tommy Mottola's new Casablanca/Universal Records Label and 17 yr old hip hop artist "Ak'Sent" inking an exclusive worldwide recording agreement with Capitol Records. Genuine repped producers Damon Sharpe, and Mark Feist have been producing "Tren'L" while Genuine repped producers Kookie, The Elements, Gregg Pagani, Tony "Demolition Man" Issac and 17 yr old newcomer Jukebox have already contributed productions on the forthcoming debut from "Ak'Sent". For further info please contact Michael Mavrolas at Genuine Representation genuinerep@earthlink.net.

^ back up ^

Ardent Studios has added three Digidesign Pro Tools HD3 Accel systems, one for each main studio at its facility. The HD3 systems are running on Apple G5 computers with dual 2.0 GHz processors, 1.5 GB of RAM and Apple 23" Cinema HD displays. Studio A's system I/O configuration is one Sync I/O, three 192 I/O w/ one digital to analog expansion card, and a total of 24 analog inputs and 32 analog outputs available. Studio B is equipped with one Sync I/O, three 192 I/O w/ two digital to analog expansion cards for a total of 24 available analog inputs and 40 analog outputs. Studio C's system includes two 192 I/O w/ one digital to analog and one analog to digital expansion card. A total of 24 analog inputs and 24 analog outputs are available. The systems may be moved among studios or reconfigured upon special request. Ardent Studios, founded in 1966 and located in the historic Overton Park district of Memphis, has quite a distinguished history that includes 3 Doors Down, North Mississippi Allstars, Gin Blossoms, REM, ZZ Top and Big Star. For more information contact Jody Stephens at 901-725-0855 or visit: www.ardentstudios.com

^ Back up ^

>> Just Managing Producer Client News

Just Managing clients Josh Abrahams and James Brown have had a busy summer. Josh is currently in the studio working on his new album to be released under his moniker of "Puretone". This will be his second international release, following up on the success of the World wide hit "Addicted to Bass'. The project is generating a great buzz due to the amazing group of guest artists he's pulled together, including British and American legends Donovan and Janis Ian. Angie Hart from "Frente" will also be appearing as well as Vanessa Amorosi, who's already has a very successful career in Australia and is set to make a splash internationally with the release of this album. James Brown, originally from London, is currently in the process of moving to New York and has already started work on projects, stateside. Ex-Chief Engineer at RAK Studios, James has acquired a wealth of experience in recording, mixing and live recording and has worked with many eminent producers such as Daniel Lanois, Brian Eno, Elvis Costello, Stephen Hague, Marius de Vries, Alan Moulder and Phil Thornalley. He is beginning to gain recognition in his own right as a producer with credits including Equation and Easyworld. Recent and current projects include: Mixing tracks for Nine Inch Nails and recording drums with Dave Grohl for the new Nine Inch Nails album. Producing and mixing in his own right - B sides for The Beatings and tracks for The Vaults entitled "Smart Face", "Wednesday" and "Shuffle" - as well as engineering and mixing for Dimitri Tikovoi - including two single mixes ­ "That Great Love Sound" for The Raveonettes and "English Summer Rain" for Placebo and further tracks for Playground. Recently engineered guitar for Jeff Beck on Joe Cocker album track. Ongoing engineering and mixing projects for Dave Stewart for Anastasia and Gwen Stefani. For more information contact Debbi Gibbs at Just Managing at 212 571 3591 or email to Debbi@JustManaging.com

^ back up ^

Manhattan Center Productions is pleased to announce that OBie O’Brien has joined the company as Studio Manager. O’Brien is a recording industry veteran with more than 20 years of experience in the recording studio business. OBie will report directly to MCP’s President, Peter Ross. “I am delighted that OBie has joined our team. She will enable us to better contend with the challenges that currently confront the recording industry,” said Ross. “We can then pull the trigger on those innovative plans we have been working on to more fully avail of the tremendous assets we have here at the Manhattan Center.” O’Brien comes to MCP after holding studio management positions at Edison Recording Studio in Manhattan, as well as at Mayfair and Counterpoint Studios, also in the metro New York area. Most recently, she served as Studio Manager at Clinton Recording Studios in New York City. At MCP, O’Brien will be responsible for day-to-day operations, including bookings and the administration of the recording studios. She will generate additional business and assist MCP in its pursuit of several new business objectives. For more information contact Manhattan Center Studios at 212 695 6600.

^ Back up ^

>> Tony Hoffer, Dave Cooley Keeping The Heat On

Cast Management client Tony Hoffer has been jam-packed all year. He just produced and mixed two tracks for the forthcoming Beck record (‘Outerspace’ and ‘Farewell Ride’) due in October, did the new Idlewild record for Parlophone/Capitol UK (due in early 2005), wrote and produced tracks with Fischerspooner, and was just tapped to helm the sophomore Rooney album for Geffen/Interscope. He also produced the debut album from The Vacation for Chrysalis' UK record division The Echo Label. Hoffer’s production of the sophomore Phoenix record ‘Alphabetical’ on Virgin/Astralwerks has helped it stay on the radio and sales charts worldwide. In addition to all these current projects, Hoffer has racked up a combined 2 million worldwide sales with his productions of The Thrills ‘So Much For The City,’ Turin Brakes ‘Ether Song.’ Cast Management client Dave Cooley produced and mixed Rolling Blackouts for Warner Bros. subsidiary Record Collection. Dave also engineered two acoustic Tom Morello tracks for submission to the ‘Fahrenheit 9/11’ soundtrack and has been busy mastering the DJ Dangermouse 'Grey Album’ and, as ever, all the releases on Stones Throw Records. For more information contact Jeff Castelaz at Cast Management (323) 665-1144 or jeffcast@castmanagement.com

^ back up ^

At a gala event held at The Highlands in Hollywood, CA, the winners of the third annual Surround Music Awards (SMA) were announced. The event, which was sponsored by Dolby Laboratories, and produced by CMP Information, Inc., took place after a busy day of conferences and exhibits at the Surround 2004 conference, part of the Entertainment Media Expo (EMX). The evening’s highlight came from an all-star tribute performance for 2004 Surround Pioneer Award recipient Herbie Hancock. The band was made up of top jazz performers, including George Duke, Ndugu Chancelor, Wallace Rooney, Alex Al and DJ Disk, who treated the audience to a medley of Herbie’s most loved songs. Quincy Jones provided a videotaped message for Hancock, and also thanked the Surround Music Awards for donating a portion of the profits of the event to Jones’s We Are The Future charity. As it had been in previous years, the SMAs were hosted by Grammy-winning producers and engineers Al Schmitt and Ed Cherney. Presenters included 2004 Surround Visionary Award recipient Peter Frampton, Stanley Jordan, Don Was, Playboy centerfold and DJ Colleen Shannon, Poet Name Life, Jack Joseph Puig, George Massenburg, Guitar Player magazine’s Michael Molenda, and Leslie Lewis from NARAS’s Producers and Engineers Wing. While no one disc ruled the night, the biggest winner was the Rolling Stones’ Four Flicks, which took home three trophies. Following close behind with two awards was Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.

^ back up ^

>> Checking In With Paul Brown Management

Summer client news from Paul Brown Management in London: David Bottrill is producing the new album by Staind for Elektra/Atlantic. They are well into the sessions in New England and David will then produce the debut album by Kristin Hoffman for Interscope. Pedro Ferreira, best known for his production of The Darkness, has just produced and mixed the debut album by The Tokyo Dragons - another 'blast from the past' hard rock band on Island. Tchad Blake is currently mixing the new album by Brendan Benson for V2 and will soon be off to the US to work on a new Bonnie Raitt album. He also co-produced and mixed the new LP by Gomez for Virgin UK. Clive Martin has just completed a new album by Dombrance for Virgin France and has also produced the first single by The Customers, a new band from Brighton. The Insects, aka Tim Norfolk and Bob Locke, have spent the last year writing and producing Film and TV soundtracks, notably "Wire in the Blood" for ITV . They have also produced and remixed tracks for new Sony signing Candice. Jim Spencer co-produced and mixed the new album with The Charlatans "Up at the Lake" and has also been engineering sessions with New Order for their new album. Charlie Francis has built his own studio in Cardiff and is currently producing a new album by Sumo therein. Marco Sabiu has just completed writing/co-production of some new tracks with Francoise Hardy. Head is producing the debut album for 5.15 signings She Said and has also been cutting tracks with hot new Domino act Archie Bronson Outfit. He engineered and mixed the new LP by PJ Harvey, "Uh Huh Her". Nick Lloyd has just completed the production of the new Midasuno album at his own studio in Wales. Steve Bush has been working on some new tracks with Ronnie Wood. For more info on contact Paul Brown or Claire Alliott at Paul Brown Management +44 (0) 208 994 8887

back up ^

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.

^ Back up ^

>> Music Row Democrats Target Tennesseans With TV Ad

As the Democratic and Republican national parties allot their monetary resources to states with "battleground" status and have yet to air any Tennessee-targeted television ads, Music Row Democrats has produced a 30-second spot to air on cable television stations throughout Tennessee. Titled "I Believe," the spot features real Tennesseans stating their basic beliefs that make them Democrats. One version also promotes early voting. Music Row Democrats’ co-founder Bob Titley states, "For years now, the Republican media machine has branded the Democratic Party. Some people, including many of our fellow Tennesseans, have forgotten what the Democratic Party really stands for. This spot will remind people that our party is made up of everyday hard-working people.” He adds, "We're trying to help educate Tennessee voters about the true values of being a Democrat and the importance of early voting in the upcoming election." Directed by award-winning music video director Thom Oliphant (Dixie Chicks and Martina McBride), the ad can now be viewed at www.musicrowdemocrats.com. Beginning September 29th, an initial run of the spot will air on Comcast Cable stations in several counties surrounding Davidson County. Additional counties will be added throughout the state and paid for by a series of fundraising events, including the September 29th “Kerry-oke” fundraiser at The Trap featuring karaoke performances by Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Allison Moorer, Raul Malo, Nanci Griffith, Matraca Berg and Jeff Hanna, among others. For more information, go to www.musicrowdemocrats.com.

^ back up ^

>> Waxploitation Set To Release CD To Fight Genocide In Sudan

Waxploitation Records, a leading record label for hip hop and electronic music, announced today that it will release a charity CD in an attempt to assist in the fight against the Genocide taking place right now in Sudan. The CD, titled Genocide in Sudan, is slated for a late November release and includes System of a Down, Gorillaz, Jill Scott, Jurassic 5, Thievery Corporation, Kinky, X-ecutioners, Bad Religion, Tortoise, Yoko Ono, Danger Mouse & Murs, Tweaker, The Pretenders, Mark Farina, Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra, DJ Spooky featuring Lee ëScratch' Perry, Toots and The Maytals featuring Bunny Wailer, Teargas & Plateglass, The Nightwatchmen and Rise Against amongst others. More than half the album includes exclusive songs and rarities. According to the UN, the conflict in Sudan has created the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with more than one million people driven from their homes and up to 50,000 people killed by government supported militias (CNN 8/31/04). The systematic rape of women and the murder of children has been widely reported. "We're trying to address two things with this CD," says Waxploitation CEO Jeff Antebi, the album's executive producer. "The first is to get the United Nations to declare the ongoing atrocities a genocide, so that real action can take effect to stop what is obviously an ëethnic cleansing' taking place, in violation of the 1948 Geneva Convention. The second is to raise money for the dire relief situation effecting over 1 million innocent civilians who might die from starvation and disease if aid does not reach them right now." In 1994 in Rwanda an estimated 800,000 people were killed in just 100 days, in one of the worst genocides of the last century. One of the primary reasons cited for why this happened was a lack of outside intervention by the United Nations. Even with UN troops on the ground in Rwanda, they were unable to intervene because it was not legally declared a Genocide until too late. For more information visit www.waxploitation.com

>> Toronto's Metalworks Studios Announces New Audio Production School

Metalworks Studios is proud to announce the launch of Metalworks Institute of Sound & Music Production. A comprehensive Audio Production and Engineering Program designed by Metalworks own engineers and management, reflects their collective 25 year tenure as industry leaders. The school is being constructed in new facilities adjacent to the original studio complex. "The school is a very exciting natural step for us at Metalworks" says owner Gil Moore, "I've been very fortunate in this business as a musician and studio owner, and this is the perfect opportunity to share the wealth of experience and talent I've come in contact with over the years. This school allows us to pass on our knowledge and open doors for the people who will make a difference in the future of this exciting industry. We have focused a curriculum based on our experience, and we've designed teaching facilities to allow maximum hands on training. We want to empower the next generation of great producers and engineers". The one-year Audio Production & Engineering program is divided into three terms of fourteen weeks each, and provides the student with just under 1000 taught hours of instruction and preparation, plus additional project labs. Post graduate speciality programs will also be offered. The intensive program teaches students all the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to become successful in any number of audio engineering fields. Regarded as one of North America's premiere studios, Metalworks has won the Canadian Music Industry Awards "Studio Of The Year" for an unprecedented 7 consecutive years. The studio has played host to innumerable international recording stars including N Sync, David Bowie, Tom Cochrane, Sum 41, Tina Turner, Guns n' Roses, Our Lady Peace, Prince, Triumph, Rush, Christina Aguilera, The Cranberries, D12, Jay-Z, and world-class engineers and producers such as Eddie Kramer, Peter Collins, George Massenberg, Mike Clink, and Rodney Jerkins. Located in the Toronto suburb of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, the Metalworks Institute is accepting limited enrollment for January 2005 and is currently constructing their state-of-the art teaching facility adjacent to the legendary studio. For more information on Metalworks Institute of Sound and Music Production please contact Antoinette at 905-279-4000 or toll free at 1-866-783-2200.

^ back up ^

>> Bits & Pieces...

Paul Stavely O'Duffy produced/engineered/mixed the track "Silver Lining" by Amanda Ghost which is a featured in the upcoming movie "Shall We Dance" (Miramax Films) starring Jennifer Lopez, Richard Gere, and Susan Sarandon. Paul is currently in the studio with Amanda writing for her forthcoming album on Sanctuary Records (UK). O'Duffy has scored and produced tracks for several platinum recording artists and movies including: "Bridget Jones Diary", "Days of Thunder", "Chaplin", and numerous tv projects for the BBC. You can also hear some of O'Duffy's latest work on "Where Our Love Grows" the new record by Swing Out Sister which is currently charting on the international charts and is scheduled to be released in the US on Shanachie Records in October. O'Duffy co-wrote, produced, engineered and mixed the SOS record. For inquiries regarding O'Duffy's availability or for a copy of his production reel please contact Chris Perez at Captive Audience Management directly at 512 322 9293 or via email at cperez@captivagroup.com.

Tony Platt has recently been producing an album for new Sony Jazz signing Clare Teal to be released early October. Key tracks are already received airplay. Platt & Jason Yarde are also in production with Jazz Jamaica All Stars on an album of Motown classics. JJAS are re-knowned for their Reggae/Big Band reworking of classic tunes. For more information contact Tony Platt at The Firebird Suite on 44 (0)20 8904 4422 or info@thefirebirdsuite.com

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

Toronto based producer, writer, engineer Terry Sawchuk recently worked with Decca/Universal artist Matt Dusk on his debut "Two Shots". The title track was written by Bono and The Edge. Matt also has a pivotol role as the singer on Mark Burnet's "The Casino" on Fox. For the 15 song world release, Sawchuk Co-Produced 3 tracks, Mixed 5 tracks, Co-Wrote 2 tracks with additional Engineering and Programming. Also, Mixed debut release by Simon Wilcox, daughter of blues veteran David Wilcox for She/BMG. For more info contact Terry Sawchuk at Headtraffic Recordings, Mississauga, ON at 647-272-7166

George Shilling has recently completed tracking with Longwave for RCA/BMG at Allaire Studios in upstate New York. He has also been working with exciting new EMI signing 22-20s on their forthcoming record. George has also just launched the Technostalgic Tunes label and the first release is the exciting new CD "technostalgia" by Sundae Club For more information contact George Shilling at george@shilling.com or visit www.george.shilling.com

^ back up ^