Music Connection Feb. 2015

Audix's critically-acclaimed OM Series vocal microphones are considered the best in the business by professional artists and sound engineers, and have been for more than 25 years. Designed, assembled, and tested by Audix in the USA, the OM Series delivers incredibly clear, accurate vocals with unprecedented feedback control.

Choose the OM Series from Audix— no matter the venue, no matter the voice.

www.audixusa.com 503-682-6933 Š2014 Audix Corporation All Right Reser ved.

Audix and the Audix Logo are trademarks of Audix Corporation

CONTENTS

Informing Music People Since 1977 &EBRUARY s 6OL s .O

36

Alex da Kid In our exclusive interview, the acclaimed, Multiplatinum producer (B.o.B, Imagine Dragons, Rihanna, Skylar Grey) reveals his work habits and how he finds artists for his KIDinaKORNER label.

By Rob Putnam #OVER 3TEVEN 0HILLIP 3IEGEL s )NSIDE 6ERN %VANS

#OURTESY OF 5NIVERSAL -USIC 0UBLISHING 'ROUP

48 New Era MC finds out how this popular athletic apparel brand is making a play for the music industry.

By Bernard Baur

Departments

Vocal Producers

40

An experienced studio pro explores how a “vocal producer� can quickly solve a singer’s issues and turn a potentially nightmarish recording session into an artistic dream.

By Jeannie Deva

60

08. Close Up 09. Assignments 10. New Toys 14. Book Store 16. Up Close 18. Studio Mix 23. Business Affairs 26. Signing Stories 28. Song Biz 32. FilmsTVsTheater 34. Mixed Notes

Reviews

Directory of Producers & Engineers

50. Album Reviews 52. New Music Critiques 54. Live Reviews

Compiled By Denise Coso Be sure to follow Music Connection on Facebook and Twitter.

20. Producer Crosstalk: Rob Kirwan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Rob Putnam 22. Exec Profile: Kevin Day, Skyrocket Ent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Andy Kaufmann 30. Songwriter Profile: Melissa Manchester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Dan Kimpel 44. Career Connection: Are You a Diamond in the Sand?. . . . . . . . . By Jonnie “Most� Davis 46. Expert Advice: Make Your Live Show Amazing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Jennifer Yeko 78. Tip Jar: Critical–Speak the Language of the Music Business . . . . . . . . . . By Joe Solo 4

February 2015

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The opinions expressed in Music Connection, as well as all Directory listings and contact information, are provided by various sources in the music industry. Music Connection is not responsible for any business transactions or misadventures that may result from your use of this information.

E. Eric Bettelli PUBLISHER E. Eric Bettelli GENERAL MANAGER / ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

THE STUDIO

THAT NEVER SLEEPS

ericb@musicconnection.com

Denise Coso OPERATIONS MANAGER / DIRECTORIES EDITOR denisec@musicconnection.com

Steve Sattler BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER steve@creativesalesresource.com

Hillorie McLarty ADVERTISING/MARKETING hillorier@musicconnection.com

Ray Holt DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MARKETING rayh@musicconnection.com

Mark Nardone ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER / SENIOR EDITOR

markn@musicconnection.com

John Curry ART DIRECTOR artdirector@musicconnection.com

Siri Svay ASSOCIATE EDITOR / SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER siri@musicconnection.com

Barry Rudolph NEW TOYS

barry@barryrudolph.com

Bernard Baur CONTRIBUTING EDITOR bbatmc@aol.com

Dan Kimpel SONG BIZ

dan@dankimpel.com

Jessica Pace &),- s 46 s 4(%!4%2 j.marie.pace@gmail.com

FEATURE WRITERS

Andy Kaufmann andy.kaufmann@verizon.net Rob Putnam toe2toe6@hotmail.com Editorial Interns

Austin Wood intern@musicconnection.com Shannen Roberts intern@musicconnection.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Carl Anthony, Allegra Azzopardi, Bernard Baur, Danica Bellini, Brett Bush, Jeannie Deva, Gary Graff, Eric A. Harabadian, Ted Jamison, Andy Kaufmann, Kurt Orzeck, Jessica Pace, Victoria Patneaude, Rob Putnam, Adam Seyum, Daniel Siwek, Vincent Stevens, Laurier Tiernan, Brooke Trout, Albert Vega, Jonathan Widran, Ellen Woloshin PHOTOGRAPHERS Allegra Azzopardi, Bernard Baur, Daren Cornell, Jody Domingue, Jim Donnelly, Kevin Estrada, Apple Kaufmann, David Klein, Tony Landa, Dave Long, Thomas Long, Kurt Orzeck, Jessica Pace, Victoria Patneaude, Scott Perham, Rob Putnam, Alexander G. Seyum, Danny Seyum, Mark Shiwolich, Daniel Siwek, Vincent Stevens, Brian Stewart, E. H. Tiernan, Paula Tripodi, Brooke Trout, Albert Vega, Ellen Woloshin

Find inspiration in the city that works and plays the same hours you do— The Palms Las Vegas is the only destination in the world where infamous nightlife, top-rated dining, and a state-of-the-art recording facility exist under one roof.

Lay it Down 24/7 Call Toll Free 877.326.7358 702.944.3400 // studioatthepalms.com

MANUFACTURED AND PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Music Connection (ISSN# 1091-9791) is published monthly by Music Connection, Inc., 3441 Ocean View Blvd., Glendale, CA 91208. Single copy price is $3.95, Canada $4.95. Subscription rates: $35/one year, $59/two years. Outside the U.S., add $25 (U.S. currency) per year. We are not responsible for unsolicited material, which must be accompanied by return postage. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission of the publishers is prohibited. The opinions of contributing writers to this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Music Connection, Inc. Copyright © 2015 by E. Eric Bettelli. All rights reserved.

Founded by: J. Michael Dolan / michael@jmichaeldolan.com

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February 2015

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– JONATHAN WIDRAN

BBE SOUND, INC. bbesound.com

Innovative High-Def Sound Tech For 30 Years: Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Fullerton based BBE Sound, Inc. is dedicated to pioneering audio improvement technologies for everyday consumers and sound professionals alike. BBE High Definition Sound technologies proliferate throughout the audio entertainment production spectrum––from the stage and studio to consumer electronics manufacturers who implement BBE technologies into their products. The company’s flagship is the BBE Sonic Maximizer® processing technology which benefits any recording or sound reproduction system by restoring clarity and definition, and bringing a natural live presence to an audio source. Renowned engineer/ producers who regularly use the Sonic Maximizer® include Ed Cherney, Ryan Hewitt and Tony Visconti.

The MP24M Digital Mixing Console: BBE recently rolled out its latest breakthrough product, the MP24M digital mixing console—the world’s only digital mixer to offer the BBE Sonic Maximizer® process. Designed for live mixing, its great sound is born from the use of Class A mic preamps and SHARC 32-bit floating point DSP processors.

It was designed to be easy to use and intuitive to navigate––a different experience from mixers that require scrolling through endless menus to make on the fly mix adjustments. Nearly all of the MP24M’s functions and parameters have a knob, switch or button on the top of the console.

Adjusting EQ, for instance, simply requires selecting a channel and adjusting the desired EQ parameter, there’s a knob for every parameter.

Longtime analog mixers will find the MP24M as intuitive as their faithful analog workhorse—only quieter, cleaner and with more sonic possibilities.

MP24M Specs: The MP24M Digital Mixer’s unparalleled audio mixing experience comes from a powerful array of features. In addition to BBE’s Sonic Maximizer® processing, it has 24 ultra-high headroom BBE Class A, Twin Servo mic preamps; 2 Digital Effects Engines Featuring BBE's Proprietary FX Library; a 7-inch full color LCD display; Remote Mixing via PC or iPad, with optional Wi-Fi module; 32-bit floating-point SHARC DSP Processors; and a virtual rack of 14 31-Band 1/3 Octave graphic equalizers available on all analog outputs.

Contact BBE Sound, 714-897-6766

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Jason Tan

Doug Carnell

LOUD Technologies Music Gear Group has announced the appointment of Jason Tan to the position of Mackie Product Specialist for the APAC Region. Based in Singapore, Tan joins LOUD after more than 20 years in the professional audio industry. For his new role, Tan brings Pro Audio experience, from both a distribution and an audio engineering/production perspective. In addition to a lengthy career in live sound and recording, Tan is the founder of Eastwardaudio where he oversaw productions for Universal Music, Sony BMG, EMI, Pony Canyon and other major labels, as well as film scores and corporate clients including Coca Cola, Lexus, Hitachi and Motorola. For more information, contact getitinwriting@mac.com.

Full Compass Systems, a company specializing in professional audio, video, lighting and musical instrument sales, announced the addition of Doug Carnell to its executive staff. Carnell joins the company as Chief Operating Officer, where his wealth of knowledge will help further growth and streamline processes.

In this newly created position, Carnell will oversee daily operations and identify development opportunities for all Full Compass business channels. Mr. Carnell has 28 years of experience in the AV/Integration business. During that time, he has managed or been involved with companies ranging from $2 to $570 million in annual revenue. Contact laurie@fullcompas.com.

Farrah A. Usmani

Nicole Blonder

Marcus & Colvin, LLP, an entertainment law firm providing focused business affairs and legal counsel for artists and companies, expands with the hiring of Farrah A. Usmani, Esq. as a senior associate in its entertainment industry practice. Usmani spent several years in business affairs at the Creative Artists Agency and earned her J. D. from University of Houston Law Center in 2012. Usmani has experience in drafting agreements related to live music touring and festivals, as well as negotiating corporate partnership deals between brands and artists. In her new role she will contribute to the growth of the firm and the of-counsel team at Carroll, Guido and Groffman. Contact Usmani directly at Farrah@mcentlaw.com.

Mute Group, a recording label, has promoted Nicole Blonder to Vice President of Marketing in the New York office. Blonder’s 15 year tenure at Mute began in 1999 with the Sales Coordinator position, before progressing to Director of Sales in 2003 and eventually becoming Director of Marketing in 2006. Over the past few years, she has played a critical role in campaigns for artists including M83, Goldfrapp, Jose Gonzalez, Erasure, Moby, the Knife and Arca and Zola Jesus. In her new role, Blonder’s job will ensure that clear and effective strategy, individually tailored to each artist, is at the heart of everything Mute Group does. For further details, contact Mona Dehghan at mona@mute.com.

Tom Baker

David Prince

Interim Chair, Music Department Cornish College of the Arts

Director of Development Engineering Community Professional Loudspeakers

Cornish College of the Arts has named Tom Baker, DMA, the interim chair of the Music Department. Dr. Baker began as interim chair on Jan. 1. He has been a faculty member in the department since 2011 teaching composition, music theory, electronic music and inter-arts at the College. Baker received his doctorate in composition in 1996 (Doctor of Musical Arts) from the University of Washington. He also holds a master’s degree in classical guitar performance from Arizona State University and a bachelor’s degree from Boise State University. Before coming to Cornish, he taught composition and music theory for 13 years at the University of Washington. For more information contact rjones@cornish.edu.

Community Professional Loudspeakers has appointed David Prince as Director of Development Engineering, who has over two decades of experience designing, modeling and measuring pro-audio loudspeakers and developing them for manufacturing. Prince will help develop new loudspeakers and continue to advance modeling and measurement programs. He comes to Community from Knowles Electronics where he was Product Development Manager. Previously, Prince held the position of Director of Advanced Development for Tymphany; he was Senior Research Engineer for International Jensen and he spent seven years as an Acoustic Consultant with Talaske. Contact gpaoli@communitypro.com.

Caroline Shadood

Andy Mesecher

Mute Group has hired Caroline Shadood as Director of Radio in the New York office, effective immediately. Shadood has experience in radio beginning at WMUH in Allentown, PA where she was a DJ and Music Director. She moved on to do radio promotions as part of independent marketing company Distiller Promo, where she promoted acts such as Black Lips, Blood Orange, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings as well as Mute artists Goldfrapp, Polly Scattergood, Cold Specks, Yann Tiersen and Junip. In her new role, Shadood will work with the Mute Group team to deliver world class service to the artists they represent. For additional information on this appointment, contact Mona Dehghan at mona@mute.com.

Andy Mesecher has joined Pandora Media as Audio Advertising Production Coordinator. Joining Pandora’s Audio Team, Mesecher will be based out of the company’s Oakland, CA office, effective immediately. Before Pandora, Mesecher spent the last five years at Music Connection magazine. Beginning as the magazine’s Assistant Editor in September 2009, he was promoted to Associate Editor by early 2010. He will continue to work for Music Connection as a freelance writer. Mesecher received two B.A.s in Music Industry and Recording Arts (Audio Engineering) with a minor in Journalism from Chico State in 2009. For more information on Pandora, visit pandora.com.

Mackie Product Specialist, APAC Region LOUD Technologies

Senior Associate, Entertainment Marcus & Colvin, LLP

Director of Radio Mute Group

Chief Operating Officer Full Compass Systems

Vice President of Marketing Mute Group

Audio Advertising Production Coordinator Pandora Media Inc.

February 2015

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– BARRY RUDOLPH barry@barryrudolph.com

EISENBERG AUDIO VIER SOFTWARE SYNTH German audio software developer Eisenberg Audio has released VIER. It emulates the Doepfer MS-404, a monophonic analogue synthesizer from the 1990s. VIER combines four independent rack modules into one interface with each module color-coded and named: Eins, Zwei, Drei and Vier—1,2,3,4. VIER uses anti-aliasing oscillators capable of audio range modulation. It has zero-delay feedback filters best known from synthesizers of the day like LuSH, Monark or Diva.

VIER features parameter linking, cross modulation and intelligent voice management for assigning notes of chord to four different modules for unlimited polyphony.

When played, the keyboard keys in the GUI also light up to match the particular voice(s) color used at any moment.

I liked the variety of factory presets useable as starting settings that can be loaded, adjusted, saved or marked as a favorite.

VIER runs stand-alone on Windows and Mac OS X or as plug-in virtual instrument in VST, AU, RTAS and AAX hosts. VIER responds naturally to keyboard input and parameter changes just as a good hardware synthesizers should—except it is on my computer screen. It sells for $99 as a download. eisenberg-audio.de/vier

MOREVOX/OVERLOUD REMATRIX REmatrix is a reverb plug-in that has five convolution reverbs with an included library of 250 IRs plus 400 preset combinations arranged in banks categorized by application in music mixing. The five IRs are: Hall, Room, Plate, Early and Special and appear on separate faders in the onboard mixer panel.

With REmatrix you have the ability to edit and mix each of these IR reverbs with control over their EQ, reverb length, pre-delay, stereo width as well as panoramic positioning in the mixer. The master section is for further processing by any or all its six of its stereo processor modules.

I first tried it as an insert processor on a stereo drum bus. Preset bank Smash Rooms is designed for this exact purpose and I liked the Loudness Room preset for the drum sound for a Pop track I was mixing. For Pop vocals, I went to the Voices bank; the Medium Fat preset sounded awesome when I brought up the Early IR fader running the FastDone customization.

So I’m a reverb/sonic explorer every time I open MoReVox/Overloud REmatrix, not only as a reverb, but also as a sound design tool to create totally unique reverbscapes and insert effects. It sells for $327 MSRP. Download at morevox.com/web/rematrix.php

SOLID STATE LOGIC DUENDE AAX NATIVE 64 SSL has ported all their Duende Native plug-ins in full 64-bit AAX for Pro Tools 11 DAWs. This makes SSL’s Duende Native plug-ins compatible with any 32-bit or 64-bit VST, AU, RTAS and AAX DAW host.

The Duende Native range has grown to the current portfolio of 10 different processing tools. My favorites are: the EQ & Dynamics Channel with the signature tone of a SSL 9K and later SSL console channel strips and also the Stereo Bus Compressor—the classic SSL stereo master bus compressor.

For very specialized processing chores my “go-to” plugs are the Drumstrip and Vocalstrip and for very precise surgical carving, I like the X-EQ and X-Comp plug-ins. X-Verb is an solid reverb and X-Valvecomp and X-Saturator are ‘analog sounding coloring crayons’ you can used to fill out the sound of your digital mixes. Lastly, X-Phase uses a frequency-specific phase control toolkit to correct quirky phase/polarity issues that crop up in modern music productions.

The new versions are available to download from the SSL web site and are free to all existing owners. solidstatelogic.com/duende

IZOTOPE OZONE 6 ADVANCED Ozone 6 and Ozone 6 Advanced are the latest versions of the immensely popular suite of audio mastering and processing software tools. The new standalone version will run, in any processing order, the seven plug-in tools that are also available for VST, RTAS, AAX and AU hosts.

The seven tools available in Ozone 6 Standard are: Equalizer, Dynamics, Maximizer, Exciter, Imager, Post Equalizer and a window for Export/Dithering audio files. Ozone 6 Advanced adds the Dynamic EQ module, the Insight plug-in and includes plug-in versions of the Equalizer, Dynamics, Dynamic EQ, Maximizer, Exciter and Imager.

Standard and Advanced versions let you choose among five EQ/filter shapes and toggle between analog and digital modes for minimum or linear-phase processing. The standalone version is great for mastering audio files without relying or learning a DAW host; it has in/out fade trimming, file export with automatic dither, sample rate conversion and also third party plug-in support in all six slots. I liked using the powerful Dynamic EQ module in Ozone 6 Advanced—an EQ but with a compressor threshold control with the ability to compress or expand (Inverse mode) only in a designated band(s) of frequencies. You can use dynamic equalization in Mid/Side and Left/Right processing modes too. iZotope Ozone 6 Standard is $249 and Ozone 6 Advanced is $999. Triple recommended. izotope.com/en/products/mixing-mastering/ozone 10 February 2015

musicconnection.com

ATH-M50x

PURITY. REFINED.

studio coiled / long cable

studio straight / long cable

portable short cable

REMASTERED M SERIES

It’s the same M50. The one praised by pro audio engineers, online reviewers, and cult followers worldwide for its sonic signature, long-wearing comfort, and excellent build quality. But now with refined earpads and three detachable cables.

So you can take these iconic headphones from the studio to the street. And everywhere in between.

PURE. PROFESSIONAL. PERFORMANCE.

audio-technica.com

– BARRY RUDOLPH barry@barryrudolph.com

DPA MICROPHONES D:SCREET™ MINIATURE NECKLACE One of the latest updates to DPA’s d:screet™ Miniature Microphone line, is the d:screet Necklace Microphone. This is a very small omnidirectional microphone designed for wearing around a presenter's neck.

The d:screet Necklace Mic is nearly invisible when worn at the neckline. Typically body-worn microphones can be a liability when doing costume changes or just putting a coat on/off. An audio crew person must reset and check a body-worn mic with every clothing change and that could be several times a day during a long video/film shoot.

The Miniature Necklace can be mounted and removed quickly at any time by untrained persons. DPA's d:screet 4061 omni capsule is encased in a soft rubber necklace and is available in black, white and brown and in lengths of either 18.3 or 20.9-inches.

Also available are the heavy-duty 4060 and 4061 microphones ideal for placement in rigorous production situations, such as into a combat suit for a fight scene or hidden under a horse saddle. It features stainless steel housing, sturdy cable relief and a thicker .08-inch cable. Prices start at $649.95. dpamicrophones.com

EVENTIDE H9 MAX H9 MAX (Limited Edition dipped in 24-carat gold pictured) is a studio processor in a standalone stomp box. It features a simple, one-knob user interface and is pre-loaded with everything from all four Eventide stomp boxes plus the H9’s exclusive algorithms. You get the effects from TimeFactor, ModFactor, PitchFactor and Space stomp boxes plus a new looper.

H9 MAX has 45 effect algorithms and over 500 factory presets from the seminal Eventide Harmonizer-based effect patches heard on hit records spanning the last four decades.

But using H9 MAX with the included H9 Control app for Windows, OSX or iOS wirelessly via Bluetooth allows you to create and manage presets plus command live control over multiple H9s all from your desktop. H9 MAX owners can share these algorithms with up to four additional H9s on a single Eventide. com account.

The H9 MAX sells for $799 MSRP. bit.ly/H9MAX

FABFILTER PRO-Q 2 FabFilter significantly updates their popular EQ plug-in; it is twice as CPU-efficient, uses less memory yet maintains everything from the original FabFilter Pro-Q. The redesigned internal filter engine improves both the existing Zero Latency and Linear Phase modes and adds a Natural Phase mode that emulates the amplitude phase response of typical analog EQs. Great for mastering applications, I liked Auto Gain—it automatically compensates for the audible gain boost/loss by active EQ bands and is an “honest” way to A/B or compare EQ changes. There is a more detailed and nuanced Gain-Q interaction between the different filters and more slope curve choices for sonic surgery with slopes up to 96 dB/oct.

The new Spectrum Grab feature allows access to any peak (or dip) in the spectrum analyzer display for instantly inserting a corrective EQ curve. Another winner I’m starting to use more is EQ Match that allows matching or duplicating the EQ curves used on another track.

FabFilter worked hard on this update and their plug-in family keeps getting better and more awesome. FabFilter Pro-Q 2 sells for $199 MSRP for both Windows and Mac OS X in all formats. fabfilter.com/products/pro-q-2-equalizer-plug-in

SHURE QLX-D DIGITAL WIRELESS Shure's new QLX-D™ Digital Wireless System uses reliable, 24-bit digital audio quality and the same technology as their high-end digital wireless systems but with prices starting at $999 MSRP for the handheld system.

Finding available channels/frequencies is a quick process using the system’s auto channel scan and IR sync. AES-256 encryption comes standard and can be enabled for secure wireless transmission for corporate/government installs. This cost-effective system is compatible with Shure's intelligent lithium-ion rechargeable power option for ten hours continuous operation. The QLX-D also works with Shure Wireless Workbench® 6 control software, third-party control systems (AMX/Crestron) and iOS devices for control and monitoring with the newly introduced ShurePlus™ Channels mobile app. In a pinch, the QLX-D transmitters also run on standard AA batteries for up to nine hours.

The QLX-D line ships in numerous body pack and handheld configurations.

BARRY RUDOLPH is a recording engineer/mixer who shure.com. has worked on over 30 gold and platinum records. He has

recorded and/or mixed Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hall & Oates, Pat Benatar, Rod Stewart, the Corrs, and more. Barry has his own futuristic music mixing facility and loves teaching audio engineering at Musician’s Institute, Hollywood, CA. He is a lifetime Grammy-voting member of NARAS and a contributing editor for Mix Magazine. barryrudolph.com

12 February 2015

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Focusrite audio interfaces now include the Red 2 & Red 3 Plug-In Suite.

With the addition of 64-bit AAX plug-ins, Focusrite’s best-in-class audio interfaces are reaffirmed as perfect partners for Pro Tools®.

New and existing registered customers* can download the plug-ins for free. The Red 2 & Red 3 Plug-in Suite also retails separately for $299.99.

Accurately modeled on the classic Red 2 EQ and Red 3 compressor and featuring 64-bit AAX, AU, and VST compatibility, the plug-ins let you exploit the sound of the hardware originals, conveniently from within Pro Tools® (10 or above) and other audio software.

www.focusrite.com/perfect-partners *Scarlett Solo, Scarlett 2i2, Scarlett 2i4, Scarlett 6i6, Scarlett 18i8, Scarlett 18i20, Scarlett Studio, Scarlett Solo Studio Pack, Saffire Pro 14, Saffire Pro 24, Saffire Pro 26, Saffire Pro 40, Liquid Saffire 56, and Forte.

Pro Tools® is a trademark or registered trademark of Avid Technology, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries.

BOOK S T ORE Hipgnosis Portraits

By Aubrey Powell (hardcover) $60.00 Hipgnosis created some of the most innovative and surreal cover art of the 1960s, ‘70s and early ‘80s for the biggest names of the era—Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Wings, Yes, Genesis, 10cc, Peter Gabriel, Bad Company, Syd Barrett and Black Sabbath, to name just a few. The firm’s sublime prism cover for Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon continues to be one of the most pervasive images in all popular culture. Hipgnosis profoundly influenced not only the history of music, but also advertising and fashion. This attractive book features not only classic images and alternate takes, but images that have been buried for many years––a total of 366 illustrations in color and black-and-white.

The iPad in the Music Studio

By Thomas Rudolph and Vincent Leonard (paperback) $19.99 The authors focus on the iPad’s connectivity to the professional, project and home music studios, taking you on a tour of the latest iPadrelated music hardware and software on the market.

Topics include: Hardware to link microphones and instruments for live multitrack recording; Controlling desktop software with the iPad; Using the iPad and iPhone with mixers; The iPad and Guitar EFX software and hardware; DJ equipment and apps; Using the iPad to publish and Distribute your music on social media.

Prog Rock FAQ

By Will Romano (paperback) $24.99 Prog Rock FAQ traces the controversial, but much misunderstood, musical genre through its five-decade history. It highlights the rise, eventual decline and recent resurgence of one of the most inventive and storied popular musical forms of the latter half of the 20th Century. Technical wizards, cosmic messengers, visionary producers, groundbreaking album-cover illustrators, and even innovative musical instrument vendors separate memory from myth, fact from fiction.

14 February 2015

musicconnection.com

Jim Morrison: Friends Gathered Together

By Frank Lisciandro (paperback) $25.00 Fearing that the original, actual Jim Morrison would become hopelessly lost, author Lisciandro, the artist’s friend and film collaborator, gathered together more than a dozen of Morrison’s friends for a series of conversations and interviews that bring to light a more human Jim Morrison by the people who knew him––his pals, colleagues, mentors and lovers. Edited by former Music Connection senior editor Steven Wheeler, Jim Morrison: Friends Gathered Together contains 57 Frank Lisciandro photographs, many never published before.

Punk Rock Blitzkrieg

By Marky Ramone, Rich Herschlag (hardcover) $28.00 From the band’s longtime drummer Marky Ramone, this is an insider’s story behind one of rock’s most revered bands during the early days of punk rock in New York. From the cult film Rock ‘n’ Roll High School through “I Wanna Be Sedated” through his own struggle with alcoholism, Ramone tells his side of the story, painting an unflinching picture of the dysfunction behind the band.

Contains exclusive behind-the-scenes photos.

February 2015

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– JONATHAN WIDRAN

PEARLMAN MICROPHONES pearlmanmicrophones.com

From Mic Modifications to Full-Fledged Business: Dave Pearlman brought a diverse history in the music industry to his launch of Pearlman Microphones in 2005. After years as a touring pedal steel guitarist with everyone from Dan Fogelberg and Phil Everly to Pat Boone and Bobby Womack, he opened the independent recording facility Rotund Rascal Studio in North Hollywood in 1979. His successful 26-year run included being one of the engineers on a Grammy-winning project by the Zydeco band Beausoleil. To save money on outside techs, he began in 2003 to do modifications on classic mics like the U47, 67 and AKG C12. Creating what was originally a powerful client magnet, Pearlman filled a niche creating “super high quality mics at a super low price.”

Tube Microphones Made in the Classic Style: Pearlman’s ever-expanding line of custom built products began with the TM-1, a high quality mic made for professional studio use but priced for the home recordist.

Based on the U47, it’s built around a tube that doesn’t require the same power supply; each unit is hand-wired, point to point, and voltage tuned for maximum performance. His least expensive mic is the TM2, a smaller version of the TM-1 built around a military spec 6AK 5 (EF95) and uses the same basic point to point circuit. Other classically styled mics are the “CHURCH” microphone, a faithful remake of the Stanley Church MGM microphone from the 1950s; and the TM-250, a limited edition, custom order recreation of the famous Telefunken 250 with a C12 type capsule made by Tim Campbell in Denmark. Pearlman’s most recent creation is the TM-47, a cardioid mic based on the venerable U47 and built in a body reminiscent of the classic look of the ‘50s and ‘60s.

Stellar, Built-To-Order Customer Service: While Pearlman’s company continues its rapid growth, its uniqueness as a boutique business ensures that nearly every mic is custom built to order and he is dedicated to highly personalized service and a quick turnaround time. Each mic is handwired and hand-tested and recorded before it is shipped.

Contact Pearlman Microphones, 818-260-0266 16 February 2015

musicconnection.com

February 2015

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JOEL PILOTTE

August Burns Red Track In Lancaster Studio

JOE BUTLER

August Burns Red collaborated with producer Carson Slovak and engineer Grant McFarland at Atrium Audio in Lancaster, PA for their next album. The album is currently untitled and is the follow-up to the band’s 2013 release Rescue & Restore. For more information, visit augustburnsred.com. Pictured (l-r): Matt Greiner (drums), Jake Luhrs (vocals), JB Brubaker (guitar), Grant MacFarland, Brent Rambler (guitar), Carson Slovak, Dustin Davidson (bass).

Free “Studio Pass” Workshop Since its inception in 2010, CreativeLive has broadcast more than 600 courses to more than two million students worldwide. On Feb. 4-6, producer Joey Sturgis (Asking Alexandria, Of Mice & Men and I See Stars) will host a free, threeday CreativeLive “Studio Pass” workshop. Sturgis will share his techniques for writing and arranging songs, tips for recording, editing and mixing guitars, vocals, bass, drums, synths and more. For more information and to enroll, visit creativelive.com/courses/studio-pass-joey-sturgis.

Dan Hagen Empowers Women Producer Dan Hagen recently recorded “The SallyCat Music Empowerment Project,” a musical fundraiser for women’s issues such as obesity and breast cancer, at Ocean Way Studio B in Nashville, TN. The project was engineered by Dave Tough. Pictured (l-r): Lee Sklar (bass), Dave Tough (engineer), Anthony Scott (assistant engineer), Bob Harsen (drums) and Dan Hagen (guitar/producer).

Producer Playback

“Never neglect artist development, because it yields the highest return. It’s the one most lucrative area a producer can be in.”

– PJ Bianco (Jonas Brothers, Metro Station, Demi Lovato). Interviewed Nov. 2012

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MORGAN NEWMAN

Terror Self-Produce Next Album Hardcore band, Terror, are self-producing their upcoming sixth album The 25th Hour at Buzzbomb Studio in Orange County, CA. The album will follow up on the band’s 2013 full-length release Live By The Code. Music and videos can be seen at terrorlahc.com. Pictured (l-r): David Wood (bass), Nick Jett (drums), Martin Stewart (guitar), Scott Vogel (vocals) and Jordan Posner (guitar).

–SIRI SVAY siri@musicconnection.com

Wind In Sails Shed Morning Light In Studio

JASON MAGEAU

Wind In Sails—the solo project of Evan Pharmakis—will release a sophomore full-length album, Morning Light, on Feb. 24. Morning Light was recorded at Apparition Sound Studios in Thompson, CT with producer Chris Curran. The 11-track album will serve as a follow-up to Brighter Days, an eight-song album released in October 2012 and the more recent October 2013 Darker Nights EP. Pictured (l-r): Evan Pharmakis and producer Chris Curran.

Smokin' Jazz Album at Studio Trilogy

Booker Expands Creative Horizons With SSL Duality Steve Booker has expanded his personal production space Cake Sounds Studios, adding a new SSL Duality-equipped control room alongside his existing Matrix powered room. Building on the creative journey he has had with Matrix, Booker based his new, larger recording and mixing space around Duality; a natural progression that is already bringing added creative and sonic drive to his work. For more information, contact vanessab@dpagan.com.

DAVID GOGGIN

Popular jazz composer Tom Graf has completed his new album Smokin’ at Studio Trilogy in the heart of San Francisco, CA. The album was produced by jazz guitarist Ray Obeido, who has worked with Herbie Hancock, Pete Escovedo and Sheila E, as well as releasing five successful albums on the Wyndham Hill Label. Pictured (l-r): Ray Obeido (producer), Billy Johnson (drums), David K. Matthews (piano, arrangements), Marc van Wageningen (bass), Tom Graf (composer) and Justin Lieberman (recording engineer). Learn more about Tom Graf and his Smokin’ album at tomgraf.com.

Woodworm Studios Choose PMC Loudspeakers Woodworm Studios was established over 30 years ago as the private recording studio of folk legends Fairport Convention. It was bought by recording engineer Stuart Jones in 2012 and renovated, and is now based around a Pro Tools HD system, a 24-channel Solid State Duality SE console and a surround array of PMC TB2S-A MkII speakers, with a pair of MB2 XBD-As serving as the main stereo reference monitors. For more, visit pmc-speakers.com.

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David Atkins -­ Director of Design 92015 Argosy Console, Inc. Argosy and Dream Studio are registered trademarks of Argosy Console, Inc. Other trademarked names are property of their respective owners. See the coolest studios in the world, visit: dreamstudioblog.com February 2015

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PRODUCER CROSSTALK

ROB KIRWAN

How He Produced Hozier, PJ Harvey

By Rob Putnam

D

ublin-based producer, mixer and engineer Rob Kirwan got his start in 1992 when, as a teenager, he knocked on the door— literally—of Windmill Lane Recording Studios. After several months of persistence, he was given an entry-level job. “I was lower than a tea boy,� he recalls. Within a year, he was the tape operator on U2’s Zooropa alongside Flood (Mark Ellis). He’s since worked with artists including PJ Harvey, Editors and latest Irish success story Hozier.

The way he undertakes a new project—or, indeed, decides to take one on—begins with the songs. He listens to demos. “I need to hear songs, first and foremost,� he says. “If a band doesn’t have them, I’m going to be pulling teeth in the studio. Secondly, there’s pre-production. Get the band into a room where you’re not spending money. Make all of your The three most important mistakes there. Try all the crazy things he’s learned as a ideas you might have. If you’ve got a producer are: reggae song at 80 BPM, let’s change the key and do it as a punk song at s )T S NOT YOUR RECORD )T S THE 160 BPM. Turn the songs inside out.�

ARTIST S 9OUR FACE IS NOT ON THE Kirwan was tapped to work with FRONT .EVER FORGET THAT Hozier after a series of misfired s4RUST YOUR GUT )F SOMETHING sessions with other producers.

ISN T SOUNDING PUMPING IN THE “People weren’t sure what to do with WAY THAT ) KNOW IT SHOULD THEN him,� he explains, “and he wasn’t ) M NOT DOING SOMETHING RIGHT sure himself. After two or three recording sessions, he retired to lick s7E RE NOT BRAIN SURGEONS his wounds. He wrote some demos WE RE NOT SAVING PEOPLE S and I got a call, based on the work LIVES 7E RE MAKING MUSIC I’d done with PJ Harvey. Initially, my 3OMETIMES PEOPLE GET SO CAUGHT brief was to get him to re-sing on top UP IN DOING A RECORD THAT THEY of the demos and then mix them.

FORGET THAT When I listened, I realized everything needed to be re-recorded, except for the vocal, which was fantastic.�

What about selecting album singles? His experience advises against it: “There’s nothing worse than having a bunch of demos and saying, ‘That’s the single.’ It’s never going to live up to expectations. A number of times I’ve worked on a record and it’s been tarnished by the ‘single’ moniker. The so-called lead track was murdered because someone called it a single early in its evolution and it never made the grade.

People don’t hear the song for what it is and for what it should be.�

While producing Hozier, Kirwan was also producing another Irish band: Delorentos’ Night Becomes Light. “They were so completely different,� he explains. “Delorentos probably needed more hands-on work. I did a lot of arranging with them. With Hozier, I hardly did any. The challenges were so unique, and I worked with them on alternating weeks. There weren’t days when I was doing two different songs by two different artists.�

When it comes to the biggest challenges of his career, they’ve been external stresses. “With Hozier, the issue was the pressure the label was putting on both of us because there was a lot of money involved,� Kirwan recollects. “But the last PJ Harvey record [Let England Shake] was a technical challenge. We recorded it in a church in the country. Everything sounded reverberant and hard. A lot of [the trouble] was making it sound less like a church. There were many trips to IKEA to buy rugs and baffling. The treatment of the room and the instruments’ sounds are more important than getting your phase correlation right on the drum kit.�

Contact Fundamental Music, karen@fundamentalmusic.management

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’

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Rental includes access to our VIP Lounge with 65� Sharp Aquos HD flat-screen TV with satellite DIRECTV, DVD player, state-of-the-art Wilson audio system, pool table, private restroom & shower, WiFi, and a stunning outdoor terrace with private cabana February 2015

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– ANDY KAUFMANN

Kevin Day

Pastorius. We’re involved with the movie and the audio release, and we’re running a fan-funded campaign. This has turned into a broad-reaching project that we’ll still be involved in next year.

President Skyrocket Entertainment Years with Company: 1 Address: 13547 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 250, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 Phone: 818-817-0895 Web: skyrocketent.com Email: kevin.day@skyrocketent.com Clients: the Babys, Don Felder, John 5, AWOLNATION, Chrissie Hynde, Ace Frehley, Yanni, John Frusciante, Liz Phair, Filter, Collective Soul, Tommy Lee, Margaret Cho, Taylor Hicks, Jackson Browne, the Bee Gees, the Doors, Linda Ronstadt, Deep Purple, Jethro Tull, Dream Theater.

BACKGROUND A veteran of the major label system, Kevin Day made the best of a bad situation when Geffen let him go amid a downsizing frenzy. Instead of despairing, he founded Rocket Science, an all-in-one services company for artists. Skyrocket, the most recent incarnation of that organization, has elevated digital solutions into a primary component.

Build Your Machine It’s difficult to provide services for an artist unless there is some traction. To make a difference—something that shows up on a P&L, something you’re making money from and isn’t just you writing checks— you need to have built a machine that generates traction. When there’s nothing to start with and limited to no touring history, you’re not ready. You’ve got to build the machine to a point where you’re ready to invest in it and add gasoline.

“Have a plan that is concise, well-executed and thrifty. Do not spend money until there’s a return. Oftentimes, [artists] want to throw gasoline on the fire; they get a little spurt, but then all the money’s gone.”

Skyrocket In Flight I was a musician and wanted to be a rock star, but I didn’t have perspective on the machinery of the business. That changed when I worked in retail. During college, I managed a series of stores for a chain that existed until the late ‘80s, called Licorice Pizza. [That’s when] I became interested in the business of music.

I worked at Universal for under 12 years. I started at MCA and ended up at Geffen and Interscope Records. I was head of sales at Geffen by the time I left in late 2004. When I was downsized, all the majors were shedding talent. If a band sold less than 250,000 units, they were off the roster. These were the bands I worked with, and I had a vision of creating Rocket Science to become an outsourced, label services company for major label artists still releasing product, albeit independently.

For ten years, that’s what we have done.

We provide [anything], whether it’s a publicist, a marketing director, digital marketing or distribution. We’re one of the first into that space and we’re able to work with a broad array of major label artists that no longer had a home.

Services Go Digital The downsizing and changes in the music business caught up with Rocket Science.

We had enormous problems, many based on physical returns through our distribution deal. The path onward from 2011 has been redesigning the services model to define what a services provider means. When I started Rocket Science, services often meant physical sales, somebody who knew people at Target and Best Buy and could get you an end cap positioning.

In the era we’re in now, services are more or less online-based—how to get on Pandora.

Fan Funding We work closely with PledgeMusic and do fanfunding campaigns for almost all our releases.

This allows us to pre-sell a record, raise capital for marketing without having to take advances or borrow money from a distributor. Many of our 22 February 2015

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artists have existing fan bases, so fans buying something premium—an expanded edition, a VIP pass—allows us to provide funding to market records, which makes everybody happy. The fan gets something special, and nobody’s in debt.

Radio Riddle We haven’t managed to get our arms around providing a radio solution in-house. It’s intangible and can easily be an expensive part of a project with the least amount of return.

Therefore, it’s difficult to offer to a client. When we do offer radio, it has to be outsourced. With budgets being what they are and radio being what it is, it’s not something we can [provide].

Scalable Solutions Our strongest suit is a marketing plan, building a team and executing on behalf of an artist’s project. We’re usually compensated either on a retainer or a percentage basis, depends on the project and artist. [We have] four [staff] right now and myself, so five total. Up until 2012, we had a dozen in-house. Production and physical sales was four of the 12. It’s been difficult to redesign and rescale. Oftentimes, five is the perfect size for a project, but there are cases where we’ll sub-contract in another partner.

Hired Gun This year, we did a six-month contract with Warner and Rhino where we worked out of their building and executed marketing plans for many records. We became an in-house adjunct marketing staff where we handled all their B-level releases. Their staff was at a place where it was overwhelmed, and we were able to handle it all.

Jaco We’re working with a talented guy, [Metallica bassist] Rob Trujillo, on a movie he’s made.

It’s a documentary about jazz musician Jaco

First, Define Success For Yourself What is successful? What do you want to achieve? Do you want to tour your project and make a few bucks? Do you want to debut at No. 1 on Billboard? What do you hope to achieve, realistically?

Blazing a Trail When I started this in 2005, there was no one else providing a complete label solution in-house as an independent entity—that was a trailblazing idea. As distribution companies have downsized, they have tried to reinvent themselves as service providers.

As far as a standalone company that provides label services like this, there are very few. There’s a company in the triple-A country world called Thirty Tigers. There’s a company that does a good job in the urban and hip-hop world called RBC. We are the rock/alternative component of that sort of platform.

Walk Before You Run Don’t hire anybody until you’ve made a record and devised a plan. Eight out of 10 times, I’ll get involved with a project and they say, “We’ve already hired a radio guy. And we haven’t finished the record.” Well, what’s he doing? You’re putting out press releases about a record that won’t come out for six months.

Slow down and get a cohesive plan together about what comes first and what comes second. Oftentimes, artists or managers are in a hurry to spend money and make something happen.

Especially now, you have to have a concise, well-executed and thrifty plan. Do not spend money until there’s a return. Oftentimes, [artists] want to throw gasoline on the fire; they get a little spurt, but then all the money’s gone.

That’s not a great way to burn through a release budget. And then you think, “Holy cow, now what do we do?” or you get airplay but don’t sell any records. It doesn’t connect to retail or digital in any way. There’s no connection for whatever reason and then the airplay’s gone, nothing’s sold and the budget’s empty.

When Technology and Marketing Collide I would like to push into more tech services. To get involved in providing more services that are tech-leaning—interacting more with streaming services and marketing through streaming platforms. This is the next wave of marketing— the ability to place similar artists together visually or audio-wise within video or audio streamers. That’s the next phase for us.

– BERNARD BAUR

OPPS Unsigned Only Music Competition revealed its highprofile judging panel for the 2015 competition, which is now accepting entries. The panel consists of iconic recording artists and journalists who will determine the winners in 11 categories representing a wide variety of commercial music genre. Designed for solo artists, bands and singers who are not signed to a major label, Unsigned Only’s goal is to find outstanding talent. Unsigned gives away cash and prizes, including $10,000 in cash and oneon-one mentoring by an elite group of record company executives to the overall Grand Prize winner.

Artists may enter the following categories: Adult Album Alternative (AAA); Adult Contemporary (AC); Americana; Christian; Country; Folk/SingerSongwriter; R&B/Hip-Hop; Rock; Pop/Top 40; Screen Shot; Teen; and Vocal Performance. Screen Shot is a new category geared toward helping artists get their music in film, TV, video games, and advertising. Entries must be posted or postmarked on or before March 18. Visit unsignedonly.com.

Farmageddon has announced that it will be hosting its third annual 2015 edition of Western Canada’s loudest open-air metal festival from June 11-14 in Ryley, AB (80 KM East of Edmonton).

Last year’s festival saw Havok headline with a powerhouse line up that included Wretched, Sanktuary, Ironstorm, Psychotic Gardening, Death Toll Rising, Scythia, Kyoktys and many more.

Presently Farmageddon is taking submissions from bands interested in performing at the festival.

Deadline to apply is Feb. 15. Visit farmageddon.ca/bands.

Big Wave Records is currently scouting artists for future guest releases and possible residency. Big Wave is an independent Net label created as a platform for producers and artists from the global underground, focusing strictly on experimental electronic music and sub-genres. If interested and think your music could make the cut, visit the website for info and submission guidelines at bigwaverecs.wix.com/bigwave-records#!submit-yourmusic/c1n2g. Accepted genres: Experimental, Electronic, Avantgarde, Alternative, Ambient and Psybient, DnB, Dub and Psydub, Ethnic, Psychedelic downtempo, Psychedelic midtempo, World, Trip-hop, Glitch, Chill, Lounge, and IDM. Hypeddit has launched a new tool to get fans for music artists. Hypeddit is a “Followto-Download� and “Commentto-Download� fan acquisition application for SoundCloud—the first of its kind. It provides artists with a new tool to build long-term success for their music through active fan base growth and fan engagement. Listeners pay for music downloads with social currency including SoundCloud Follows, Comments and Track Likes. With a popular song, artists can quickly gain thousands of new and engaged SoundCloud followers with hundreds of comments and track likes. To find out more, go to hypeddit.com.

For timely Opportunities and news, be sure to check out MC’s home page each day at musicconnection.com!

7EEZER CONCLUDED WITH A SHOW AT 4HE /BSERVATORY IN Southern California. The set featured a nine song acoustic performance consisting of Weezer CLASSICS SUCH AS h"UDDY (OLLYv AND h$ECEMBER v 4HE BAND THEN PLAYED their current release Everything Will Be Alright In The End in its ENTIRETY AS AN ELECTRIC hPLUGGED INv SET )N 7EEZER WILL headline Burgerama Four. For those WHO VE NEVER BEEN TO "URGERAMA

THE FESTIVAL IS LIKE #YPRESS (ILL S 3MOKE/UT MEETS 'ONERFEST AND NOW A 'EN 8 THRIFT STORE VERSION OF THE 7ARPED 4OUR 4HE TWO DAY FESTIVAL TAKES PLACE ON -ARCH AND AT 4HE /BSERVATORY IN 3ANTA !NA #! 4O FIND OUT WHAT 7EEZER IS up to visit weezer.com. For festival INFO GO TO OBSERVATORYOC COM EVENT "URGERAMA

JOSHUA WEESNER

WEEZER SET TO HEADLINE BURGERAMA

STABBING WESTWARD RISES AGAIN AS THE DREAMING The Dreaming’s new album Rise Again bows on Feb. 10 via Metropolis 2ECORDS )T IS DELIBERATELY POINTED IN ITS NAME 4HE BAND WHICH IS A REUNION of Stabbing Westward’s founding members Christopher Hall (lead singer) AND 7ALTER &LAKUS KEYBOARDS PROGRAMMING MAKES NO ATTEMPT TO HIDE THEIR PLANS 4HEY INTEND TO DELIVER AN ALBUM THAT BRINGS BACK THE EARLY 3TABBING Westward sound that fans have been asking for. Although the name Stabbing 7ESTWARD IS NOW DEAD AND BURIED THEY DISBANDED IN EARLY (ALL AND Flakus are ecstatic to return with the intense and haunting music that made them Multiplatinum artists. See thedreamingband.com.

LABELS 2%,%!3%3s3)'.).'3 RCA Records and The Recording Academy’s Grammy Recordings released the 2015 Grammy Nominees album on Jan. 20. This best-selling series features 21 top-charting hits from a diverse array of this year’s Grammy-nominated artists and songwriters. In conjunction with the album’s release, music fans will also have the opportunity to win trips to the 57th or 58th Annual Grammy Awards. “The exceptional mix of recordings featured on this year’s compilation not only represent a roster of incredibly talented artists but also provides a unique playlist showcasing some of this year’s outstanding nominees,� said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. For additional information or to enter the contest that will take you and a friend to the Grammys show, go to 2015grammyalbum.com.

Frontiers Music Srl has announced a March 20 release date for TOTO XIV in Europe, with a North American release on March 24. The album will hit retail globally, with specific dates for territories in Asia, South America and others to follow.

Configurations include CD, with a deluxe edition available featuring a “making of� documentary DVD, expanded booklet that includes an in-depth story about the new album alongside exclusive pictures in ecol-book packaging.

TOTO XIV is the band’s first album of new material since 2006’s

Falling In Between. However, the band personally considers it to be the true follow-up to TOTO IV. To find out more, go to totoofficial. com.

Scott Weiland, “one of rock’s most dynamic front men� (according to Spin Magazine), and his band the Wildabouts, will release their first album ever on March 31. Titled Blaster, the album was produced by Rick Parker (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club) and recorded throughout 2014 at Lavish Studios in Burbank, CA and at The Sandbox in Beachwood Canyon. The album features 12 tracks, with all but one written by Weiland. “The album has its own distinctive sound,� says Weiland, “but it also can entice those Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver fans who have stuck by me.� See scottweiland.com and facebook. com/ScottWeiland.

Iggy Azalea is releasing “Trouble� with Jennifer Hudson as her next single. “Trouble� has the potential to be bigger than “Beg For It.�

It follows the same formula as Azalea’s hits by having a strong female vocalist serve as the hook singer, while the song’s pop-soul production falls right in line with current Hot 100 chart-toppers. For infomation about Azalea, go to iggyazalea.com.

Butch Walker’s seventh full-length album, Afraid Of Ghosts, releases on Feb. 3 via Dangerbird Records. Produced by recent fellow Grammy-nominee February 2015

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– BERNARD BAUR

April 11 and 18, alongside War On Drugs, FKA Twigs, Perfume Genius and alt-J to name a few.

After extensive touring throughout 2014 in support of their debut album, Language & Perspective, the Bad Suns took a short break before hitting the road once again.

The band will spend the end of January and all of February on their first ever North American headlining tour. To find out more, go to badsuns.com

Lennon vs. McCartney, a stunning new book, lifts the lid on how the Beatles’ song lyrics contain secret conversations between John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Varying between strong affection and outright hostility, these hidden messages mirror the fluctuations the two Beatles were experiencing in their personal relationship at the time.

The protagonists themselves have made fleeting references to this troubled phase. McCartney acknowledges what he calls the “song wars” period, confirming that, at the time, “I was really writing a lot of songs to John.”

Lennon meanwhile played down the negative tone of his messages saying “I’m entitled to call Paul what I want and vice versa. It’s in our family.” Lulu Press distributes the book at lulu.com.

Multi-Grammy winner Janis Ian has been selected as one of six “Best Voices” by Audio File: 20 20—The Year in Audio Books 2014. Her narration and singing are being noted among the best in a heavily populated genre.

Last year, Ian won a Grammy Award for “Best Spoken Word” as well as an Audie for using her talent to read and perform her own autobiography, Society’s Child. Her presence in publishing is becoming as impactful as her music has been over the last four decades. Both audio books were published by Audible, Inc./ Brilliance Audio. For further details, visit janisian.com.

PROPS

The Bad Suns will be playing the 2015 Coachella Festival in Indio, CA for the first time. Bad Suns are confirmed for Saturday

Country duo (and recent MC cover act) Florida Georgia Line proved to be unstoppable in 2014. The top-selling duo leads Forbes Magazine’s prestigious “30 under 30” music class of 2015. The ACM and CMA “Vocal Duo of the Year” continued to celebrate with fans as they embarked on a worldwide headlining Anything

DIY Spotlight Molly Roth You’ve got the look and the vocals to match. But when it seems every avenue has been explored, how do you promote yourself as a musician in a hot, new, fresh way? That was the question North Carolina-born DIY artist Molly Roth was pondering when the pop-soul songstress decided to try a new direction.

Securing an endorsement with fashion brand Qupid Shoes, Roth created a mutually beneficial marketing strategy where she provides a face for the Qupid brand. In return, she’s provided with shoes to build her seductive look for photo shoots and videos, as well as having her music featured by the company on a variety of media.

By teaming up with a partner that brands her image across multiple media fronts, Roth is able to reach many more people than she could on her own.

A driven artist, Roth is a natural entrepreneur. She formed her own music wedding business at 14, received a full scholarship to study at the Gold Country Piano Institute for classical performers at 16, and by the time she was 17, she was out of the house chasing her musical dreams.

Roth has made a name for herself on the pop scene as an old-school songwriter with a complementary pin-up style. In fact, her single, “Pin Me Up,” highlights the artist’s classic sound while displaying her love for a modern pop twist.

In the process, she has received many accolades and awards, including winning the “Nevada County’s Got Talent” Contest.

DITRA FLAME

Ryan Adams at his PAX AM Studios in Los Angeles, the album features friends and special guests including Bob Mould and Johnny Depp. Walker spent a year writing the reflective record and four days recording it, exactly one year after the passing of his father. Walker’s father “Big Butch” was his best friend, confidante and the inspiration for many of his creations. To learn more, visit butchwalker.com.

For more information on Molly Roth, including her new single “Hypnotized,” (produced by Daniel Ford), visit MollyRothMusic.com.

Have a successful DIY strategy to share? Email bbatmc@aol.com Goes Tour 2015, which kicked off in Toledo, OH on Jan. 15. Visit FloridaGeorgiaLine.com for more information and tour dates.

THE BIZ

RUNDGREN AT THE BEEB Esoteric Recordings has released Todd Rundgren at The BBC. This four-disc collection comprises three CDs and a DVD featuring all of the radio and television broadcasts in the BBC archive transmitted in the U.K. between 1972 and 1982. The set features Rundgren’s BBC Radio One “In Concert” performance, recorded soon after the release of his seminal album Something Anything, along with a classic 1975 performance by Rundgren and Utopia at Hammersmith Odeon (the first ever U.K. concert tour of Rundgren and Utopia), a 1977 performance at the Oxford Polytechnic, and a DVD featuring three different performances for the classic Old Grey Whistle Test series, plus much more. See tr-i.com or esotericrecordings.com.

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Vinyl LP sales hit 9.2 million in 2014, while On-Demand streams exceeded 100 billion songs. “Digital music consumption continues its robust growth, with On-Demand streaming up 54% over last year and 164 billion song streams being played in 2014,” says David Bakula, SVP Industry Insights, Nielsen Entertainment.

“Although overall music sales are showing declines, vinyl album sales were up 52% in 2014, shattering last year’s recordsetting total by more than 3 million LPs. In 2014, vinyl album sales accounted for more than 6% of all physical albums sales.”

Consumers turn to YouTube and VEVO to discover new music. VEVO, YouTube and other video services are now the most popular resources driving new music discovery. According to MusicWatch, a company that provides consumer research for the music industry, 40% of U.S.

consumers reported that within the past three months they heard a new artist or song they wanted to listen to again on a video site.

Among younger consumers (age 13 to 24), that number rose to 63%, and among VEVO users the figure rose to 70%. After consumers discovered a new song, 31% purchased a CD, digital song or digital album; however, among 13- to 24-year-olds, viewing the video again was the top-ranked post-discovery action.

American Federation of Musicians (AFM) applauds the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for authorizing musical instruments as carry-on baggage. The DOT released the final administrative ruling, which authorizes musical instruments as carry-on baggage onboard U.S. air carriers. This accomplishment was led by the AFM in the United States and Canada, and made possible through efforts by several longtime AFM allies in Congress.

BERNARD BAUR was voted one of the “Top Music Business Journalists” in the country.

Bernard is the connection between the streets and the suites. Credited with over 1,200 features in a variety of publications, he’s a Contributing Editor at Music Connection.

June 2014

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SHEPPARD

Date Signed: April 2014 Label: School Boy Records/Republic Band Members: George Sheppard, lead vocals, keyboard; Amy Sheppard, vocals, keys, harmonica; Emma Sheppard, backing vocals, bass; Jay Bovino, rhythm guitar, backing vocals; Michael Butler, lead guitar; Dean Gordon, drums.

Type of Music: Indie Pop Management: Michael Chugg - Chugg Entertainment, michael@ chuggentertainment.com (Australia); Nano Tissera - SB Projects nano@scooterbraun.com (U.S.) Booking: Artist Group International, marsha.vlasic@artistgrp.com Legal: Jonathan Koby - Davis Shapiro Lewit Grabel Leven Granderson & Blake, LLP, jkoby@davisshapiro.com Publicity: Marisa.Bianco@umusic.com Web: wearesheppard.com A&R: Brett Alperowitz

A

ustralian band Sheppard—half of which is composed of siblings George, Amy and Emma Sheppard––has achieved something of a coup with its smash hit “Geronimo.� To date, the song has grabbed more than 45 million listens on Spotify and nearly seven million combined views on YouTube. Impressive figures, particularly for an independent, unsigned band. The single was too hot to escape the notice of Scooter Braun, discoverer/manager of Justin Bieber and head of School Boy Records. He quickly snapped up the band. “If something works in Australia, the labels know that it’ll work in America,� vocalist George Sheppard asserts. “It’s kind of a testing ground. Somebody in the States sent our [‘Geronimo’] video clip to Nano [Tissera], who works with Scooter at School Boy. Scooter went for it; he thought it was a great song. Before we knew it, he had a deal locked

“It’s so easy to get heard.

So that's not the issue. It's learning how to write a song.� down with Republic and the rest of the world fell into place pretty quickly.�

Prior to “Geronimo,� Sheppard had success with its single “Let Me Down Easy.� It was spun heavily by Portland, OR radio station KNRK. “It got to number one on KNRK and we got to come over and do a show,� the singer recalls. “It wasn’t long until Australia started to take notice and we were able to break through on commercial radio there. “In this day and age, it’s so easy to get heard,� Sheppard continues. “So that's not the issue. It's learning how to write a song.�

Following the success of “Geronimo,� Sheppard released a four-song EP of the same name, which is also earning solid numbers. The band will hit the road in America, joining Meghan Trainor on her 2015 “That Bass� tour. Sheppard has already released the 11-track Bombs Away in Australia and aims to release it Stateside early this year. – Rob Putnam 26 February 2015

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LADY LAMB THE BEEKEEPER

Date Signed:  December  2014  Label: Mom  +  Pop  Music  Band Members:  Aly  Spaltro  Type of Music: Indie  Pop  Management: Self-­managed  Booking:  Erik  Selz  -­  Windish  Agency  Legal: Paul  Sommerstein  Publicity: Jessica  Linker  -­  Pitch  Perfect  PR,  jessica.linker@gmail.com  Web:  LadyLambtheBeekeeper.com  A&R:  Michael  Goldstone  (aka  “Goldie�)

I

t  pays  to  have  friends.  Take  Aly  Spaltro’s  best  pal  in  New  York,  Shervin  Lainez,  a  photographer  who  shoots  artists  on  indie  record  label  Mom  +  Pop  Music.  Had  he  not  shared  Spaltro’s  earliest  songs  with  Goldie,  the  label’s  president/founder,  she  likely  wouldn’t  have  signed  to  it  late  last  year.  Brooklyn-­based  Spaltro,  a.k.a.  Lady  Lamb  the  Beekeeper,  had  given  KHU PDWHULDO WR /DLQH] LQ FRQ¿GHQFH %XW KH VHQW VRPH RI WKH VRQJV

“Part of me thought, ‘He betrayed me.’ But, it’s okay, it needed to unravel this way.�

WR *ROGLH ZKR WKHQ UHTXHVWHG D PHHWLQJ ZLWK 6SDOWUR Âł, GLGQÂśW ÂżQG RXW Shervin  shared  the  songs  with  Goldie  until  I  sat  down  with  him.  Part  of  me  thought,  ‘He  betrayed  me,’â€?  the  singer/songwriter  confesses.  “But  the  other  part  of  me  thought,  ‘It’s  okay,  it  needed  to  unravel  this  way.’â€?  6SDOWUR DFWXDOO\ UHOHDVHG KHU ÂżUVW IXOO OHQJWK Ripely  Pine,  through  another  New  York  indie  label,  Ba  Da  Bing  Records.  But  she  stayed  in  the  good  graces  of  Goldie,  who  she  says  understood  her  as  an  artist.   6SDOWUR DPLFDEO\ SDUWHG ZD\V ZLWK %D 'D %LQJ WKHQ ÂżQDQFHG KHU QH[W album  with  money  she  saved  from  touring  by  herself  and  acting  as  her  own  manager.  The  artist  took  out  a  few  loans  from  generous  friends,  as  well.    $IWHU IULWWHULQJ DZD\ SUHFLRXV VWXGLR KRXUV IRU KHU ÂżUVW DOEXP 6SDOWUR was  more  mindful  in  mapping  out  the  follow-­up.  She  recorded  the  demos  to  click  track,  also  relying  on  Logic,  a  borrowed  drum  pad  and  MIDI  for  the  horn  arrangements.    Once  the  demos  were  done,  Spaltro  enlisted  a  sparse  staff—just  a  co-­ producer  and  musicians  to  do  drums,  horns  and  strings.  She  played  bass  and  her  usual  guitar.    She  sent  the  resulting  second  album,  After,  to  Goldie,  then  turned  the  tables  by  requesting  a  meeting  with  him.  As  luck  would  have  it,  Mom  +  Pop  didn’t  have  any  releases  slated  for  the  spring.  – Kurt Orzeck

TWINSMITH Date Signed: October 2014 Label: Saddle Creek Band Members: Jordan Smith, lead vocal, guitar; Matt Regner, lead guitar, keyboard; Bill Sharp, bassist; Oliver J. Morgan, drums.

Type of Music: Indie Rock Management: N/A Booking: Joe Smyth - Nicodemus Agency Legal: N/A Publicity: press@saddle-creek.com Web: twinsmith.com A&R: N/A

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pstart musicians often grind it out at easily disposable day jobs to pay the bills when they’re not on tour. But Twinsmith treasure their day job—after all, it’s what got them signed to their first recording contract. The band’s members work at Slowdown, a novel art community that’s based in downtown Omaha, NE, but could operate as a small city of its own. The mixed-use venue features a concert venue, music studio, stores, restaurants and even apartments, and is owned

by Saddle Creek Records. Saddle Creek—best known for issuing early releases by Conor Oberst, Rilo Kiley and the Faint—apparently treats its Slowdown employees pretty well. A label representative reached out to Twinsmith last summer, shortly after the indie-rockers launched their first

“We knew exactly what we were going to do before we went In to ask them if we wanted to record an album.” tour, to see if they wanted to record a tour 7-inch. They did, and the result was “Honestly,” which Saddle Creek released in November 2013. While the band had previously self-released a full-length shortly after forming roughly two years ago, lead guitarist/keyboardist Matt Regner says the Saddle Creek collaboration was, quite honestly, thrilling.

“We were super-pumped on the 7-inch, and we were just like, ‘Let’s see if they want to work with us [again],’” Regner says. “We knew exactly what we were going to do before we went in to ask them if we wanted to record an album.”

The plan? Record demos on the cheap at Slowdown’s music studio on Sundays, when no one else uses it. The demos were rough but, since they were tracked live, accurately represented Twinsmith’s concert sound. Brandon Darner and Luke Pettipoole of the Envy Corps, friends from Twinsmith predecessor Betsy Wells, liked the demos and agreed to record the band’s next full-length.

Recorded last September, the full-length is part of a traditional indielabel contract in which Saddle Creek fronted Twinsmith the recording costs and both parties agreed to equally split profits after those costs are covered. Saddle Creek is planning to issue Twinsmith’s album in March or April, and if all goes well, they might agree to a second album, an option for which is provided in the contract. – Kurt Orzeck

THE JACK KEROWAX Date Signed: November 2014 Label: St. Cait Records Band Members: Johnny Beauford, lead vocals, guitar; Garrett Padgett, guitar, keyboards, backing vocals; Nathan Adamson, drums; Nash Griggs, bass.

Type of Music: Americana/Roots Management: N/A Booking: N/A Legal: N/A Publicity: matt@michaeljmedia.com Web: facebook.com/kerowax A&R: Johnny Beauford

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ike many bands today, Dallas-area outfit, the Jack Kerowax, decided to strike out independently, without the help of an established label.

And why not? With distribution being far more accessible than in the past and social media stripping away the barriers between bands and fans, it doesn’t always make sense to cut in another entity. So Kerowax frontman Johnny Beauford launched St. Cait Records in 2012.

“I started the label with my partner David Turner,” Beauford explains.

“For 2012 and 2013, we worked on establishing our presence locally and began releasing some stuff—mainly my own projects. I call what we have

“Too often people work full-time jobs and try to pull off music on the side.

That never works.” a ‘microlabel.’ We’re trying to build a small community; to build some sense of loyalty in a world where there is no loyalty.”

Kerowax was released on Nov. 25. “We’d planned to do trips once a month after the record was released,” Beauford says. “And we’re going to do some regional touring February through May. The digital distribution outlet we use is Catapult. The iTunes sales [figures] are delayed by three months so we’ll hear how our digital sales were on February first, even though we released the record at the end of November. I’m very interested to see how it has done.”

Beauford’s ultimate hope for St. Cait is that it will become a sustainable home for other rising Dallas-area bands. “I’d like to find ways for artists to get paid so they can concentrate solely on music,” he says. “Too often people work full-time jobs and try to pull off music on the side. That never works. You have to be all in or all out.”

Kerowax has been well received in Europe, where it has earned some airplay. This followed the hiring of Swedish indie A&R, promotion and marketing company Hemifrån. “Pretty much every track from the record has been getting radio play,” Beauford observes. Consequently, European dates are being considered. Labelmates include Bravo, Max! and Deadmoon Choir. –Rob Putnam February 2015

musicconnection.com 27

Durango Songwriters Expo In Wine Country

Kurstin Re-ups with Sony/ATV Sony/ATV has extended its worldwide publishing deal with Greg Kurstin.

Nominated in the Non-Classical Producer Of The Year category at the 57th annual Grammy Awards, he was also co-nominated for Best Original Song with Sia for “Opportunity” from Annie at the Golden Globe Awards. Kurstin has songs on the forthcoming Charli XCX, Kelly Clarkson and Gwen Stefani albums. He’s also working on a fourth album with singer Inara George as the Bird And The Bee. Learn more at Sonyatv.com.

Rooting for Rooty with One Direction Already No. 1 in more than 100 countries, Four is the new album from Multiplatinum act One Direction. The songs “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” and “No Control” were co-written by Ruth-Anne Cunningham a.k.a. Rooty. An Irish singer/ songwriter signed to Pulse Recording, Rooty is also a co-writer of the recent Britney Spears hit “Work Bitch.” See pulserecording.com.

Lofrumento Exits ASCAP The American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) has announced that John LoFrumento, Chief Executive Officer of ASCAP for the past 17 years, has decided to retire as of Jan. 1. LoFrumento has served the members of ASCAP since 1981, when he first joined the executive team as Controller. He then served as CFO, COO and EVP, and was named CEO in 1997.

LoFrumento’s successor will be named shortly. Pictured (l-r): Lofrumento, Katy Perry and Paul Williams, ASCAP. 28 February 2015

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On Feb. 26-28, the Durango Songwriters Expo will return to Santa Ynez Wine Country, just north of Santa Barbara, CA. The organization was recently awarded a Multiplatinum Number One award for their part in the success of Expo attendee, two-time Grammy nominated artist Meghan Trainor (“All About That Bass”). Trainor was signed to Big Yellow Dog Music, who found her at a Durango Expo with the help of songwriter/musician Big Al Anderson.

The event attracts a cross section of industry professionals from Nashville and Los Angeles, hit writers across a wealth of genres, and is a supportive artist-friendly environment for creators of all levels of expertise. Highly recommended.

(And the wineries are superb.) Visit durango-songwriters-expo.com for registration information or contact the organization’s Jim Attebery directly at 970-259-9747.

Worldwide Groove: Music and Change Worldwide Groove Corporation, a Nashville-based duo comprising Kurt Goebel and Ellen Tift, composed and produced the main themes and background music for the new episodes of Inside Fame on CMT. Their quirky electropop release “Supermodel Astronaut” inspired the Supermodel Astronaut Challenge, launching a social media movement reaching as far as Europe, and landing them coverage on Huffington Post.

The social media is in reaction to the sexualization of young girls as seen through media advertising. To take the pledge, women are asked

to change their profile picture to a selfie with a sign that says “I am enough. #SupermodelAstronaut.”

As artists, in July 2014 WGC began their “Year of the Groove” with the announcement that they will put out one new release per month for at least a year. These releases will be singles and EPs. Check them out at worldwidegroovecorp.com.

L.A. Songwriters Collective in Chinatown The first Monday night of every month is the evening for a gettogether with the L.A. Songwriters collective, a community founded to support songwriters. The event is held in Chinatown, 953 Chung King Road, in Los Angeles. “We are active creators and songwriters that equip, encourage, and support other songwriters to build an authentic community that invests in artists to help them reach their goals and dreams,” says the organization’s mission statement. Find them online at lasongwriterscollective.com.

Mary Gauthier Songwriting Workshop Everyone has a story to tell, and a unique voice with which to tell it.

The trick is to uncover your own writer’s voice in order to tell that story with a truth that connects in an original way.

In a three-day Performing Songwriter Creative Workshop in Nashville, TN, held March 1-3, singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier will work with 20 students of all levels to help them clarify the aim of their writing and discover their own, unique voices.

In addition to the intensive days of songwriting, participants will

Tim James of Rock Mafia Goes Downtown BMI Award-winning songwriter/producer Tim James, co-founder of the Rock Mafia team with partner Antonina Armato, has inked with Downtown Music Publishing. Armato has been signed to DMP since 2007. DMP has also formed a new joint venture publishing company with Rock Mafia to sign emerging songwriters and producers, with Ryan O’Donnell previously a producer manager at New Heights Entertainment.

– DAN KIMPEL dan@dankimpel.com

enjoy special Nashville experiences, a group dinner at one of the city’s favorite southern restaurants, surprise guest songwriting friends of Mary’s, song circles in the evenings where everyone can share songs, and an opening night dinner at a Nashville home. For info and registration visit performingsongwriter.com/mary-gauthier-march2015-songwriting-workshop.

Jackson Estate Renews with BMI Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) has announced that the estate of Michael Jackson has renewed its agreement with BMI for representation of the public performances of his music catalog.

In addition to the Jackson estate, songwriters P!nk, Maroon 5 and Taylor Swift have also chosen to continue their partnership with the company. Moreover, BMI saw its membership swell in 2014 with the signings of breakout wordsmiths Sam Smith (PRS), Hozier (IMRO), Danielle Bradbury, Nico and Vinz, Tamar Braxton, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Jhene Aiko, Brooke Eden and more. BMI now represents over 650,000 songwriters, composers and publishers. More details at bmi.com.

Lloyd to Disney Peter Lloyd has been appointed Director, Creative, Music Publishing for Disney Music Publishing Group. In his new post, Lloyd will be responsible for working with DMG staff songwriters, arranging co-writes and pitching songs to all the majors, as well as finding opportunities within the Disney system (ABC, ESPN, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, etc.). He is based at DMG’s Burbank headquarters.

Lloyd, a publishing veteran and San Diego native, most recentl served as VP and head of publishing at Pulse Recording, where he worked with artists and writers such as Bonnie McKee, Anne Preven, Tim Pagnotta, Oligee and Luke Laird. Contact him at Disney Music Publishing, 818-569-5069.

Razor & Tie Partners to Nurture Theater Composers A joint venture between Razor & Tie Publishing and Sh-K-Boom/ Ghostlight Records has signed award-winning lyricist/composer Michael Friedman.

The joint venture between Razor & Tie Music Publishing and Sh-KBoom/Ghostlight Records was created in 2014 to nurture the talents of a new generation of theatrical composers and writers.

The venture’s first signing was New York City based songwriter and artist Shaina Taub, who straddles the world of theater music and contemporary pop performance. The venture is an extension into the publishing arena of the successful longstanding distribution and marketing relationship between Razor & Tie and Sh-KBoom/Ghostlight Records.

Michael Friedman has written music and lyrics for The Fortress of Solitude; Love’s Labour’s Lost and Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (both with Alex Timbers); Here’s Hoover; Saved; The Brand New Kid; The Blue Demon and more.

Contact kbrusca@razorandtie.com for complete information.

DAN KIMPEL, author of six music industry books, is an instructor at Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA. He lectures at colleges and conferences worldwide.

A Big Deal for Former Dixie Chicks Sisters Martie Maguire and Emily Robison, formerly of the Dixie Chicks, have inked a publishing deal with Big Deal Music, after retaining their own publishing rights throughout most of their careers. Read more at bigdealmusic.com.

ole Named Top AIMP Indie Publisher The Los Angeles chapter of the Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) presented its prestigious Indie Publisher of the Year Award to ole, the independent rights management company, at the L.A. Chapter Awards, Mixer & Benefit held at BMI's offices in Los Angeles. Pictured (l-r): Lauren Carter, ole office coordinator; Steven Karopwicz, SVP MusicBox; David Weitzman, ole VP Business Development; Jennifer Essiembre, ole Creative Manager; Brandon Schott, ole Sr. Mgr., Sync and Licensing; Andrew Robbins, MusicBox, Director, Film & TV Licensing; Eric Spence, ole-Bluestone; and Marcus Spence, ole-Bluestone.

Linda Lorence Critelli: Woman on Top Congratulations to SESAC’s Linda Lorence Critelli who was recently honored by Billboard magazine in their recent Women in Music special issue. Each year the magazine celebrates the music industry’s most successful and influential female executives and hosts a luncheon in their honor in New York City.

Critelli was honored in a feature focusing on the women who make it all happen at the performing rights organizations. Details at sesac.com.

Dorseys Win USA Songwriting Prize The teenage songwriting team of sisters Justine Dorsey, 19, and Kerris Dorsey, 16, from Los Angeles, are winners of the Overall Grand Prize at the 19th Annual USA Songwriting Competition with “Best Worst Day Ever.” The song, signed to Walt Disney Music, was placed in the box office hit movie Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day starring Steve Carell and Jennifer Garner. This is the second year in the row that the top winner has placed a song in a major feature film. To read a complete list of winners, visit songwriting.net.

February 2015

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Melissa Manchester Classic Craft and the Modern Mode

By Dan Kimpel

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ith the reconfiguration of the music business, the success of independent artists is a bright reality. But innovative enterprises are not only for novices: witness Melissa Manchester, a Grammy-winning, Oscar-nominated singer/songwriter who reached out to her audience for her latest project, You Gotta Love the Life.

Manchester learned about crowdfunding from students at USC who encouraged her to create an Indiegogo campaign for her first album of original material in a decade. Manchester recorded the project in the well-appointed studio at Citrus College in Glendora, CA, where she is an honorary artist in residence. Among the famous friends on the project are Stevie Wonder, Dave Koz, Lenny Castro, Keb’ Mo’, Al Jarreau, Joe Sample and Dionne Warwick.

The Citrus Singers from the college back Manchester on “I Know Who I Am,” originally recorded by Leona Lewis for the film For Colored Girls, directed by Tyler Perry. The song was co-written with Greg Barnhill and Joanna Cotten. “Greg Barnhill is a fantastic storyteller, musician and melodist,” says Manchester. “Those chords come flying out of him. Sometimes you hammer out a melody to match a lyrical idea, but when someone in the room brings something new to the progression, it brings out a deeper element to the story you want to tell—but only if you take a deep breath and an exhale in the middle of the song.”

Manchester was inspired a few years ago by the songwriting alchemy of the Music City. “Nashville sort of saved my heart.

I had gotten lost for a while because of the industry. My esteemed colleague Paul Williams said, ‘Go to Nashville to write, because in L.A. they want to know what you’ve done lately, but in Nashville they will be glad that you showed up.’”

“Other End of the Phone,” a duet with Dionne Warwick, was penned with the legendary Hal David, marking their only collaboration and his last lyric. “We met at his beautiful apartment in Los Angeles,” says Manchester. “Sitting at the grand piano, I asked, ‘How do you do this?’ He asked me the question back. I told him I like to get to know somebody, unless someone brings an idea into the room. He left and came back with three ideas. Two were sketches and ‘Other End of the Phone’ was flushed out, I took it home and imagined Dionne singing it because of how she sings angular music. I found where the unexpected commas were in Hal’s writing. He said because he was trained as a journalist, he wrote very sparingly. The essence of two women singing it brings an unusual kind of smoke in the air.”

One of two songs that Manchester penned solo is “You Are My Heart.”

She was inspired by the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, when a close friend could finally wed his partner of many years. “I was watching TV and the news came on. I texted my friend and asked if I heard wedding bells. He said, ‘Yes, in August,’ and he signed off to me, as he always did, with the words ‘You are my heart.’ I wrote the song and sent it to the couple as a present and sang it at their wedding.”

Along with her own songs, Manchester interprets the Greenwich/Barry/ Spector Ronettes classic, “Be My Baby,” and melds two Irving Berlin songs, “Let’s Face the Music and Dance/From This Moment On.” Says Manchester, “One of the liberating aspects of being an independent artist is that whereas a record company would get confused by the variety of music, I never understood the problem. When I work on this onstage, the audience knows it’s a workshop. No one is confused and raises their hand and says, ‘I don’t know why you are singing Cole Porter and Irving Berlin.’”

Decades into a storied career, Manchester titled her latest project You Gotta Love the Life to reflect her ongoing commitment to the art. “I chose it and it chose me, but I don’t really know how much choosing was going on,” she concludes. “It is what I was supposed to do.”

Contact Judi Kerr, Judi Kerr Public Relations, 310-477-8191, judikerr@aol.com

30 February 2015

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31

DROPS

DEVO’s Hardcore Live! on DVD, Blu-ray, CD and vinyl is coming Feb. 10 on the heels of the Jan. 17 screening at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. Before their breakout hit “Whip It,” the band worked in basements and garages of Akron, OH from 1974 to 1977 to make what they called “Hardcore DEVO.” In the summer of 2014, the band did 10 shows performing these pre-fame songs. Shot at the Fox Theater in Oakland, CA, this concert film captures the artists performing the songs, along with interviews revealing the history of the band—all in tribute to the departed, original DEVO bandmate Robert “Bob 2” Casale. Contact Clint Weiler at Clint@MVDB2B.com.

Ethereal, plinking piano track “Starlight” is the latest from composer/producer Kristin Hoffman off her forthcoming album entitled Amazing Space, which will soundtrack a film of the same name. Hoffman, who has shared the stage with the Wallflowers, Feist and Brandi Carlile, elicits with this track the same emotion Sarah Neufeld manages with the violin. Listen at Soundcloud.com/kristinhoffmannmusic/starlight and contact Mike Del Priore at Mike@EI-PR. com for more information.

DEVO and Sergeant at Arms), Davey Faragher (bass), Brian Macleod (drums) and Velvet Revolver guitarist Dave Kushner. Contact Columbia Records Publicity, Mike.Navarra@SonyMusic.com.

KRISTIN HOFFMAN Independent filmmaker Brian D. Hardin recently released Road to Nowhere, a music documentary centered on award-winning artist Jonathan Fleig at his lowest point in life. Fleig struggles through marriage and the death of his father while trying to sustain his career. Shot in eight locations all over Kansas, the film follows Fleig through his journey as an artist “shifting from nowhere to nowhere.” Find the soundtrack at JonathanFleig.com and learn more about the film at RoadToNowhereFilm.com. Contact Dan Delcampos at D.Delcampos@Verizon.net.

The fourth soundtrack installment of FX’s highrated television series Sons of Anarchy is due out on Feb. 24 exclusively on physical release on Columbia Records. Sons of Anarchy: Volume 4 includes tracks featuring Amos Lee, Audra Mae, the White Buffalo and the Forest Rangers, who serve as the Sons Of Anarchy house band and consist of the series’ music composer Bob Thiele, Greg Leisz (guitar/banjo), John Philip Shenale (keyboards), Lyle Workman (guitar), Dave Way (recording engineer 32 February 2015

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There’s American Idol, and then there’s American’t Idol, a whole other animal featuring such judges as Deacon Cockfosters, Wendy (no last name) and Blue Stone who are better known as Michael Des Barres, Sara Gilbert and Linda Perry, respectively. In their comedic YouTube clip, they judge such artists as Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin and Led Zeppelin, who are all harshly dismissed by the judges as not having what it takes to be an idol. View the clip at youtube.com/watch?v=6AyVi7z9YIY. Rock & roll film The Identical dropped last month, featuring Ray Liotta, Ashley Judd and Seth Green. It's the story of twin brothers

separated at birth who grow up apart but sharing a mutual love of music. The film’s 20-song soundtrack was produced and co-written by Motown legend Jerry Marcellino, who wrote and produced for Michael Jackson, the Jackson 5, Diana Ross and Bobby Darin. Look for the film on Blu-ray and DVD, and contact Courtney Dolliver at Courtney_Dolliver@ BHImpact.com.

John Oates, of Hall & Oates, debuted Another Good Road late last month along with a DVD release of this TV special, which aired on high definition music channel Palladia. A bonus CD on PS Records/Warner Elektra was released along with the DVD, which captures Oates’ dedication to American roots music and the roads he’s followed throughout his life. Director Sean Hagwell takes the viewer into Oates’ personal life, which is set in Woody Creek, CO and a Nashville recording studio, shot live, with no retakes or pick-ups. For more information, contact Katharine Richardson at Kate@RichlynMarketing.com.

OPPS

Unlike shows such as American Idol, The Voice and America’s Got Talent, Do I Have a Hit Song is the world’s first TV talent search for original songwriters. This series, produced and created by Musik and Film, seeks songwriters toting their own music and lyrics, and just broadcast episode two last month at IndiMusic.

TV. Winners receive a custom guitar and amp, and their songs are recorded and produced by Musik and Film. For more information, contact Rick Eberle at Rick@RickEberle.com or visit DoIHaveAHitSong.com/about.

SONS OF ANARCHY

Artists looking to amp up their Internet presence or pick up a few tips on pushing their work through video may want to tune in to the radio podcast and internet radio show Video Market-

– JESSICA PACE j.marie.pace@gmail.com ing Madness, which covers the latest trends in video, YouTube and Internet marketing. Experts in the field are featured on the show, which can be accessed at Videomarketingmadnessradio. com. Direct booking inquiries to producer Steve Sleeper at Steve@SteveSleeper.com.

Though it’s grunt work, this could be a foot in the door for aspiring filmmakers: the L.A. Film Festival’s programming department seeks detail-oriented individuals to help process incoming film submissions for this year's festival. Proficiency with Mac computers is preferred, and knowledge of Filemaker Pro is a plus, but not required. The job is mostly data-entry, sending and answering emails, photocopying and filing submission materials and DVDs. Résumés can be emailed to Programming@FilmIndependent. org.

PROPS

One Screen, a global short-film festival created

by The One Club, has added hip-hop legend RZA to the 2015 One Screen jury. Judges will review work in seven categories: mobile film (new this year), narrative, documentary, music video, animation, branded content and budget under $10,000. Visit onescreen.org for a complete list of the One Screen jury and to view this year’s shortlisted work. Email onescreen@ oneclub.org for any questions about the awards ceremony and screening. One Screen will announce this year’s winners on Feb. 4 during an awards ceremony and screening at the Sunshine Cinema in New York City.

On the brink of its 10-year anniversary as a band, Screaming Females’ sixth LP Rose Mountain is prepped for a Feb. 24 release on SCREAMING FEMALES Don Giovanni Records following the release of a live video shot at 94 Jewel Street Studios by the illustrious Lance Bangs. Bangs, a renowned filmmaker, documentarian and music video director, has made videos for Nirvana, Sonic Youth, Neutral Milk Hotel, R.E.M. and more. He captures the trio in the video “Ripe (Live at 94 Jewel),” which transforms the masFor exclusive video interviews with the likes of Art LaBoe, Simon Napier-Bell and John Carpenter, check out MC’s Blogs area at musicconnection.com!

sive riffs of the album single into an epic live experience. Watch the video at youtube.com/ watch?v=o6UaTMmXv8U. Contact Sarah Avrin at Sarah@Girlie.com for more information.

Melbourne band Cut Copy recently dropped Cut Copy presents: Oceans Apart on its own dance imprint, Cutters Records. A 19-track continuous DJ-mixed snapshot of new and exclusive music from their hometown’s thriving underground dance music scene and club culture, the release was mixed by band members and is also available as two vinyl EPs of compilation highlights.

Described as both scene document and dance party, the 80-minute album is a byproduct of Cut Copy’s observations of its hometown, the party scene, labels and more. It can be streamed in full, and there is an accompanying 12-minute documentary directed by Thomas Pollard released as a visual supplement to this band’s take on the Melbourne story.

Stream the album at soundcloud.com/cuttersrecords/cut-copy-presents-oceans-apartfull-continuous-dj-mix. View the documentary at youtube.com/watch?v=_t_9_5qXfys. Contact Sarah Avrin at Sarah@Girlie.com for further details.

Big Freedia, known for his work in the New Orleans brand of hip-hop called bounce music, has acquired some interesting accolades.

First, he broke his own record in the Guinness Book on Nov. 15 in NOLA for the largest simultaneous “twerking” event with 406 participants. He’s also prepared to premiere on Feb. 25 the third season of the documentary-style TV series Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce, which has broken the record as the highest-rated show in the Fuse network’s history. This follows season two, which kicked off last summer with more than triple the amount of viewers compared to the season one premiere.

Viewers can expect drama, romance, the stresses of a nationwide tour and coping with the loss of his mother as some of the themes in Big Freedia’s third go-round.

The show airs at 11p/10c. For details, reach Nicole Balin at Nicole@BallinPR.com.

JESSICA PACE lives in the Nashville area and writes about music, local government and education. Contact her at j.marie. pace@gmail.com.

Out Take

Jorge Martin Percussionist

Contact: P.O. Box 93203, Hollywood, CA 90093 Web: N/A Most Recent: Game of Thrones Percussionist and sideman Jorge Martin is not a household name. In fact, it’s difficult to find his name anywhere––he stays off the web––but the Hollywood-based musician has collaborated with big names since his early days in Detroit in the heyday of Motown Records. Martin, 60, has lived in Los Angeles since the ‘80s and built a name as a session player. That title may not come with as much notoriety, but it does come with gigs if you’re good. “One gig will lead to three other ones,” he says. Martin also believes musicians have to be sure of what they want in the modern age, because technology can lead to indecisiveness in music.

“Most people call me to do percussion on computer tracks, and it’s like the feeling is gone. How are they going to play this on stage? You've got to figure out what you’re going to do. This is what confuses people.

They’ve got too many options. People fiddle with something for months until they kill it. I take everything out and it’s like, ‘Oh, it sounds great.’ If I show up with three trucks of material it doesn’t mean I’m going to use it. The song is going to tell you what it is. There’s no way around it.”

Martin’s résumé includes work on commercials in multiple countries, and work for film director John Schlesinger, composer George S. Clinton and composer Dwight Andrews (HBO). His most recent gig of note is contributing on songs for the hit series Game of Thrones. As a session player, Martin says you have to be prepared to never hear the song again—it may not ever be released. But the work, as well as his time spent studying musicology at UCLA, has made him a more adaptable player who’s able to interpret the sometimes-cryptic visions of film and television directors.

“Color is what a lot of film people rely on,” Martin says. “They say, ‘It feels like red or blue.’ You’ve got to be able to translate that. You’ve got to be able to understand colors.”

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Ballard is Young & Crazy on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

PAULA TRIPODI

Frankie Ballard made his debut performance on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! where he performed his recent No. 1 Gold-certified hit, “Sunshine & Whiskey,” and a preview of his new single, “Young & Crazy.”

Ballard will be joining MC's September 2014 cover band Florida Georgia Line on the 2015 Anything Goes tour. The tour will stop in 24 cities across the country, wrapping its first leg on May 8 in Atlantic City, NJ. For tour dates, visit FrankieBallard.com.

Electro-funk Duo Deliver a DJ Set When the night fell, electro-funk duo Chromeo lit up the stage for a special DJ set at Sound Nightclub in Hollywood, CA. Pictured performing is David "Dave 1" Macklovitch. Chromeo will be performing at the Governor’s Ball music festival in June. For ticket information, visit chromeo.net.

21 Albums Later, and Still Rocking

JODY DOMINGUE

U.K. music veteran Gary Numan performed at Auditorium Shores in Austin, TX for Fun Fun Fun Fest. Best known for his 1979 hit song “Cars,” Numan continues to make music after 35 years in the industry. Numan (pictured) will headline the Royal Festival in London on March 20.

Outstanding Executive Big Machine Label Group President and CEO Scott Borchetta will receive the Music Business Association’s (Music Biz) prestigious Presidential Award for Outstanding Executive Achievement during the Music Biz 2015 Awards Luncheon on May 14 at the Sheraton Nashville Downtown Hotel in Nashville, TN. For more information, visit musicbiz.org/events/ music-biz-2015.

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Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution The Skirball Cultural Center has presented Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution, the first comprehensive retrospective about the life and career of renowned concert impresario Bill Graham. Through memorabilia, photographs, archival concert footage and much more, Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution proved to be both a deeply personal reflection on Graham’s life and an exploration of how Graham helped transform rock music into the immersive, multi-dimensional, and highly lucrative phenomenon of rock theater that persists today.

– SIRI SVAY siri@musicconnection.com

MICHELLE SHIERS

Stewart & Lindsey Take the Stage For Debut Performance Dave Stewart and new partner, British singer, songwriter and producer Thomas Lindsey, performed a special set of songs at the Roxy in Los Angeles, CA, which will be featured on their upcoming debut fulllength album. Pictured (l-r): Lindsey and Stewart. For a live performance of “Leave This Town,” visit youtu.be/ XWSeEhF0_X0.

Tidbits From Our Tattered Past

Furrow Celebrates 40 Years With Sabian Foundry Supervisor Lewis Furrow has reached the 40-year milestone with the cymbal-maker, SABIAN. In honor of his service, SABIAN donated $500 in cash and $2,000 in Gon Bops percussion instruments to the Music Therapy program at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax. Pictured (l-r): Willi Zildjian, Andy Zildjian, Lewis Furrow, Sally Teague, Bess Teague and John Teague.

1986–Cross-Overs–#13 Rock was entering the "crossover zone" when MC looked at a gaggle of new bands—Simply Red, Outfield and Level 42—who were trying to catch on at contemporary hit radio.

Marvelled Level 42's Phil Gould, "It's a challenge for us to write a three-anda-half-minute song." The issue also features a club review of Vonda Shepard.

Over $20,000 Raised From Use Of Cashless Wristbands The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund, the charity founded in memory of the late rock singer, was presented with a donation raised by attendees of the 2014 Getaway Rock Festival held in Gävle, Sweden last summer.

The festival introduced a payment system whereby attendees loaded funds onto RFID chips attached to their Festival wristbands, and the unspent funds were donated to the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund.

Phish Wheel in the New Year

1994–Boyz Club–#18

TONY LANDA

Shortly after ringing in 2015, revered jam band Phish performed for A Benefit for the WaterWheel Foundation at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, FL, which was also a live webcast hosted by Highline Ballroom in New York.

The WaterWheel Foundation was created by Phish in 1997 to oversee the band’s various charitable activities, including the Touring Division’s mission to raise funds for pre-selected non-profits in each community Phish visits while on tour.

For further information, visit phish.com.

R&B smoothies Boyz II Men were reaching the pinnacle of their fame with the album II when MC caught up with them. Recalled Nate Norris, "We didn't get along very well at first. The only thing that kept us together was the music." The issue also includes club reviews of Transistor Sisters, Stabbing Westward and the band Kyuss, which would later morph into Queens of the Stone Age.

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35

racker

By Rob Putna

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H th is em production . Eminem? list. But sit credits alon back and re e form an im lows him to ad on. He al pressive so runs his choose, sig n and devel label KIDinaK Platinum-sel op talent he O R N E R, which al ling band Im deems wort agine Drago hy. Indeed, Since emig Las Vegas-b ns was amo rating from n as g ed h is fi rs London in 20 t signings. tol City F.C 09––where ., btdubs––h he played p e h as rofessional worked in p and Los An soccer with roduction h geles, wher Brisot spots incl e he now m uding New in one of th ak es h is York, Atlan h ome. Music e several st ta Connection udios in wh process, ph ich he work sat down w ilosophy an s, where he ith Alex d lessons le shared som arned. e insights in to his Check. U2?

36 February 2015

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VERN EVANS, COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL MUSIC PUBLISHING GROUP

Alex da Kid Like a Lit Firec

Music Connection: Was there a key turning point that boosted your career as a producer and writer?

Alex da Kid: There were several turning points. The first was when a friend gave me [digital music editing software] FruityLoops. I’d always liked music, but FruityLoops opened up my brain. Once I saw how to construct [songs], it made me think about life in a different way.

The first week I had it, I didn’t come out of my bedroom. Then I took courses, interned and worked at MTV. When I started my degree, I began traveling to America to work with some people I’d met on Myspace. I kept getting better and then Roc Nation offered me a publishing deal, but I ended up signing with Universal.

MC: You attended Thames Valley University [now University of West London] to work towards a Master’s in audio technology. What’s your take on audio engineering schools in general?

AdK: I didn’t go to university for grades. I went so I could be surrounded by people who loved music as much as I did. I was very upto-date on every piece of gear that came out because I was in that culture of kids obsessing over it. I don’t get time for that now.

Audio schools are all about learning. I started when I was 21, so I could appreciate it. If I’d been 18 or 19, I probably wouldn’t have liked it or been successful because I wouldn’t have been ready. But when I was there, I took every single opportunity that I could. It’s where I met Ferdy [Unger Hamilton], who became the president of Polydor.

He gave me work experience and that’s how I got a lot of my music education. I had many internships, which is where I picked up the language of the industry.

Getting a good balance is crucial, especially if you want to be a producer or engineer.

It’s important to learn the technical side so you can speak to engineers in a language they understand. It’s also important to grasp the way people in the industry speak so that you can talk to A&R guys. When you communicate with people in their own language, they respect you more; they’ll give you more and in less time.

MC: Do you look for an engineering background when you hire assistants?

AdK: Yes. Obviously you need to have the standard knowledge of the studio. But a lot of it is about etiquette––knowing when to talk and when not to. I look for everything. There are a ton of engineers who are good at the technical aspects, but you only really get the other side by doing it. Sitting in your bedroom isn’t going to give you that. Work experience is the most important thing. Be in the environment that you want to be in and see how it works.

MC: How much writing do you do with the artists that you produce?

AdK: I pretty much write everything I produce. For me, it all starts with writing; with me making the music. Then I play it for people. All of the artists that I sign write their own stuff. It’s a prerequisite for me. I want them to be able to tell their own story. And I’m big on song titles. Sometimes I’ll have one and then fill in the blanks.

MC: What about a situation in which the producer becomes a co-writer on a track?

When that happens, how do you come to an agreement on writing credit?

AdK: You’ll write and no one will talk about the split. And when the song becomes huge,

then everyone starts saying “I want this” or “I want that.” I have a system, and it depends on who I’m working with. If it’s a massive superstar, it’s a little different from someone who’s just starting. I’ll have something in writing that says the music track is worth this much, the hook is worth this much. It’s all laid out beforehand so everyone knows where they stand––so there are no arguments. If they’re working out of my studio, I’ll have it in writing. Most of the time, it’s just a conversation that we have.

MC: How did you establish KIDinaKORNER? Has it been everything you expected it to be?

AdK: Once I’d reached the States and had some hits, [Interscope chairman] Jimmy Iovine approached me about doing a label at Interscope. After a lot of back and forth––I was still living in New York––I decided to come to L.A. and start KIDinaKORNER. I wanted to treat it

“A lot of producers start a label and it doesn’t work because they’re chasing hits. It takes a lot of time and energy to create hits.

You can’t do that and run a label. It’s a full-­time job.” a little more seriously than a vanity label. You can get stuck in some traps of chasing hits. It’s like a drug––once you have one and then don’t have another for six months, you start feeling like you’re not hot. Starting a label took my undivided attention for about two years.

A lot of producers start a label and it doesn’t work because they’re chasing hits. It takes a lot of time and energy to create hits. You can’t do that and run a label. It’s a full-time job. I wanted my label to work. Other producers were my inspiration just as much as the business guys were. I love learning from their mistakes so I won’t make the same ones. Being a producer, you have a ton of problems you have to deal with. Running a label is like 50 million more.

I always watched Jimmy and Dre. I saw what they did and what made them different from

everyone else. Running a label was a lot more work than I thought. Then again, everything is.

But having it has been the best thing I’ve ever done, in terms of my career and my freedom.

MC: How do you find artists for KIDinaKORNER? AdK: I employ people who sit online and go through loads of stuff. I also have a studio setup where I have writers and bands come in every day. And I listen to new stuff all the time. I’m surrounded by people who have good taste, so things can come up in casual conversation. And it’s not just about, “Is this person a great artist?”

It’s also about, “Can they write their own stuff?” and “Do we have chemistry in the studio?” That’s a huge part of it. I meet great artists every day.

But do they fit with what I’m doing and where I want music to go? That’s the tricky part.

MC: What do you know now that you wish you’d known when you were starting out?

AdK: What I struggle with now is balance in my life. I’m an obsessive person. And that’s a good way to start [a career] but you can’t be like that forever. How do you find a balance of work and having a family? I’m still looking for that, although I wouldn’t change anything. I’ve made tons of mistakes but they were all for good reasons. I’ve learnt from them. If I could talk to myself five years ago, I’d say, “Do what you’re about to do.” I’m happy now and I place a lot of emphasis on that.

MC: What do you do when you sense that an artist isn’t feeling confident or completely at ease?

AdK: I have two strategies. One is to tell them how shit they are––I’ll make a joke of it. When they ask, “What do you think of this?” I’ll say, “That’s terrible.” And I keep on saying it like it’s a joke to the point that it doesn’t hurt anymore.

Especially with people I know; with people that it isn’t our first session. I find that the bigger the star, the less they want to fail in front of someone. They know that I just saw them play Staples Center and they want me to keep that opinion of them; that everything they do should be Staples-Center-worthy. But that’s not being human. To get to that point, you have to fail 10,000 times. And it’s okay to fail.

My second strategy is to be supportive. But I find it hard to do that; I find it hard to lie to an artist. I hate it when they’re treated like children, which is something that happens a lot. I believe that we should be honest. And I want artists to be honest with me if they don’t like what I’m doing. A lot of producers are good at boosting people’s confidence. I like to strip everyone’s confidence away. The biggest songs I’ve ever done have been the most honest. I want to get to the honesty quickly. I want to make artists feel as small as possible so that they get in touch with their real feelings. We cut away all the layers of the superstar. Because that can often get in the way.

MC: What’s been one of your biggest challenges and what did you learn from it?

AdK: I wish I had more time to hone in on music tech. When I was at University, I had a lot of time for that. My brain was filled with it. I wish I could get back to that place. I loved that community; that culture of the nerd when we all got obsessed over a compressor. There’s only a finite space in my brain. Compressors can only take, like, five percent of it now. They used to take 50.

MC: What do you see as some of the primary differences between London and Los Angeles––culturally and from a business standpoint?

February 2015

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AdK: When I first came over, England wasn’t relevant at all, musically. But now it is; there’s been a resurgence. I think we always go through this cycle of England being really cool and England being really lame. Right now, at least half of the cool things online come from the U.K.. It feels like there’s a scene.

In terms of business, England is a tiny country. America is the capitalist of the world.

There’s no better place to be. And not just from a business standpoint. Everyone watches American films. It’s the hub of everything, culturally.

MC: What’s been one of your most magic studio moments?

AdK: I was working with U2 on [the 2011 musical] Spider-Man. The first time we did vocals with Bono, I found out that he doesn’t record in the booth. He does them in the control room

with a [Shure SM] 57. He dances and records at the same time. It blew my mind—I was with the engineer setting up all these super-expensive condenser mics in the booth and he just comes in and starts singing on the 57.

There was another time with Eminem. We’ve done some songs that have meant a lot to a lot of people. He’s a producer too and he understands how to use an SSL. We’re both obsessed with detail and I love it when other people are too. Dre is also like that. You can see where Marshall [Mathers, Eminem] got it from.

Things that no one else will hear in a song––like the rhythm of a vocal or a drum part––they will hear it and they’ll spend five hours changing it.

The average person would never notice what they’ve modified. It’s even hard for me to hear it, even though I’m listening for it. For them, it changes the vibe. You can feel it on some subconscious level. It’s intangible.

MC: When you were starting out, what challenges did you face that aspiring producers now do not?

AdK: When I started, it was harder to get your music out. Now there are so many platforms; people have so much more access to music. If the Beatles were around today, but they were terrible at social media, who’s to say anyone would pay attention? Before, it was hard to get [your music] out. But if you did, you had a fair shot. Now it’s easier to get out. But once you do, how do you differentiate yourself? And that’s only going to increase as we get more platforms. It’ll be easier to make music; you’ll have more people going into it because you don’t need a million-dollar budget to make an album. You can do it pretty easily for a thousand dollars now. And it can be great––just as good as the million-dollar one, if not better.

MC: What are the three most important things you’ve learned as a producer?

AdK: Try not to compromise on your initial goal.

You can go around in circles in the studio as a creative person. Two, try not to be influenced by all of the outside forces. There are a lot of people inside the studio and out who will have an opinion. Three, being able to speak everybody’s [technical] language gets things done quicker and easier. Learn as much about your craft as you can. There are a lot of people who are passionate about this, and if you’re not you should let them do it.

MC: In what ways has writing and/or production gotten easier for you? In what ways has it gotten harder?

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r "MFY EB ,JE JT B (SBNNZ XJOOFS BOE IBT been nominated for several others, including Album of the Year for his production of Rihanna’s 2010 Loud )F BMTP XPO (BNF Changer Producer of the Year at the first Pensado Awards last June. r 0SJHJOBMMZ GSPN -POEPO "MFY NPWFE à STU UP New York City in 2009 and soon after to Los Angeles. r *O &OHMJTI OFXTQBQFS The Evening Standard named Alex one of London’s most influential people. r #FGPSF CFDPNJOH B QSPEVDFS "MFY QMBZFE professional soccer until the age of 19, when a friend introduced him to music editing software FruityLoops, now known as FL Studio. r *NBHJOF %SBHPOT JT TJHOFE UP "MFY T ,*%JOB,03/&3 MBCFM 5IF CBOE T Night

else outside of that dimension with your recorded output?

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On the down side, I have less time to study the newPortland, songwriters and you newlive, sounds.

MC: where mustThat’s be angood interand bad because it makes me stay in my own esting creative scene. world and I’m less influenced by other things.

Ward: I’ve been here about 15 years. When I first got here it didn’t seem like there were that MC: How do you decide to accept a project? many recording studios or music venues. But it AdK: I do one or two big ones a year outside of feels like everything quadrupled over the past my label. Those are [chosen] based on whether decade. It’s still probably the cheapest city to I like the person and if I understand where live on the West Coast so it brings in a lot of they’re going, creatively. I have a lot of converartists. It’s a great city to do music. sations with different artists and sometimes I don’t agree with the direction in which they want MC: When we interviewed a band your to go.

There’s no point in trying to from convince hometown, theI don’t Decemberists, theyof noted them not to. have that kind time that or there is also a physical isolation, is there energy.

Ninety-nine percent of my careernot? is Ward: leads to a sense of community. It might basedIton a feeling. bring people together more than other places.

MC: Did you work with Imagine Dragons on MC: & Him, it difficult to carve out theirWith newShe stuff?

Whatiswas that like? time in your schedules to make it AdK: Yes. individual That was very different.

The first happen? album was me and the lead singer Dan [ReynWard: It’s a matter of finding a few daysa here, olds] working together a lot. We wrote number a of few days Making there. Magically it always songs. music with a band happens. is so difYou’ll find time in your ferentalways from making music withcalendar a rapper.for There things you love to do with and multiple I think that’s how You it is are multiple people opinions. with thetoShe & Him have be so muchproject. more political with a band

DJing and I was like, I’d say 12 years from start but we bought it and then we figured out how to to finish, and he was like, yeah same with us, pay it off. I’m a deadline oriented person, and as a result. Working on this album is different but people don’t realize how long that is. He if I don’t have athe deadline sometimes things just 3 Most Important than the first one because now the band is said, “I’m an 11-year overnight success and drag, so you‘ve got to force yourself to create doing world tours. It’s a different scenario.

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THE GRAMMY MUSEUMÂŽ PRESENTS

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How a Vocal Producer Can Spark Your Next Recording

BY JEANNIE DEVA 40 February 2015

musicconnection.com

W

hen I mention “record producer” or “recording engineer” to just about anyone in the music business, I usually get an understanding nod. If, however, I say “vocal producer,” more often than not, I see looks of uncertainty about who that is and what they do.

What is it about the vocals that would necessitate a vocal producer? A guitarist doesn’t need a guitar producer, so what about the vocals is different?

Starting in the mid 1980’s, my involvement with producing recorded vocals began as a response to singers coming to me complaining of difficulties in the studio. They were blowing-out and not giving the performance their producer was trying to get from them and recording sessions were arduously dragging on well beyond projected budgets.

Over the years my involvement advanced into a more encompassing role––that of vocal producer.

In this article I’ll share with you tips and advice from my own experience working with singers in the studio as well as those of several of my colleagues who are Multiplatinum, Grammy-winning engineers, producers and A&R reps. In the end I hope you will gain an understanding of how a vocal producer might help you record hit songs and when it would be appropriate to involve one in your project.

Let’s start from the beginning. What’s so special about the vocals? What is it about studio singing that would require a specialist?

Vocals Sell the Song “It’s the singer, not the song,” sang Mick Jagger way back when. Well, okay––the song DOES matter, but I think you get the point: The singer is the focal point of any recording. No matter how great the rest of your band, the audience usually recognizes you by the sound of your singer.

On your recording, the sound, style, personality and performance of the vocal must be of utmost quality. If so, it will capture attention and interest, building your audience and making hit songs possible for you. In fact, if the singer really knows his/her craft and the recording captures it properly, it’s even possible to transform a “ho-hum” song into something fresh and memorable: such is the potential of an expressive, musical and passionate singer.

Studio Singing Singing in the studio is an art unto itself. As anyone who has both live stage performance

and recording experience knows, studio vocal recording is vastly different. To start with, the voice is an acoustic instrument. It is “played” based on how the singer hears herself.

There’s a sonic loop between ears and mind that is intuitively used by the singer to monitor the muscle actions of their voice. The many components involved in studio recording can and will influence not only how you sing––affecting your vocal performance—but how you end up sounding on playback. In addition, the choices of gear and various “tricks of the trade,” can greatly influence the sound quality of the vocal recording.

Singer or Setup?

Sometimes the singer is just not ready to go into the studio and lay down an amazing vocal performance; they need more pre-production on the songs and possibly more vocal

set-up joins the two sides together. If you add musical arrangement, instrumentation and postproduction that are all conceived to support the singer and the song message––voilà! You have a final result that can be truly exciting.

To help the singer capture the most outstanding vocal performance possible, each element of the vocal signal chain or pathway must be uniquely chosen and matched to the specific attributes of the singer. This signal path typically includes: type of mic and headphones, type of preamp and setting, make and model of compressor (some are smoother and less obtrusive than others); the EQ, the DAW (Digital Audio Workstation, which is the type of recording software used, such as Logic or Pro Tools). Even the type of cables, such as those made by Blue or Monster, can make a difference in the sound.

Prior to entering the studio singers have enough to deal with just practicing and developing their song performances without also having to get trained in the technology of vocal recording and studio gear. And once in the studio, the undistracted focus should be on their singular role and achievement of vocal performance. So, who ya gonna call?

Enter the Vocal Producer–The Recording Artist’s Secret Weapon A good vocal producer knows the difference between a great vocal performance—one that truly sells the song—versus one that could be better and specifically how it could be better so as to help the singer make it great. Understanding rhythm, phrasing, harmony, note choice and music structure would be part of this skill. By the time the session is over, the vocal producer makes sure there is enough selection of performance takes to create the perfect vocal compilation in the editing and mixing. Toward that end, while the session is underway every

“The best vocal coaches I have worked with have helped to put the artist at ease and warm up their voice without straining them. …. It can be a great benefit to have them present, especially at the start of a vocal session.”

– Warren Huart (Multiplatinum producer/vocal producer, mixer, engineer and A&R consultant for Capitol Records)

technique and exercise to develop their voice and sing more freely.

But just as often, during my years of coaching and producing singers in studios around the world, I’ve witnessed many producers and engineers who thought the singer was subpar when the actual source of the difficulty was poor choice of gear and inappropriate studio set-up.

In one of the first recording sessions I was brought into, the vocalist was having a great deal of difficulty singing the high notes on pitch and without strain. The producer kept whispering to me that the singer had a big pitch problem. After a few takes that were pretty bad, I went into the vocal booth, put on the headphones and asked for the track to begin playing.

As I tried singing into the mic, I found that the EQ cut off the treble part of the sound spectrum.

This made singing the higher notes impossible!

I directed a change in the headphone EQ so as to “open” the treble and instantly the singer had no pitch problems.

The Two Sides of Vocal Recording There are two sides to vocal recording: the singer’s performance and the technical production. The choice of recording gear and technical

second of each vocal pass is accounted for by the vocal producer, ensuring everything will add up to a stunning vocal performance.

To achieve trust and maintain teamwork with the singer, a vocal producer needs good communication skills and has to know how to give constructive criticism and positive reinforcement that is honest. As the multi-Grammy-winning vocal producer Kuk Harrell says, “It’s never, ‘Man you screwed up.’ I can tell Jennifer [Lopez] she’s not singing it the right way without telling her that she’s not singing it the right way.”

In speaking with my colleagues, I’ve found that the description of the vocal producer’s role has variations. Some vocal producers also wear the hat of engineer concurrent with giving directions and guidance to the singer. But a vocal producer does not need to be an engineer.

Some producers simultaneously wear three hats: producer, engineer and vocal producer.

However, especially with less experienced engineers/producers who don’t have training as a singer or vocal coach, I’ve observed that trying to do those jobs at the same time can comproFebruary 2015

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mise the production of the final vocal. And there are many vocal producers who, like me, prefer to focus all of our attention on the singer and so work in tandem with an engineer and the producer of the overall recording project.

Regardless of our differences, on one thing we all agree: A vocal producer is there to elicit the emotion, style, believability and best performance from the singer during studio recording.

The Importance of a Second Set of Ears AGT finalist of 2013, singer and award-winning songwriter Deanna DellaCioppa knows both sides of studio vocal production. She has been the vocal producer for sessions with such notables as Sophia Grace (60 million YouTube views) and Paula Abdul. Deanna has extensive studio experience singing background vocals for artists such as Celine Dion and, most recently, multiple backing vocals for Justin Bieber’s song “Prayer.� “We can be our own worst critic,� she told me. “I do not enjoy vocal producing [my own performance] while I’m in the booth for this reason; having a second set of ears outside the booth helps tremendously. As the singer I only want to focus on giving a solid, emotion-filled vocal. I do not want to focus on keeping track of which takes were best, what harmony I should use or the overall vocal arrangement.�

Khaliq Glover (aka Khaliq-O-Vision), producer, Grammy-winning engineer (Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Prince) and mixing specialist shared this with me: “Making a record that com-

A vocal coach who knows how the voice works and is armed with techniques to help the singer use their voice freely without blow-out can make a huge difference in the studio. While a vocal producer will give directions pertaining to performance and style, the vocal coach helps the singer know how to do that. I recently worked on a project at Capitol Records with Warren Huart (Multiplatinum producer/vocal producer, mixer, engineer and A&R consultant for Capitol Records) and this is what he had to say: “The best vocal coaches I have worked with have helped to put the artist at ease and warm up their voice without straining them. If an artist has already established a long-term successful relationship with a vocal coach, it can be a great benefit to have them present, especially at the start of a vocal session.�

A session vocal coach or a vocal producer who is additionally a vocal technique expert will be able

“The vocal producer is there to guide and extract the performance from the singer, which also includes the quality of their voice during various sections of the song. Understanding the difference can go a long way towards capturing an awesome performance.� – Khaliq Glover (aka Khaliq-O-Vision), producer, Grammy-winning engineer (Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Prince) municates and connects with an audience that can’t see you face-to-face is a skill that takes time to develop and it usually needs external guidance. You have to nail a combination of feeling, being on pitch, being on rhythm, having dynamics, having great tone and breathing in the right place. That’s a lot, and it can mess with your head unless you have somebody who can help you keep your eye on the prize and not let you get down on yourself. “The vocal producer,� he continues, “is there to guide and extract the performance from the singer, which also includes the quality of their voice during various sections of the song.

Understanding the difference can go a long way towards capturing an awesome performance.

Connection to the lyrics is probably the biggest key to a great performance and a great vocal producer will always make sure that the singer is actually feeling what they are singing so that the emotion comes through.�

The Session Vocal Coach If the producer is not also an experienced session singer or trained voice teacher, as I am, involving a vocal coach in your recording sessions could be a wise move. I’ve heard any number of faulty directions given to singers by producers that include what to do physically to get a certain vocal sound. As the producer was not a trained voice teacher or coach, many of these directions were in fact making singing more difficult.

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to help the singer nail the performance while assisting the singer to troubleshoot any vocal or equipment problems that would hinder a free and expressive vocal performance.

Here’s a story to illustrate: Recently a singer studying voice technique with me arrived complaining about a recording session she’d had the previous night. The producer was trying to get her to sing the pre-choruses in a breathy voice but kept telling her that in doing so, her volume was too low. To remedy the lower volume, he told her to “push� her voice out while singing breathy.

The result was that her voice soon blew out, they didn’t get what he wanted for the prechorus and in her lesson the next day I had to rehabilitate her voice. Breathy singing is a subdued sound and it cannot be done loudly without straining the voice. If I had been present in the studio, I would have tracked the breathy pre-choruses separately from the rest of the song so that the recording levels could be raised. In the lesson I showed her how to cup her mouth with her hands so that her breathy sound would be amplified by the microphone.

Using that technique in the next day’s session, she gave her producer the sound and feel he was looking for without having to “push� and blow out her voice.

In the Studio r 4FU VQ The first thing your vocal producer will do together with the engineer is set up the session. Determining the correct match of mic

for you can take about 20 minutes of trying out several to determine the one that brings out the best in your voice. When multiple songs are part of the project, the same mic will normally be used for continuity of sound throughout the album or EP. Once the mic has been matched and the headphone mix is comfortable for you to sing easily, the actual session starts. r $PPSEJOBUF XJUI UIF 1SPEVDFS It is important that everyone is on the same page. “You must all have the same vision for the song,� says Deanna DellaCioppa. “If you (producer, vocal producer and singer/rapper) do not share the same vision for the end result, this is a huge problem. The producer generally has final say over the final product, so it is the vocal producer’s job to be sure that is captured from the singer.� r (P GPS 1FSGPSNBODF The entire focus of the singer should be on the performance, not on technique. Any vocal “glitches� can always be fixed in one of three ways: 1. Digital editing such as using auto tuner software. 2.

A compilation track for the lead vocal created later (selecting the best sections of different “takes�) 3. �Punching� (to re-record that phrase or section). r 'VMM 5BLFT PS 4FDUJPOT As many of us do, Warren Huart decides on his session approach based on the singer and the song: “Some singers can perform songs best in single, full takes.

Some songs and/or singers require recording the song in sections. You have to be open to trying different things to find the best approach for the situation and not just using one methodology.� As I mentioned earlier, when a song has big contrasts in volume, I prefer to record them separately. This allows the engineer to set the input volume correctly for each section so that the singer can use the appropriately contrasting vocal approaches. r 5IF 'JOBM 5SBDL Once the vocal producer is certain that several choices of great performances have been tracked for each part of the song, the singer’s job is done and the editing and compilation begins. The ears and objectivity of a good vocal producer are invaluable in searching through all the vocal takes just recorded, fixing notes as needed and piecing together sections to make up the final track. r -BTU 4UFQT With the vocal compilation track completed, mixing and then mastering are the important final steps. As long as the tracking has been done right, you’ll have all the ingredients needed for your mixing engineer and producer to create the magic. But that’s a subject for another day.

STUDIO VOCAL TIPS

r Find the best mic for your voice by trying several. r .JD QMBDFNFOU BCPWF BOE CFMPX your mouth will influence the EQ and tonal quality of your voice. r .BJOUBJO B VOJGPSN EJTUBODF UP UIF mic for consistency on your tracks. r 3FDPSE MPVE BOE TPGU TFDUJPOT PG your song separately so the engineer can change the input levels. r %PO U PWFSFNQIBTJ[F DPOTPOBOUT UP avoid pops and digital distortions. r 5BLF UIF UJNF UP HFU B HPPE IFBEphone mix so you can sing comfortably. When all else fails, sing with one headphone off one ear. r *G ZPV DBO U TJOH BT GSFFMZ BT VTVBM USZ facing a different direction in the booth to find the “sweet spot� in the room. r *G ZPVS WPJDF GFFMT TRVFF[FE BOE you start pushing to sing, the compression setting may be too high.

Who Uses Vocal Producers?

Kuk Harrell is the vocal producer for artists such as Justin Bieber, Rihanna and +FOOJGFS -PQF[ 8BSSFO Huart has vocal produced artists such as: Isaac Slade (the Fray), James Blunt, Marc Broussard, Tori Kelly and Ace Frehley (formerly of Kiss). But you EPO U IBWF UP CF BO BSUJTU signed to a record label to use a vocal producer.

It depends upon whether you want to achieve a level of quality that a record label would consider good enough to represent, distribute and broadcast.

Aubrey Whitfield, a British producer, mix engineer and founder of London-based indie MBCFM VCF 3FDPSET FYQMBJOT TPNFUIJOH * WF heard echoed by other labels: “If you approach me and you have a release-ready record that EPFTO U OFFE SF SFDPSEJOH UIFO UIBU T HPJOH UP DBUDI NZ BUUFOUJPO 8IZ w 8F XPO U IBWF UP re-record you. So think smartly and produce something that competes with current Top 40 SFMFBTFT BOE ZPV MM CF IBMGXBZ UIFSF u For lesser budget projects still striving to have the edge of radio-ready songs, you might consider tracking your instruments in your home or project studio. Then track your vocals with a vocal producer in a pro-studio and complete the recording with a mixing/mastering specialist.

The Business of Hiring Vocal producers and session vocal coaches are hired in any number of different ways. They are hired by artists, labels, managers and even

publishers to work by the hour, at a flat rate per song or for the entire project. “Every project is different; there is no [standard] cost,� Warren Huart shared with me. “Also, I generally receive points on album sales. Points fluctuate depending on whether you are working on just the vocal or the whole track plus the vocals.�

Producer points are a percentage of royalties received for working on a commercially sold album. A point would be equal to one percent of the retail or wholesale price of an album. One or two points would be typical, but superstar producers such as Kuk Harrell can demand higher percentages. Indeed, a 2012 New York Times article included: “Having the certainty PG .S )BSSFMM T FBS DPNFT XJUI B QSJDF TFWFSBM thousand dollars per song and, more significant, a cut of the royalties.�

Since production can also get into co-writing, arranging, etc. and this goes beyond points and enters into publishing rights, anything can be negotiated into a contract. Just make sure you enlist a qualified entertainment attorney if contracts are involved.

JEANNIE DEVA is a Grammy member, the originator of The Deva MethodŽ, Complete Voice Technique for Stage and Studio™, a published author, a graduate in composition and arranging from Berklee College of Music and a recording studio vocal producer/vocal coach endorsed by engineers and producers of, among others, Aerosmith, Elton John, Bette Midler, Fleetwood Mac and the Rolling Stones. Based in Los Angeles, she also coaches online worldwide and travels on location. For info: JeannieDeva.com, @JeannieDeva

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– JONNIE “MOST” DAVIS

A Music Publishing Exec Asks: “A&R you a diamond in the sand?”

M

y primary objective as Senior Vice President of A&R for Round Hill Music is simple, to discover unknown or emerging talent, as well as to manage the artists currently on our roster. I primarily focus on finding performing artists, bands and songwriters that write or co-write their own material. The best source I’ve found for discovering a band, artist or songwriter

I knew I found that elusive diamond—we all did—and it was just undeniable.

Before I sign a group I run it past our synch team. I absolutely have to have them on board and need to know that they’re confident that there’s an outlet for the groups’ music.

Whether it’s a TV ad campaign, a movie trailer, a strategic placement in a TV show or film, or a video game, I just won’t move forward without

of Chris Henderson’s voice grabbed my attention immediately and led me directly to the story lines of their songs. I felt they had the heartbeat of the country, true Americana; they reminded me of a young Credence Clearwater Revival (and I don't say that lightly). The productions of their material were flawless, tastefully crafted and skillfully produced. It was just obvious, and by the time I got through the

BRONZE RADIO RETURN

is through word of mouth from the many relationships I’ve developed over the course of my career. I also browse through trade news and blogs as well as listen to new, unsigned (publishing) releases on iTunes, as well as other outlets.

Sounds easy, right? Wrong! It’s like it’s open mic night for the world right now, and at times I catch myself losing perspective. Many people believe that they’re a songwriter or a producer simply because they can press some buttons on their laptop and music magically comes out of the speakers. That has created so much mediocrity in music. Plus, there’s such a fine line between really good and greatness. The best way I’ve found to equate it is that Really Good is like the sand on a beach; it’s all around us. Greatness is a tiny diamond on that beach that you can see from three miles away; it’s so obvious when it appears, it’s blinding. When I first discovered the band American Authors,

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their blessing; they’re the best in the business.

Once I know I have the backing of the synch team, I negotiate all the major deal points with the band’s manager or attorney, and I then present the full package to our President, Neil Gillis, and our CEO, Josh Gruss. Once I get the green light, I pass the ball to RHM’s legal team to then draft the long form contract based on the deal I hashed out. This is a team effort, and everyone needs to share the same passion that I have for any of the groups that I bring in.

That said, anyone on the team can and does bring artists and bands to the table, but we all must agree on a signing as a team.

So, what do I look for in an artist or a band?

An effortless uniqueness that’s completely authentic, radio-ready productions or, simply put, diamonds in the sand. One standout group I recently signed is Bronze Radio Return.

The first time I heard them, they just had that effortless authenticity. The uniqueness

JONNIE “MOST” DAVIS

first chorus of the first song, I wanted to listen to all the others. When I saw them live in Nw York, it was a sold-out crowd at the Bowery Ballroom, and everyone in the audience knew every single word to every song. My eyes just welled up, I felt overwhelmed and I knew I was witnessing greatness. I worked on that deal for a year and feel so lucky to be part of the team that brought them in to RHM. I travel a lot, often work remotely, and take too many lunch meetings! Lunch is a big deal in this business, so always be hungry—you never know when I’m gonna show up.

JONNIE “MOST” DAVIS currently serves as Senior Vice President of A&R/Head of Label Services for music publisher Round Hill Music. Davis has had the distinction of working with some of the most celebrated artists in the world including, Pink, Marc Anthony, Biggie Smalls, P. Diddy, Outkast, Usher, Santigold and American Authors. Davis has accrued 20+ Gold and Platinum records and has been credited on albums with sales topping 100 million worldwide.

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Favorite Movie: The Godfather 1 & 2 Favorite TV Show: The Sopranos Favorite Vegetable: Collard greens... “OG kale” before it was cool When I’m not in the studio, I’m: At the beach!!

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It’s my must use on bass because it provides that rich glue as well as on vocals since it is one of a fewpieces of gear that can elegantly compress 30db and you don’t hear it. The Sta Level is a beast!

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– JENNIFER YEKO

Make Your Live Show Amazing

ENTERTAIN YOUR CROWD As a performing artist, that’s pretty much your only job and reason for being on stage. Your fans may love you on YouTube or on CD/MP3 but when they come to see you perform, they want a show. Entertain them!

I know, you’re an artist, obsessed with chord changes and making sure you don’t hit a wrong note or go out of key or, God forbid, break a string on stage.

And you think your fans care about your songs as much as you do.

They don’t. Not unless you’re as successful as Coldplay. So focus on the crowd and don’t get in your head too much about the sound and technical details. Your audience will hardly notice any issues unless there is major feedback.

LOOK INTO THEIR FACES That’s right. Nothing is going to keep people’s eyes on you more than a lead singer (and band members) who are looking at them. Of course, don’t stare or be creepy. One tip is to look at the tops of people’s heads. It will seem like you are looking at them, but will be far less distracting to you.

We’ve all been to a show where the lead singer did not look at the crowd. That gets boring pretty quickly. Besides, that whole shoegazing thing is out…and I’ve yet to see a hugely successful band perform that wasn’t looking directly into their audience’s faces.

GENERATE ENERGY I can’t tell you how many artists I’ve seen whose idea of performing is merely standing there with their guitar (or sitting behind their keyboard) and just singing their songs without any real energy.

If we get off the couch to come see you perform tonight, you’d better bring it on stage.

That does not mean you must run around the stage; exuding energy can take many forms. But do move around. Dance, even. I can’t tell you how boring it is to see an unknown act perform at a club and just have every single band member simply standing behind his instrument.

And don’t get me started on band members who stare at the floor (or at their instrument).

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After all, you wouldn’t go to a spinning class or dance class if the instructor simply stood there, talking with no energy. You want someone in front of a group of people to lead and be inspiring. So do the same for your fans.

You are the instructor and the artist and they will dance if you dance. They will move if you move. Watch the crowd the next time you’re up on stage. Their energy will match yours.

You want a better crowd? Put on an amazing live show full of energy and excitement and see what happens. Watch YouTube videos of Mick Jagger in concert if you need inspiration.

There’s a reason why the Rolling Stones have been one of the biggest live bands for decades. Appreciate why a performer like P!nk can transfix both a small venue and an arena.

job. The audience is likely getting a bit restless towards the end of anyone’s set, so leave them with a great feeling from singing along or asking them questions during the show. Even using, “How’s everyone doing tonight?” is better than just performing song after song.

TALK BETWEEN SONGS To make sure we haven’t fallen asleep or aren’t tempted to check our phones for messages or new Facebook posts. Don’t talk between every song, though. Script out your set-list with pre-meditated patter at key intervals.

Write out some funny lines or stories.

Practice them in front of your friends or family to make sure they are good—and be sure their reactions are honest.

Most successful touring artists use the same stories over and over, just like comedians, because they know from past experience what will make a crowd laugh. If you want to do well as a touring act, make sure you are entertaining between songs as well as during the songs.

MEET & GREET Before your last song and before you get off stage, be sure to tell everyone you’ll be at the merch table right after the set.

Let them know they can purchase CDs and shirts, and mention that you’ll sign autographs and pose for photos. Fans will use Twitter and Facebook to let their friends know not only how great the show was, but also how nice you were to them after the show. And yes, be sure you are nicer than Mother Theresa. No one likes a snobby or rude artist.

JODY DOMINGUE

A

s a talent manager for the past 15 years, as well as an A&R scout and music publicist, I’ve been to hundreds and hundreds of live concerts during my life.

In time, I’ve noticed some key things that the best, most successful artists—performers who have built a career instead of just a short period of acclaim—do in their live performances. Live gigs have never been more important to an artist or band’s career, so take heed of the following advice…

WEAR INTERESTING STAGE CLOTHES Don’t let the band wear “whatever” to the show.

I’ve had lead singers instruct the other players to wear all black or white. Do something to send a message that you are a unit.

“But,” you’ll say, “my favorite band just wears a t-shirt and jeans on stage.” Sure, many do. But keep in mind, those performers are already hugely successful bands with years of hit songs under their belt.

Understand your genre and come up with attire that not only complements, but enhances it.

COVER A HIT SONG Even superstars who have sold millions of albums will occasionally cover a well-known classic in their set. Throw one in toward the end of your show. Trust me. People will appreciate a new arrangement of a popular song. Just make sure it’s a song your target audience will know.

ENGAGE YOUR FANS Get them to sing along with that cover song.

Or one of your own. (At least encourage them to sing the chorus). Hey, if you can get me to sing at one of your shows, you’ve done a good

WARM UP YOUR VOICE Before the show. Yes, some very successful artists, such as Daryl Hall, use the first couple songs in the set to warm up their voice. With far too many singers, however, poor warm-up techniques cause their performance (and, later, their vocal chords) to suffer.

Most of all, HAVE FUN! If you’re truly enjoying yourself on stage, your audience will too.

JENNIFER YEKO is President and Manager of boutique talent management and music licensing company True Talent Management, based in Beverly Hills, CA. She has over 12 years of experience in pitching indie artists to film and TV and has licensed music to over 50 shows, feature films and ads, including Sex and the City, The Hills and The OC. Yeko is a frequent speaker at industry events and teaches “Music Supervision for Film and Television” at UCLA Extension. She also runs a music PR firm, True Talent PR, which focuses on new and developing artists and bands. Read her blog at truetalentmgmt. wordpress.com. Reach her at mc@truetalentmgmt.com, truetalentmgmt.com and truetalentpr.com.

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– BERNARD BAUR

NEW ERA

Expanding its Brand from Sports to Music

N

ew Era is an international lifestyle brand with an authentic sports heritage that dates back over 90 years.

Best known for being the official on-field cap for Major League Baseball and the National Football League, New Era is the brand of choice not only for its headwear collection, but also for its accessories and apparel lines for men, women and children. The brand is worn as a symbol of self-expression by some of the most interesting and creative people in the world. In fact, the company encourages people to “Fly Your Own Flag” and truly express their personal style through its products.

With the brand firmly established in the sports world, New Era is now expanding its reach into the entertainment field, with music in particular. According to company spokesman Chris Passarell, Director of Central Marketing, “We see two key consumer segments that relate well with our brand: sports and entertainment.” With a focus on music, the company is creating custom caps for the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, which will be presented as a VIP gift in the Grammy Gift Lounge.

“We’re always looking for new relationships that suit our brand,” Passarell explains.

“And, as such, we’re amping up our game in entertainment, with a special eye on music.

In fact, we’ve had a lot of artists contact us because we’re known as a lifestyle brand.”

Accordingly, New Era has already associated with some big players in the music industry, such as Roc Nation, Kid Cudi, Talib Kweli, Raphael Saadiq and KPWR radio personality Big Boy. For those luminaries, the company created custom headwear and accessories.

Caps associated with Star Wars, DC Comics, Marvel superheroes, Coca Cola and Yums are also part of the brand’s involvement with entertainment.

But most of all, the company’s DNA encourages creativity. As such, it offers consumers the opportunity to create their own headwear and customize it to their specifications via “New Era by You,” which notes, “You can’t buy originality. You have to create it.”

Indeed, New Era has a long history of supporting creativity and artistic expression. A couple years ago the brand launched a global initiative to give up-and-coming talent an

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“We’re always looking for new relationships that suit our brand. And, as such, we’re amping up our game in entertainment, with a special eye on music.”

–Chris Passarell, Director of Central Marketing opportunity to make their own statement using a blank New Era 59FIFTY cap as their canvas.

The participants were asked to transform the iconic cap into a distinctive work of art and to capture the creative process behind their design by detailing its birth, creation, experience and influences.

The project launched in the U.S., Canada, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with gallery exhibits in eight participating countries.

From the finished works of art, 100 in all, the artist that produced the most unique and creative design earned $10,000 to assist in the launch of their chosen artistic career.

That same year, the company donated a custom chopper to support a “Welcome Back Veterans” initiative. New Era partnered with Bourget’s Bike Works and Diamond Custom Cycles to build a one-of-a-kind Bourget Python Super Stretch dubbed “MLB Stars & Stripes.” The brands collaborated on the bike as part of the New Era “Stars & Stripes” campaign, a tribute to our armed forces.

“We've built our brand by focusing on customization and collaboration. We like to work on projects with fresh, creative minds,” Passarell states. To that end, he notes, “This year, we’re hosting a party at Coachella and participating in South by Southwest.”

The company produces more than 35 million caps per year, and is headquartered in Buffalo, NY with facilities in Canada, Europe, Brazil, Japan and Hong Kong. To check out their product lines, go to neweracap.com.

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January2015 2015 January

musicconnection.com 51 49 49 musicconnection.com

Butch Walker

7

Afraid of Ghosts

James McMurtry Complicated Game

8

Dangerbird Records Producer: Ryan Adams

Complicated Game Records Producers: CC Adcock & Mike Napolitano

Like an intimate therapy session, Afraid of Ghosts plumbs Walker’s most intense emotions on this exquisitely crafted confessional, exploring loss, acceptance and rosetinted nostalgia. Much like a pricey coffee table book, it is glossy, heavy and edging upon pretentious. Nevertheless, it is a superbly realized work of art you’ll deeply appreciate before anxiously moving on. Guests Johnny Depp and Bob Mould imbue a modicum of novelty, making this an intriguing collector’s item for the discriminating tune hound who values the bitter as much as the sweet. – Andy Kaufmann

It’s been six years since the revered Texan released his last album, but McMurtry’s followup was worth the wait. This is classic songwriting in the vein of Bob Dylan’s Highway 61 Revisited or Nashville Skyline, mixed with the fragility of Jeff Buckley and the honesty of Tom Waits. The wordsmith plumbs relationships and the human condition better than just about anyone, with “She Loves Me” and “These Things I’ve Come to Know” as prime examples. “Ain’t Got a Place” is a cool travelling song and “Cutter” may very well tug at your heartstrings a bit. – Eric A. Harabadian

Funeral for a Friend

Imagine Dragons

Chapter and Verse

4

Distiller Records Producer: Lewis Johns

Smoke + Mirrors

KIDinaKORNER/Interscope Records Producer: Alexander Grant

The seventh studio release for Funeral for a Friend finds the band at their rawest, with crashing metal guitars, heavy rock drums and gnashing, angry vocals to match.

While the political lyricism is commendable, the release slowly melts into a 34-minute marathon that all sounds the same. Current single, “1%,” is a breath of fresh air in an otherwise stale release. While diehard Funeral for a Friend fans may let this album grow on them, it’s hard to say if it will attract new fans, as it all becomes a bit cloying and a bit hard to get through by its end. – Victoria Patneaude

Kate Pierson

Guitars and Microphones Lazy Meadow Music/Kobalt Label Services Producer: Tim Anderson

7

Known for her soaring, powerfully fun vocals with the B-52s, Pierson has finally crafted a solo release featuring her familiar, shiny happiness. Although Strokes guitarist Nic Valensi appears on several tracks, the sound is much more Microphones than Guitars, with a sprinkling of piano and a lot of handclaps and beats. Highlights include the wistful “Bring Your Arms” and the gender-bender “Mr. Sister”; and the final track, “Pulls You Under,” indicates that Pierson’s next move could be as a convincing torch singer should she ever abandon the Love Shack. – Brett Bush

Jorma Kaukonen Ain’t In No Hurry

9

7

Smoke + Mirrors, the second studio release for alternative rock band Imagine Dragons, is a solid venture into a fusion of several rock subgenres. Spanning indie, southern and industrial rock, the Las Vegas-based band do what they do best: create big rock anthems perfect for radio play. However, some of the tracks are so demanding of attention that the songs that follow become overshadowed. Standouts “I’m So Sorry,” “I Bet My Life” and “Trouble” will certainly find themselves as favorites among both new and old fans, and hopefully be released as singles. – Victoria Patneaude

Anna Wilson Jazzbird/Songbird

8

Transfer Records Producer: Monty Powell & Anna Wilson A few years after her lively duets concept album Countrypolitan, jazz vocalist and renowned country/jazz songwriter Anna Wilson takes the graceful, intimate route on Jazzbird/Songbird, which takes a modern approach to old-school record making. With the listener’s passions clearly in mind, Wilson creates a true A side/B side journey, showcasing her talents as a jazz singer and troubadour. The singer mixes lush interpretations of the likes of Gershwin and Fleetwood Mac with sparkling and insightful jazz and pop originals that hold up well alongside the classics. – Jonathan Widran

Mark Ronson Uptown Special

9

Red House Records Producer: Larry Campbell

Columbia Records Producer: Ronson, Jeff Bhasker, Bruno Mars, others

Jorma delivers a relaxed, self-assured and entertaining sampler of the Americana roots that have nourished his musical odyssey over the past 50 (!) years. Prior to his time with the Airplane and Hot Tuna, the guitarist steeped himself in folk, blues and bluegrass, and has now come full circle. Standards are delivered with pedal steel, mandolin and fiddle by some of the scene’s best players.

Check out the acoustic reworking of the psychedelic Tuna epic “Barroom Crystal Ball” (with Casady and Mitterhoff), and the heartfelt “In My Dreams,” where he croons “We never seem to age in my dreams.” – David Arnson

Producer Ronson showcases ferocious juxtapositions, from the antiseptic Steely Dan vibe of “Summer Breaking,” through the nasty funk of “Feel Alright” featuring Mystikal, to the braggadocio of Bruno Mars on the hit single “Uptown Funk.” With lyrical contributions by novelist Michael Chabon, and guests such as Tame Impala’s vocalist Kevin Parker and Trombone Shorty, a producer-driven collection of songs, in lesser hands, might have seemed a mishmash of disparate outtakes. Given Ronson’s sheer genius, the result is a feisty tapestry of musical ideas—all equally brilliant. – Dan Kimpel

To be considered for review in the Album Reviews section, you must have a record deal with a major label or an independent label with an established distributor. If you do not, please see our New Music Critiques section.

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8 8 8 8

Production Lyrics Music Vocals Musicianship

Production Lyrics Music Vocals Musicianship

8 7 8 8 8

7 7 8 9 8

Of Clocks and Clouds

Contact: screwloose916@yahoo.com Web: screwloose1.com Seeking: Booking, Radio, Film/TV, Distr.

Style: Rock/Alternative, Punk/Metal

Contact: ofclocksandclouds@gmail.com Web: ofclocksandclouds.bandcamp.com Seeking: Promotion, Distribution Style: Electronic Rock

NorCal band ScrewLoose has influences that any modern rock alt-metal fan will recognize––Staind, Tool, Incubus, mainly. So while the band is not reinventing the wheel, they spin it quite convincingly. Singer Patrick Lucas’ slurry, angst-ridden tonality is the perfect signature for a song such as “Don’t Mess Around,” whose pounding drums and stabbing riffs eventually allow the song’s hook/chorus to break through.

On the urgent, emotive, cymbal-heavy “Rooted Down,” Lucas opts for a Brandon Flowers-style phrasing amid a call-and-response vocal setup that’s effective. Though derivative at this point, the band could draw film/TV enquiries based upon adept soundalike qualities.

A consistent cinematic quality is generated by this NY-based duo, especially their languid “What You Need.” With its cool intelligence and spare, uncluttered arrangement (including a great fuzztone guitar interlude) it is one of those indie-rock songs that gels deftly. The song is a winner and would grace any film or TV sequence. The band shows versatility with the bold and bassy “Your Love Will Be My End,” whose pounding drums and retro vocal-shouts are effective. “Carry” is uber-atmospheric, and may remind some of Interpol with its introspective melancholy. We love the track’s distant, keening guitar line and the unexpected coda that ends the song. Film/ TV folks should take a listen.

Production Lyrics Music Vocals Musicianship

8 8 8 8 8

Xander & the Keys

Dina Regine

Contact: MBMMANAGEMENT@gmail.com Web: xandkeys.com Seeking: Booking (U.S.), Distribution Style: Indie/Rock/Alternative

Contact: dinareginemusic@aol.com Web: dinaregine.com Seeking: Licensing, Film/TV Style: Rock/Soul

The high-energy “People That I Know” started our listening session with a shot of adrenaline, and we appreciate the ample space that the mix provides these Brits, especially front-bloke Xander Allen. The Kinks-ish riff wrap-up at the end is a nice touch, as well. Solid, but a bit less effective, are “Different Lies” and “Shoebox Alleyway.” Allen just doesn’t bring it with confidence on the former (perhaps some doubling would help to goose the electricity?) and on the latter the band’s tendency to sound tight and mechanical undermines the song’s punk-ish essence. But make no mistake, this is a talented group who are primed for a savvy, hit-minded producer to take them under his wing.

We’re impressed by how this artist draws upon classic, rocking soul elements (including a searing B3 organ and gospel-ish singers) to fashion a sound that will appeal to contemporary ears. In fact, there is an Adele quality to Regine’s material that could lead to some interesting possibilities for her. As a frontwoman, however, her vocals, while solid, are not all they need be. Instead of commanding her skilled band, she seems content to blend in. Our favorite is “My Number,” a tune with an insistent beat and horns that cleverly duet with the lead vocal. Very nice. These recordings are certainly quality enough for licensing, but we urge Regine to work with a vocal producer who can inject a dose of “diva” into her.

LAILA MIROKU

8

DAVID FREEMAN

Production Lyrics Music Vocals Musicianship

ScrewLoose

Production Lyrics Music Vocals Musicianship

8 8 8 7 8

Ghost Tiger

Sky City

Contact: ghosttigermusic@gmail.com Web: soundcloud.com/ghosttigermusic Seeking: Label, Film/TV, Booking Style: Indie Rock

Contact: skycitysound@gmail.com Web: skycitysound.com Seeking: Label, Booking Style: Cosmic Americana

There’s something intriguing here, primarily the voice of Alixandra Macmillan-Fiedel which imbues each of the band’s songs with a raspy sensuality. “Science Camp” grabs attention with its throbbing beat, and crisp handclaps. We only wish the vocals were more up front in the mix, which has a prominent low end. “Whiskey Winter” conjures an epic, alluring mist of synths but the song does not ratchet up the drama. Macmillan-Fiedel and band do connect, however, on “More Than Enough,” a dynamic arrangement that kicks into an inviting gallop. There’s an original––and catchy––quality lurking within all of these tracks, a commercial potential that could certainly be nurtured and developed.

Nathan Crouch and Grant Camp form the nucleus of this outfit, whose recordings are crisp and uncluttered, perfectly capturing the amiable warmth and sly humor of a song like “Nudie Suit,” wherein the narrator blows his bank account on an eye-popping suit by Nudie the Tailor. We go from the whimsical to the wistful on “Where Do I Go From Here,” which muses on a life’s losses and bad breaks with the fairer sex. Nice guitar solo too. Our favorite is the happygo-lucky “Leave It All Behind,” which could be well-suited to the opening credits of a rom-com movie. These guys aren’t trying to dazzle, but they’re such relaxed performers that every moment oozes with an ultimately winning, off-hand confidence.

Production Lyrics Music Vocals Musicianship

8 7 7 7 8

Music Connection’s executive committee rates recorded music on a scale of 1 to 10. Number 1 represents the lowest possible score, 10 represents the highest possible score.

A final score of 6 denotes a solid, competent artist. For more information, see Submission Guidelines on next the page.

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Production Lyrics Music Vocals Musicianship

7 7 8 8 7

7 6 7 9 7

6 7 7 7 7

Bamm Bamm

Contact: goteambarsheem@gmail.com Web: barsheemsounds.com Seeking: Label, Booking, Publishing, Film/ TV, Distribution Style: Soul/Pop/R&B

Contact: snkmanagement@gmail.com Web: soundcloud.com/bammbamm4am Seeking: Label, Film/TV, Booking Style: Hip-Hop

Artist Barsheem’s heroes couldn’t be more prominent––mainly Michael Jackson, as on the well-produced tune “A Love All Mine.”

The phrasings are unmistakable. But on the energetic “Find Happy,” Barsheem manages to add a fairly modern edge to the MJ tip, not unlike Bruno Mars. We only wish the track were more richly orchestrated to add a dazzle factor. Barsheem’s social consciousness is sincerely proclaimed on “White World Black World,” though unlike Marvin Gaye’s classic “What’s Goin’ On,” its lyrics are overbearingly preachy. This artist has plenty of room to grow, and he might want to exploit the MJ/Bruno Mars soundalike quality of his recordings.

Production Lyrics Music Vocals Musicianship

7 7 8 7 8

Bamm Bamm has a consistently dark, melancholy mixtape vision, with lean, stark tracks that capture a desolate, 4am feeling.

This would describe “No Snoozin’,” his glimpse into the “no-rest-for-the-hustla” lifestyle. Set to bass drum beats, a mournful piano and punctuated by an ominously tolling bell tower, the recording unfortunately suffers from a muffled low end.

Bamm’s knack for eerie keyboard fx propels “RIP Bango,” but his flow is again buried in a muddy mix. Most successful is “I Luv My Momma.” The hooky tune’s languid groove and chorus rhymes yield a compelling listen. Ultimately, Bamm Bamm will need to upgrade his production quality to make these songs more industry ready.

Atlas and the Astronaut

Scooter Page

Contact: aatmusic@gmail.com Web: atlasandtheastronaut.com Seeking: Label, Booking, Track Sharing Style: Rock/Indie/Post-Punk/Prog

Contact: scooterpagebusiness@gmail.com Web: fb.com/scooterpagemusic Seeking: Booking, Label Style: Alternative

Led by strong lead singer Beau Rosser, these spirited Portland rockers have a concept album delineating the saga of “Pixl, girl beast-slayer.” We only wish these erratically mixed recordings had less mud on them as the persistent murkiness of the bass and drums all but overwhelms the rest of the band. “Enter the Sun Beast” has great energy and nice, shimmery guitar fx, but like “Kings With Pastic Masks,” it is sabotaged by the mix––or is it the recording? Punk energy drives “Tension & Release” as Rosser’s rangey, banshee vocals (a la Zack from Rage Against The Machine) generate excitement. All of which makes it seem like this could be a kick-ass live act.

Material, however, will need to improve.

Sometimes an artist wants to take what’s tried and true and add a twist that makes it all new. Results are usually more interesting than satisfying, and that is the case here. “I Miss Home (Not!),” for example, has a very familiar garage-rock guitar chord progression that’s dressed up with a slick/ smooth choir and a polished turbulence that overpowers him and climaxes in a manner that is strained and overblown.

“The Day” has excellent acoustic-guitar tone and good backup players. However, its sullen Metallica-meets-Soundgarden vibe escalates quickly and ultimately arrives at an ill-fitting spoken word/rap section. We admire Page’s daring to be different; we just wish his songs were more satisfying.

Production Lyrics Music Vocals Musicianship

7 7 7 7 8

Rozetta Marie

Seren Skies

Contact: rozettamarieent@yahoo.com Web: rozettamarie.net Seeking: Label, Film/TV, Booking Style: Pop/R&B

Contact: seren.skies@yahoo.com.au Web: serenskies.bandcamp.com Seeking: Booking, Label Style: Rock/Pop

A curvy diva in the making, Rozetta Marie has a ways to go to realize her vision, which is now all over the place. Specifically, on “Caged Animal” the chaotic track is cluttered with campy sound effects and other elements that are buried in a murky, amateurish mix. The song’s sexy message is overstated as Marie makes it clear (via tiger sound fx) that she is ready to tear you UP. However, a videoclip peek at her live performance of “No Introduction,” proves that this singer has ample amounts of something that too many frontperson’s lack––balls. She is a born performer. And if she can somehow simplify and focus her act, she might develop into something more than a wannaBeyonce’.

Very much a hobby project, with more passion than professionalism, these demos are the collaboration between a pair of Australians, singer/songwriter Seren Skies and producer/songwriter Damian Smith.

Unfortunately, working remotely over the Internet, the artists’ individual contributions fail to gel, resulting instead in sterile, stilted-sounding recordings that have too many shortcomings for us to delineate here. The rap-rocker “Through the Veil” is a complete misfire. Nevertheless, for an amateur project, tracks such as “Become A Display” (the duo’s best effort) are kind of fun in their own way, demonstrating an overall fan’s abiding passion for bouncy, upbeat, oldies/’80s pop-rock.

CHYRS ANDERSON

Production Lyrics Music Vocals Musicianship

Barsheem

Production Lyrics Music Vocals Musicianship

6 6 6 6 6

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: There is absolutely no charge for a New Music Critique. We critique recordings that have yet to connect with a label or distributor.

To be considered please go to musicconnection.com/get-reviewed. All submissions are randomly selected and reviewed by committee.

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The Prospector

Long Beach, CA

Contact: bearwulfmusic@gmail.com Web: facebook.com/bearwulfLBC The Players: Rob Graveley, vocals, bass; Danny Cadiz, lead guitar; Kevin Kablau, drums.

Musicianship: This rock trio exemplify quality musicianship throughout the show, despite some chaos at times. Graveley has one of those special voices that is able to growl and scream while being beautiful and precise at the same time. With the ability to change quickly from a growl to a falsetto, one can’t deny his attention to the craft. Graveley's bass playing should also be noted—as in many cases of a lead-singer/bass player, he plays the role of “lead bass” from time to time and often drives the whole band with the bass line.

Cadiz can shred on the guitar and doesn’t disappoint with his solo ability. However, for most of the set, the sound of his distortion and the general tone coming from the stage didn't match the rest of the band. A few songs in, the technical issues were worked out and the volume of Cadiz’s guitar stepped up, but one

Mid City Music Lounge

BEARWULF

got the feeling that the ability of the player was being held back by the tone coming from his amp. Kevin Kablau is adequate on the drums, and after the first couple tunes, the rhythm section truly locked in for a groovy time.

Performance: High octane, party-time energy was screaming out of Graveley from the moment he and the band took the stage.

The amped-up, fully-fueled and eager crowd at The Prospector was not disappointed by the efforts put forth on the little stage.

The feeling of the club was almost that of an underground house-party with everyone

TIM REID JR.

Material: Straight-up, good-feeling, high energy rock & roll is the best way to describe the music of Bearwulf. The rock trio sound is tricky, but can be done extremely well. With bass-driven grooves and solid guitar motifs, the music creates a danceable, groove-able environment.

At the end of the day, it’s rock & roll, and Rob Graveley’s voice makes that point, most often in a sort of scream/yell hybrid. In “The Hurt,” Bearwulf present a solid classic rock groove with distorted bass, and the star attraction is Graveley’s expressive voice.

rallied together. Drunken girls taking face dives into the front of the stage only helped maintain the party's energy. It took the first song for the performance to solidly lock in, but the band’s entertainment value was strong throughout and the crowd responded appropriately.

Summary: Bearwulf is fun. They are loud and seem to require a certain readiness to party from those who wish to journey with them, but in the end it’s all about fun. Rock & roll of this type generally is.

– Tim Reid, Jr.

Los Angeles, CA

Contact: mike@mikeromanagement.com Web: freddyandfrancine.com The Players: Bianca Caruso, vocals; Lee Ferris, guitar, vocals.

Musicianship: With harmonies that weave into a blend of sweet and soulful tones, Caruso and Ferris fit together like the last two pieces of a puzzle. The dynamics of their vocals, whether solo or in duet, are impeccably controlled and precise. They both sing with a strength that could project their voices without a microphone. Ferris’ guitar playing marries grace and strength, as pure emotion pours from the simple pluck or passionate strum of his strings. Overall, these two are very much in sync and have clearly taken the time to study and learn what the other has to offer.

Performance: The duo captivated the room with a simplistic setup of two microphones, a guitar and four stomping feet. The venue was fairly small, so it felt as if you were watching an impromptu performance in their living room.

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FREDDY & FRANCINE Caruso charmed her way through most of the evening with witty banter while Ferris went along for the ride. They tested some new material the two had never performed before, as well as playing a few of their crowd favorites. A friend joined them on stage to sing an unplugged version of “Oh Holy Night” that could bring tears to the Grinch's eyes. All that was missing was a fireplace and a cup of hot cocoa. The audience swooned one last time with “A Simple Thing,” which just like its title, is a simple, heart-warming love song.

ALLEGRA AZZOPARDI

Material: Freddy & Francine are a folk/pop duo with sincere, relatable lyrics driven home by the duo’s down-to-earth personalities. This act has a solid range of material that includes slow, heartfelt ballads, like “Mama,” and the upbeat, cleverly written “Brownstown Alley,” which has been featured on indie radio station KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic.

Summary: Freddy & Francine have a musical connection that radiates on stage and draws listeners in. After a four-year hiatus, they shouldn’t have to worry about reestablishing themselves on the scene.

With a loyal fan base and after a monthlong residency at Hollywood’s Hotel Café, they seem to be picking up where they left off. If anything, their absence only made the ears grow fonder.

–Allegra Azzopardi

Download at www.musicconnection.com/industry-contacts

October 2014 February 2015 December 2014

musicconnection.com 59 55 musicconnection.com 51 musicconnection.com

Arlene’s Grocery

New York, NY

Material: With the ease and portability of laptops, electronic music is playing a more central role on the live music scene. This genre of artists take their programmed tracks into an arena, which, in combination with live instruments, becomes part of the performance.

I Am Snow Angel (Julie Kathryn) was one of the featured acts in an exclusively electronic evening. She first appeared on the New York club scene as an Americana/acoustic performer and has combined her songwriting experience with a musically lyrical approach to parlay into an enticing electronic statement.

“Falling in Love,” performed with Brian Murray (Montgomery Streets), has elements of a classic love song, a relationship on the wane full of heartfelt sentiment and tenderness.

Though the production leans more toward the ethereal, there is an infectious, singable chorus. “Crocodile” is an edgier statement showcasing more vocal and string pads, with a memorable musical motif that runs throughout the song.

Her alto range is more full-voiced, becoming breathier on higher notes. Brian Murray’s vulnerable quality complements Snow Angel’s, which makes for a convincing performance.

Lex Sadler handles the launching of stemtracks with confidence and precision while also improvising some live synth bass lines.

Musicianship: I Am Snow Angel is a skilled pianist who is mostly self-taught on the electronic and programming end (right down to the lighting and vocal effects). Her voice is delicate, with a subdued angst, and it pairs well with the music to create an interesting juxtaposition of vocals against the tracks.

Performance: Along with a mélange of soundscapes and visual effects, there were numerous elements for the listener to engage in—enough to give the audience a good sample of the music without overwhelming them. Snow Angel has good onstage presence; a stylish beauty with a strong instinct on how to package

Saint Rocke

I AM SNOW ANGEL

MARK SHIWOLICH

Contact: heyiamsnowangel@gmail.com Web: iamsnowangel.com The Players: I Am Snow Angel, programming, keyboards, vocals; Lex Sadler, synth bass, programming; Brian Murray, guest vocalist.

herself, and though her reserved manner was appealing and effective there was still a desire to know more about her motivation perhaps in the form of a particular song’s back story.

Summary: One could say that I Am Snow Angel is an artist that has re-invented herself and, while true on one level, she is more importantly an artist who is exploring new terrain on the continuum of her artistic journey.

Striking a balance between a quiet reserve and too much transparency would be a welcome addition. Don’t miss her animated video “Grey White December.”

–Ellen Woloshin

Hermosa Beach, CA

Material: Badflower are a conventional rock band whose only frills are the occasional guitar noodle and step on the effects pedal. They are equally apt to nod to Soundgarden (“Wide Eyes”) as they are Thin Lizzy (“Walking on Fire”) and Black Sabbath (“Animal”). Their track “Heroin” landed the No. 1 spot on Los Angeles radio station KROQ-FM’s Locals Only playlist after its first week of release.

Musicianship: Anchored by Katz’s and Morrow’s adept axe work, Badflower play with the confidence of musicians well beyond their apparently young age. The band has a knack for making commercial rock sound fresh again; it can whip out a surprise guitar flourish at will, even if it doesn’t dabble in time changes or challenging song structures. Katz’s emotive singing perfectly suits the band’s crowd-pleasing style, although non-fans might find it only tolerable in small doses.

Performance: With an explosive and engaging set, Badflower proved they have already outgrown bars like Saint Rocke and are primed to play arenas. Among the 50 attendees was a slew of early converts who recited song lyrics and showered the band with generous 56 February 2015

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BADFLOWER applause. On multiple occasions, the admittedly hoarse-voiced Katz encouraged people to step closer, and they gladly acquiesced. He delivered between-song banter with ease, and also had the stage savvy to thank crowdgoers including fans, his parents and engineer Eddie Jackson. They also trotted out some new material that clearly wasn’t fully fleshed out.

Summary: Badflower write guitar hooks and succulent melodies with the strength of a band 10 times its age. And in an imageconscious town like Los Angeles, Badflower win points in the optics department thanks to

shaggy-haired, pogo-ing Morrow and Espiritu framing the stage. At least one song of theirs, “Spanish Fly,” is well-suited for a high-end car commercial. But with lyrics like “I’m your masochist, make me bleed” (“Animal”) and “I put a frame around you, made you mine” (“Save a Life”), the same can’t necessarily be said for Katz’s sometimes-lacking lyrics. While they are about as ready for mainstream-rock radio as a band can get, the tastemaker set should beware. Don’t expect the unfortunately named Badflower to dwindle for too long in the underground—for better or worse.

–Kurt Orzeck

KURT ORZECK

Contact: jesse.beer@hitsmagazine.com Web: badflowermusic.com The Players: Josh Katz, vocals, guitar; Joey Morrow, guitar; Alex Espiritu, bass; Anthony Sonetti, drums.

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Simon’s After Dark

Allen Park, MI

Material: The majority of the tunes performed

by Chris “Volcano” Fortson and crew are originals taken from the group’s albums Graffiti Symphony and 90 Days. It’s a powerful and mighty blend of rock and hip-hop, with a heavy dose of funk and R&B. This is music that is lyrically vivid and strong; able to engage an audience on a journey through a vast range of emotions. And that diverse path spans the gamut from the smooth and jazzy cautionary tale “Slippin’” to the playful hip-hop party anthem “I Need a Freak.”

Musicianship: There is an endearing and noticeable sense of community that is present between members of the band. And there is always something exciting about the fusion of different kinds of players and sounds coming together.

Each member rises to the occasion and creates a sonic melting pot that illuminates the whole. In particular, Fortson lives up to his moniker. He not only has an imposing physical presence, but erupts with a vocal style that is equally impressive. Hype man Polk is a fitting counterpart and adds his own commentary to the mix as well as offering subtle harmonies where appropriate. The rest of the group craft a vibe that is structured around traditional chord

The Whisky a Go Go

VOLCANO AND THE NEW RADIO STANDARD changes and breaks, but leave a large margin for improvisation and going with the flow.

Performance: From the moment they hit the stage you immediately sensed an authority they brought to the show. And there was no denying that all eyes were on Fortson. He certainly took command of the stage; whether it was spitting rapid-fire poetic barbs or waxing soulful a la Bobby Womack. On many of the tunes he and vocal partner Polk took the time to interact with the audience and gave various songs their proper set-up. Early in their set they experienced some audio glitches, which interrupted things for a moment but they moved

ERIC HARABADIAN

Contact: volcano@therealvolcano.com Web: therealvolcano.com The Players: Chris “Volcano” Fortson, lead vocals; Quentin “T.D.G.” Polk, vocals, hype man; Ramondo “Mr. No” Yancy, DJ; Ray “Dr. Ray” McCalpin, bass; Raphael “ Ray 7” Merriweather, drums; Jason Karman, guitars.

on undaunted. Also, DJ Yancy seemed to be creating an interesting audio wall behind what they were doing but his mix could have been more prominent.

Summary: Chris “Volcano” Fortson and the New Radio Standard are a force to be reckoned with. The rock/rap hybrid is something that has been going on for some time now. But sometimes that blend of cultures or styles can seem disparate or mechanical. This group makes it all work, with finesse, vision, hip grooves and strong marketable content.

– Eric A. Harabadian

Los Angeles, CA

Material: This is some high-energy rock music in the spirit of Paramore, and lead singer Brie Marie even sports a hunter orange hair color like Hayley Williams, although she is typically known for her banana candy yellow hair. You might be inclined to assume the band is style over substance, but that is quickly squelched by “Mimes” with its poppunk intro. “Granted” is a moodier selection that exemplifies clever songwriting; integrating the title as both adverb (“Granted, things weren't always perfect. I swear I would've made it worth it”) and idiom (“Take me for granted/Over and over again”).

Musicianship: The band is strong on its transitions and finales, most especially on “Mimes.” Bonanno stole the show with his double timed finale on “Hoopla” and perfect amount of ride cymbal sizzle on “Granted” where Sutton showcases major talent for double picking. Filling in on bass, Van Bindsbergen had good fingerstyle technique and saved the day for the band’s admittedly last minute decision to cover Blondie’s “Call Me.” Although the group started the song a bit out of sync, Van Bindsbergen successfully pulled the group back together, allowing space 58 February 2015

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GRANT MY WISHES for Sutton to contribute a rad original solo that made the cover uniquely his own.

Performance: Being that the group has performed over 12 times for this venue, they are seasoned veterans. Something, however, was amiss at this show. Marie was recovering from a bout of bronchitis and understandably seemed to be holding back on stretching her vocals too hard. Low levels in the monitors didn’t help the situation.

Despite this, Sutton and Marie worked the stage well. Although Marie seemed to lose a bit of steam, she remembered to thank her audience and plugged the band.

Summary: A few things would have brought this performance to a more professional level.

It appeared that the band didn’t have a proper sound check, which would have eliminated the monitor and mix issues. The band could also work on refining their overall dynamics as an alternative solution. Although the Blondie cover was a fun risk, more rehearsal time or another song selection would have made for a more polished set. Overall this group exhibits great dedication, trekking all the way down from Bakersfield, CA, for this short half-hour set.

With an average age of 17 years old, these players have a lot of potential for growth.

–Brooke Trout

SADIE FEDERSPIEL

Contact: joddith@aol.com Web: grantmywishesmusic.com The Players: Brie Marie, vocals; Jordan Sutton, guitar; Andrew Van Bindsbergen, bass; Michael Bonanno, drums.

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Annual Directory of

Producers and Engineers Looking for the right producer or engineer? Here is Music Connection’s 2015 exclusive, national list of professionals to help connect you to record producers, sound engineers, mixers and vocal production specialists.

AGENCIES AAM Advanced Alternative Media 7 W. 22nd St., 4th Fl. New York, NY 10010 212-924-2929 E-mail: info@aaminc.com Web: www.aaminc.com Additional locations: 5979 W. 3rd St., Ste. 204 Los Angeles, CA 90036 310-271-9350 ALL STAR MUSIC GROUP/ GRAND SLAM ENT. 4919 Murietta Ave. Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 818-789-5964 E-mail: allstarmusicla@gmail.com Contact: Jeff Gordon Styles: all Notable Projects: Mandy Rain, Isaac Hasson (Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez,) Abram Dean (Warner/Chappell) Lauren Mayhew, Madonna, Mary J. Blige, TLC, Toni Braxton, Coolio, Nappy Roots, Stefy Rae (Columbia Records), Candice Accola (WB/ Maverick Records/Vampire Diaries), Tay Barton, (Disney’s 2011 “Next Big Thing”) Kenton Duty (Shake It Up) Honor Society, Eminem, 50 Cent, Game, Usher, G-Unit, Pussycat Dolls, Ashley Tisdale, Miley Cyrus, Jordin Sparks, Lemonade Mouth, Adam Hicks, Mitchel Musso, Cee Lo Green, Slam Girls, Ron Artest, Diamond Artest, Kahlil Bell, Ashley Rodriguez (American Idol), Lloyd Banks, Diddy’s Day 26, Natalie Aguero (School Gyrls), P.J. Bianco (Jonas Bros., Demi Lovato, Metro Station, Mya, L.P., Sophia Black, Bonnie McKee, Haley Reinhart) & Alex Cantrall (Jojo, Dru Hill, Sisqo, Mya, Vanessa Hudgens, Zendaya, & Bella Thorne), Hot Chelle Rae, Fifth Harmony, LP *Call or email for latest updates.

ARDENT STUDIOS 2000 Madison Ave. Memphis, TN 38104-2794 901-725-0855 Fax 901-725-7011 E-mail: drusso@ardentstudios.com Web: www.ardentstudios.com Contact: Dan Russo Pete Matthews Notable Projects: North Mississippi Allstars, Against Me, Dust for Life, B-52’s, Alex Chilton, Skillet, George Thorogood Adam Hill Notable Projects: the White Stripes, Big Star, the Raconteurs, the Scruffs, George Thorogood Jeff Powell Notable Projects: Afghan Whigs, CentroMatic, Sixteen Horsepower, Big Star, Susan Marshall Mike Wilson Notable Projects: Lucero Jim Gaines Notable Project: Huey Lewis, Albert Cummings, Coco Montoya, Devon Allman, Pat Liston BOARDWALK ENTERTAINMENT GROUP 9350 Civic Center, Ste. 100 Beverly Hills, CA 310-305-6198 E-mail: info@boardwalkeg.com Web: www.facebook.com/boardwalkeg Contact: Gary A. Randall, Tim Bogart Evan “Kidd” Bogart Notable Projects: Wallpaper, Rihanna, MKTO, Nova Rockafeller

CANADIAN RECORDING SERVICES 1867 Draycott Rd. North Vancouver, BC V7J 1W5, Canada 604-985-0679, Cell: 604-803-7400, 866888-6464 E-mail: mimi@canadianrecordingservices. com Web: www.canadianrecordingservices.com Contact: Mimi Northcott

Notable Projects: Sting, George Michael, Boyz II Men, Cece Peniston, Marc Antoine, Ottmar Liebert, Poncho Sanchez, Aretha Franklin, Andraé Crouch, Michael Downey, D’London, Larissa Lam, Lakotah, Marc Antonelli, Buddy Rich, Dizzy Gillespie, Oscar Peterson, Foreigner, April Diamond, the Coasters, Tata Vega, Juliet B. Rock, Michelle Jubilee Gonzalez, Zoon Baloomba, PBS Specials

C MANAGEMENT Studioexpresso c/o Rogers & Roland Instruments, LA 2295 E. Foothill Blvd Pasadena, CA 91107 818-990-3031 E-mail: info@studioexpresso.com Web: www.studioexpresso.com/chome.htm

GENUINE REPRESENTATION 11271 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 225 Studio City, CA 91604 E-mail: mav@genuinemusicgroup.com Web: www.genuinemusicgroup.com Styles: R&B, hip-hop, pop, pop rock *Unsolicited material accepted *No phone calls please

Ken Allardyce (engineer, mixer, producer) 818-427-1675 E-mail: claris@studioexpresso.com Web: www.studioexpresso.com/profiles/ KenAllardyce.htm Notable Projects: Green Day, Avril Lavigne, Goo Goo Dolls

Pro-Jay Notable Projects: Robin Thicke, Jennifer Hudson, Usher, Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Wayne, Mya, BB Mak, Jordan Knight, Usher, Marc Anthony, Will Young

Rafa Sardina (engineer, mixer, producer, musician, 10-time Grammy winner) E-mail: info@rafasardina.com Web: www.RafaSardina.com Notable Projects: Stevie Wonder, Elvis Costell & the Roots, Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Placido Domingo Chaz Jankel (songwriter, arranger, musician, producer) E-mail: claris@studioexpresso.com Web: www.chazjankel.com Notable Projects: Quincy Jones, Ian Dury & the Blockheads Lulo Perez (producer, songwriter, arranger, musician) Notable Projects: Alejandro Sanz, Amaury Guitierrez

JOE D’AMBROSIO MANAGEMENT, INC. 875 Mamaroneck Ave., Ste. 403 Mamaroneck, NY 10543 914-777-7677 E-mail: info@jdmanagement.com Web: www.jdmanagement.com Matty Amendola Adam Dorn Dave Eggar Frank Filipetti Justin Glasco Larry Gold Nic Hard Nathaniel Hare Kevin Killen Lawrence Manchester Mario J. McNulty Brian Moncarz Jason Moss Rob Mounsey Jay Newland Hugh Padgham Eric Robinson Elliot Scheiner Tony Visconti Joe Zook

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Dj Khalil Notable Projects: Jay Z, Eminem, Drake, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, Jim Jones, the Game, G-Unit, Raekwon, Xzibit, Cypress Hill, Tony Yayo Brion James/Naked Soul Productions Notable Projects: Justin Timberlake, Nelly, Babyface, Total, Brian McKnight, Immature Big City Notable Projects: Stella Mwangi, Charlie Wilson, Jessie Chiang, Karpe Diem Organized Noize Productions Notable Projects: Outkast, Ludacris, TLC, Cee Lo Green, Trey Songz, Raphael Saadiq, Brandy Mike K Notable Projects: David Archuleta, Jordan Cahill, Cartel, American Bang Chin Notable Projects: Eminem, Drake, 50 Cent, Young Artists for Haiti Kookie Notable Projects: Trey Songz, Baby Bash, The 411, Ak’sent, Lemar Ezi Cut Notable Projects: Stella Mwangi Gregg Pagani Notable Projects: Charlie Wilson, Will Smith, Babyface, Leanna Rimes Jon Ingoldsby aka Anonymous Notable Projects: Kesha, Holly Brook, Madona, RBD, Tiesto Trackbastardz Notable Projects: Rohff, Keny Arkana, Le Remede, Tsutone, Rap Life Soundtrack

DEL ORO MUSIC 10700 Ventura Blvd., Ste. H Studio City, CA 91604 818-308-6839 E-mail: bud@deloromusic.com Web: www.deloromusic.com Robert Eibach (rock, pop, indie, folk, R&B) Notable Projects: Truth & The Lies, Lakotah, the Simple, Every Reason, Juliet B. Rock, David Longoria, Michael Downey, Slackjaw Jezabel, Claire David Longoria (pop, jazz, dance, rock, R&B)

C O M P I L E D

Damon Sharpe Notable Projects: Ginuwine, Kylie Minogue, Big Time Rush, New Boyz, Chicago, Monica, Kelly Rowland, Corbin Bleu, Nelly

B Y

GLOBAL CREATIVE GROUP, INC. 4757 E Greenway Rd., Ste. 107B-PMB180 Phoenix, AZ 85032 800-884-4553, 310-386-7327 E-mail: info@gcgmusic.com Web: www.globalcreativegroup.com Contact: Ian Faith GPS/GLOBAL POSITIONING SERVICES 3435 Ocean Park Blvd., Ste. 107-191 Santa Monica, CA 90405 310-656-1350 E-mail: info@globalpositioningservices.net

D E N I S E

C O S O

Web: www.globalpositioningservices.net Contact: Jim Phelan, Jerimaya Grabher, Andrew DiDio or JW Johnson Mikal Blue (producer, mixer, songwriter) Notable Projects: Colbie Caillat, Eamon, Smokey, Jason Reeves, Joe Brooks Billy Bush (producer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: Fink, the Naked & Famous, Garbage, Foster the People, Jake Bugg, Against Mel, NO, Boxer Rebellion Andrew Dawson (producer, engineer, mixer, songwriter) Notable Projects: Kanye West, Common, Lil Wayne, Jay Z, P.O.S., Night Terrors of 1927, K.Flay, the Rolling Stones, the Summer Set Noah Georgeson (composer, producer, mixer) Notable Projects: the Strokes, the Dead Trees, Devendra Banhart, Mason Jennings, Joanna Newsom, Bert Jansch, Noah Georgeson, Little Joy The Helio Sequence (producers, artist, remixer) Notable Projects: the Hello Sequence, Quarto Negro Ethan Johns (producer, mixer, songwriter) Notable Projects: Whip Poor Wil, the Boxer Rebellion, the Vaccines, Kaiser Chiefs, Tom Jones, Laura Marling, Paolo Nutini, Crowded House, Turin Brakes, Joe Cocker, Ray LaMontagne Rob Kinelsk (producer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: Justin Bieber, Nas, Rihanna, Ariana Grande, Big Sean Jacquire King (producer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: Kings of Leon, Norah Jones, Of Monsters and Men, Josh Ritter, No Doubt, Tom Waits, Buddy Guy, Cold War Kids Adam Lasus (producer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: the Orbans, Army Navy, Oliver Future, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Settle, Marching Band James Maddock (producer, artist, songwriter) Notable Projects: James Maddock, Wood Thom Monahan (producer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: Vetiver, Devendra Banhart, Mary Epworth, EDJ Dana Nielson Notable Projects: Damien Rice, Jake Bugg, Kanye West, Bob Dylan, Adele, Anchorman 2, Black Sabbath, Neil Diamond, Linkin Park Matt Pierson (producer) Notable Projects: Monika Borzym (Girl Talk), Mark Turner (Ballad Sessions), Fourplay (Snowbound), Benny Green (Lineage)

Iestyn Polson (producer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: Chris Velan, David Gray, Simple Kid, Paul Hartnoll Vance Powell (producer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: the Whigs, Secret Machines, Tinariwen, Seasick Steve, Jack White, David Arnold, Bobby Bare, Jr. Bill Reynolds (producer, mixer, songwriter) Notable Projects: Band of Horses, Lissie, The Avett Brothers Carmen Rizzo (producer, mixer, DJ, Remixer) Notable Projects: Seal, Coldplay, Niyas, Alanis Morrissette

Download at musicconnection.com/industry-contacts Thom Russo (producer, mixer, songwriter) Notable Projects: Juanes, Jay-Z, Michael Jackson, Macy Gray Jason Schweitzer (engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: Mayer Hawthorne, Pussycat Dolls, Eminem, Nelly & Fergie Charlie Sexton (producer, mixer, songwriter) Notable Projects: Charlie Sexton, Poul Krebs, Edie Brickell, Marc Cohn, Los Super Seven, Shannon McNally, Matt Morris, Lucinda Williams Duncan Sheik (composer, producer, songwriter) Notable Projects: Spring Awakening Original Cast, What a Girl Wants, Duncan Sheik

Layla Hathaway, Hung, Twentieth Century Fox Films, HBO Film/TV, The Day the Earth Stood Still, X-Men, Obama Documentary, Mumtaz Morris, Phoebe Snow, Gospel Artist Karima Kibble, The Reddings, Gary Taylor, Vesta Williams, Linda Clifford, Con Funk Shun, Damion Hall, Whispers and many more Ian Blanch Notable Projects: Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliot, Nappy Roots, KRS-One and many more Keston Wright Notable Projects: Snoop Dogg, Tupac, Westside Connection Lance Pierre Notable Projects: Xzibit, Tupac, Eminem

HITMIXERS MANAGEMENT P.O. Box 280010 Northridge, CA 91328 818-300-0400 E-mail: skipsaylor@gmail.com Web: www.skipsaylor.com *Call for more information

Tommy D Notable Projects: Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, Madonna, Korn, Snoop

Skip Saylor Notable Projects: Production - Bootstraps (Amazon Top Pick of 2013), Ronnie Hudson w/ Snoop, Too Short and E40, Candyman 187 w/ Snoop Dogg, Sardar, Ceasefire, California Dreamers, End of Ever, the Ex-Hang-Ups, TJ Gibson, Oh My Stars, Spacifix, Brandon James, Riley Bray, Lynn Carey Saylor w/ Brian May

Enrico De Paoli Notable Projects: Ray Charles, Elton John, Marcus Miller

Mixing/Engineering - Jonathan Butler (No. 1 Contemporary Jazz Album, No. 9 Gospel on Billboard), Booker T. Jones, Vintage Trouble, Bobby Brown, Distortion Music, Brainpower featuring W.C. Ralph Tresvant, Jonathan Lashever, Mohammad Molaei, the Lost Boys, Dominique & Darius, Will Smith, Notorious, Iron Man 2, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Nashville Film Festival AwardTop Music, Parenthood, Cherie Currie,

Danny Romero Notable Projects: Raphael Saadiq, Whitney Houston, Ginuwine

Jon Gass Notable Projects: RuPaul’s Drag U, Gary Glitter, The Backstabbers, Boy George, Nothing Forever Keith Cohen Notable Projects: Michael Jackson, Prince, Paula Abdul ADAM KATZ Next Wave Management 3191 Casitas Ste. 145C Los Angeles, CA, 90039 323-522-4567 Web: www.nextwavemanagement.com Robert Carranza (producer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: Jack Johnson, Los

Lobos, Eels, Beck, Ozomatli, Molotov, Supergrass Joe Chiccarelli (producer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: Shins, White Stripes, My Morning Jacket, The Strokes, Christina Perri John Congleton (producer, writer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: St. Vincent, Explosions in the Sky, Polyphonic Spree, Black Mountain Brian Deck (producer, writer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: Loftus, Cash Money, Fondly, Orso, Kid Million Gareth Jones (producer, writer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: Depeche Mode, Erasure, Interpol, Clinic, Liars, Mogwai, Grizzly Bear, Merchandise Danny Kalb (producer, writer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: Ben Harper, Beck, A Fine Frenzy, Neon Neon, They Might Be Giants Stephen McDonald (producer, writer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: OFF!, Redd Kross, fun!

Marcus Paquin (producer, writer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: National, Local Natives, Little Scream

John Vanderslice (producer, writer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: Mountain Goats, Spoon Chris Vrenna (producer, writer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: Marilyn Manson, Nine Inch Nails, Trent Rezor Chris Walla (producer, writer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: Teenage Fanclub, Ben Gibbard, Death Cab for Cutie, the Postal Service, Tegan and Sara, the Decemberists Joey Waronker (producer, writer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: Atoms for Peach, Beck, Other Lives Brian West (Track&Field) (producer, writer, mixer) Notable Projects: Maroon 5, Nelly Furtado, K’Naan, Darren Hayes, Awolnation LAFFITE MANAGEMENT GROUP 15300 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 203 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 818-728-8200, 310-209-6466 E-mail: reception@bkentertainmentgroup. com Web: www.bkentertainmentgroup.com Notable Projects: Sara Bareilles, Linkin Park, Fitz & the Tantrums, HAIM, Shinedown, 3 Days Grace, Switchfoot, KORN, Gary Clark Jr.

Howard Redekopp (producer, writer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: Tegan and Sara, the New Pornographers, An Horse

LIPPMAN ENTERTAINMENT 23586 Calabasas Rd., Ste. 208 Calabasas, CA 91302 818-225-7480 Fax 818-225-7483 E-mail: music@lippmanent.com Web: lippmanent.com Contact: Michael Lippman, Nick Lippman

Gus Seyffert (producer, writer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: Michael Kiwanuka, Beck

Tone Def Notable Projects: will.i.am, Green Day, Outkast, Chris Isaak, Santana, Third Eye

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Annual Directory of Producers and Engineers Blind, Michelle Branch, Buddy Guy, Los Lonely Boys, Fingertight, Monte Negro James “Jimbo” Barton Notable Projects: Rob Thomas, Linkin Park, Stone Sour, Marilyn Manson, Metallica, Buck Cherry, Jude, Eric Clapton Nellee Hooper Notable Projects: U2, No Doubt, Gwen Stefani, Smashing Pumpkins, Madonna Ron Nevison Notable Projects: Led Zeppelin, Heart, Meatloaf, UFO, Ozzy Osbourne, Bad Company Steve Rinkoff Notable Projects: Meatloaf, Celine Dion, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, the Bangles James Stroud Notable Projects: Toby Keith, Clint Black, Clay Walker, Randy Travis, Tim McGraw MARIE MUSIC GROUP, LLC 5199 Lakeview Canyon Rd. Westlake Village, CA 91362 805-777-7260 E-mail: lisa@mariemusicgroup.com Web: www.mariemusicgroup.com Contact: Lisa Marie *No unsolicited material **Please call for complete roster & credits McDANIEL ENTERTAINMENT 1311 Broadway Santa Monica, CA 90404 424-238-5711 E-mail: staff@mcdanielentertainment.com Web: www.mcdanielentertainment.com Contact: Anne Zogby Gregg Alexander (artist, writer, producer) Grammy Winner Notable Projects: New Radicals, Santana, Various Artists, Boyzone, Sophia Ells Bextor, Ronan Keating, New Radicals, Rod Stewart, Texas Chris Braide (writer, producer) Ivor Novello Winner Notable Projects: Britney Spears, Sia, Christina Aguilera, Lana Del Rey, Yuna, Paloma Faith, Stooshe, JLS Paul Buckmaster (composer, arranger) Grammy Winner Notable Projects: Taylor Swift, Train, Goo Goo Dolls, David Bowie, Miles Davis, the Rolling Stones, Carly Simon, Lloyd Cole Dan Heath (songwriter, producer, film composer) Notable Projects: Lana Del Rey, Troye, Sivan, Matt Nathanson Rick Nowels (writer, producer) Grammy Winner Notable Projects: Lana Del Rey, Lykke Li, Cee Lo, John Legend, Belinda Carlisle, Colbie Caillat, Madonna, Keith Urban, Jason Mraz, Sla, Jewel Thom Panunzio (producer, engineer, mixer) Geffen Records Executive Notable Projects: Bob Dylan, U2, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Black Sabbath, Patti Smith John Shanks (writer, producer) Grammy Winner, Producer of the Year Notable Projects: Van Halen, Bon Jovi, Keith Urban, Take That, Sheryl Crow, Natasha Bedingfield, Goo Goo Dolls, Lawson, Miley Cyrus, Ashlee Simpson, Fleetwood Mac, Kelly Clarkson, Michelle Branch Billy Steinberg & Josh Alexander (writers, producers) Notable Projects: “I’ll Stand By You,” “Night In My Veins” the Pretenders, “So Emotional” Whitney Houston, “Like A Virgin” Madonna, “Eternal Flame” Bangles, “True Colors” Cyndi Lauper, “I Drove All Night” Roy Orbison, “I Touch Myself” Divinyls, “When It All Falls Apart” the Veronicas, “Too Little Too Late” JoJo, “Over It” Katharine McPhee, “Give Your Heart A Break” Demi Lovato

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Steve Sulikowski aka 16 Frames (artist, songwriter, producer) Notable Projects: 16 Frames, Selena Gomez, Keith Harkin, Brendan James McDONOUGH MANAGEMENT LLC 468 Pennsfield Place, Ste. 202 Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 805-446-3370 Fax 805-446-3371 E-mail: frank@mcdman.com Web: www.mcdman.com Contact: Frank McDonough Joe Barresi (producer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: Tool, Queens of the Stone Age, Bad Religion, Chevelle, Parkway Drive, ETID David Bianco (producer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: Bob Dylan, Del Amitri, Tom Petty, Frank Black, Ozzy Osbourne, TSOL, Blues Traveler Mike Clink (producer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: Guns N’ Roses, Pure Rubbish, I Mother Earth, Megadeth, the Glitterati Nick Didia (producer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: Powderfinger, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, Rage Against the Machine, Bruce Springsteen John Fields (writer, producer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: Jonas Brothers, Switchfoot, Andrew W.K., Bleu, Pink, Mandy Moore, Delta Goodrem, Backstreet Boys Paul David Hager (producer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: Goo Goo Dolls, Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, American Hi-Fi, Selena Gomez, Devo Matt Hyde (producer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: Slayer, Monster Magnet, Hatebreed, Porno for Pyros, Pride Tiger, Fu Manchu, Hotwire, Sum 41 Alain Johannes (writer, producer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: Chris Cornell, Queens of the Stone Age, Eleven, Live, No Doubt, Eagles of Death Metal Pierre Marchand (writer, producer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: Sarah McLachlan, Rufus Wainwright, Stevie Nicks, the Devlins, Blue Rodeo Roger Moutenot (producer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: Guster, Paula Cole, Yo La Tengo, Sleater Kinney, Jill Sobule, Lou Reed, Elvis Costello, Jessie Baylin Nick Raskulinecz (producer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: Rush, Foo Fighters, Alice in Chains, Stone Sour, Ash, Velvet Revolver, Superdrag Andrew Scheps (producer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Johnny Cash, Jay Z, Metallica, the Duke Spirit, Adele Philip Steir (producer, remixer) Notable Projects: Lillix, Athenaeum, Los Amigos Invisibles, Magnified, and remixes

by Korn, No Doubt, etc.

Matt Wallace (writer, producer, engineer, mixer) Notable Projects: Maroon 5, OAR, Ludo, Michael Franti/Spearhead, Sugarcult, Faith No More, the Replacements, Train MIKE’S ARTIST MANAGEMENT P.O. BOX 35880 Tucson, AZ 85740 520-628-8655 E-mail: Mike@mikesmanagement.com Web: www.mikesmanagement.com Contact: Mike Lembo MIMI NORTHCOTT Manager for Mixer Mike Fraser & Producer Jeff Dawson

604-985-0679, Cell: 604-803-7400 Vancouver, Canada E-mail: mimi@mikefrasermix.com Web: www.canadianrecordingservices. com/ Owner, Canadian Recording Services, Ltd., mimi@canadianrecording services.com PARAMOUNT / ENCORE / AMERAYCAN / TRACK RECORD STUDIOS (See also Ameraycan Recording, Encore Studios & Track Record Studios) Hollywood/Burbank/North Hollywood, CA 323-465-4000, 818-842-8300, 818-760-8733 E-mail: info@paramountrecording.com Web: www.paramountrecording.com Styles: all *No Unsolicited Material Matt Anthony (engineer) Notable Projects: Bizzy Bone, Busta Rhymes, DJ Mustard, Drumma Boi, Kid Ink, Kirk Franklin Josh Berg (engineer) Notable Projects: Dr. Dre, the Game, Bone Thugs N Harmony, Lil Wayne, Jessta James, Jeff Dunham Adam Catania (engineer) Notable Projects: B.oB., Kid Ink, DJ Mustard, Cee Lo, Dr. Dru Andrew Chavez (engineer) Notable Projects: Linda Perry, Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey, Gwen Stafani, Celine Dion, Alicia Keys, James Blunt, Adam Lambert Aaron Dahl (engineer) Notable Projects: Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, Quincy Jones, DJ Quik, Kurupt, Lil Wayne, the Game Steve Olmon (engineer) Notable Projects: Deftones, Motorhead, Metallica, Scarface, Busta Rhymes Matt Pakucko (engineer, producer, mixer, songwriter, and musician) Notable Projects: Paula Abdul, Goo Goo Dolls, Def Leppard, Ed Cherney, Irv Gotti Sean Phelan (engineer) Notable Projects: Nicki Minaj, Drake, JoJo, Jay Sean, Nikki and Rich, Alex Da Kidd, Rick Ross Julian Prindle (engineer) Notable Projects: A$AP Rocky and Swizz Beats, DJ Afrojack, Earl Sweatshirt, RZA, Nichole Scherziner, Big Sean Randy Urbanski (engineer) Notable Projects: Tricky Stewart, Swizz Beatz, Teddy Riley, Danja, Jus Blaze, Ammo, LOS da Mystro SELF TITLED MANAGEMENT Chicago, IL 813-468-1718 E-mail: johnny@selftitledmgmt.com Web: www.selftitledmgmt.com Contact: Johnny Minardi Producers: Marc McClusky (NYC), Sean OKeefe (Chicago, IL), Casey Bates (Seattle, WA), Ace Enders (NJ/NYC), Rob Freeman (NJ/NYC), Seth Henderson (Crown Point, IN), Nick Sampson (Detroit, MI), Brandon Paddock (LA), Adam “Nolly” Getgood (Bath, UK), Misha “Bulb” Mansoor (Washington DC), Taylor Larson (Washington DC), Chris Athens (Austin, TX).

Marc McClusky (producer, engineer, mixer, songwriter) Notable projects: Weezer, Ludo, Motion City Soundtrack, Bad Religion Sean OKeefe (producer, engineer, mixer) Notable projects: Fall Out Boy, Plain White T’s, Motion City Soundtrack, Hush Sound Casey Bates (producer, engineer, mixer) Notable projects: Portugal The Man, Chiodos, Pierce The Veil, Memphis May Fire

Ace Enders (producer, engineer, mixer, songwriter) Notable projects: the Early November, I Can Make A Mess, Aaron West & Roaring Twenties Rob Freeman (producer, engineer, mixer, songwriter) Notable projects: Gym Class Heroes, Hit The Lights, Cobra Starship, Hidden In Plain View Seth Henderson (producer, engineer, mixer, songwriter) Notable projects: Real Friends, Knuckle Puck, the Devil Wears Prada Nick Sampson (producer, engineer, mixer, songwriter) Notable projects: Asking Alexandria, Of Mice & Men, We Came As Romans, Born Of Osiris Brandon Paddock (producer, engineer, mixer, songwriter) Notable projects: Set It Off, Avril Lavigne, Gavin Degraw, Black Veil Brides, Timeflies Adam “Nolly” Getgood (producer, engineer, mixer, songwriter) Notable projects: Periphery, Animals As Leaders, Bleed From Within Misha “Bulb” Mansoor (producer, engineer, mixer, songwriter) Notable projects: Periphery, Animals As Leaders, Veil Of Maya, Stray From The Path Taylor Larson (producer, engineer, mixer, songwriter) Notable projects: Darkest Hour, Capture The Crown, Periphery, Life On Repeat Chris Athens (mastering engineer, mixer, sound designer) Notable projects: Rick Ross, Beastie Boys, Flo Rida, Wiz Khalifa, Pet Shop Boys SOS MANAGEMENT Address by request 928-308-8422 E-mail: sosmanagement@gmail.com Web: www.sosmanagement.com *No unsolicited material accepted Sean Beavan Notable Projects: Nine Inch Nails, No Doubt, Unwritten Law, Kill Hannah, Marilyn Manson, 8mm, System Of A Down, Slayer, Thrice, Guns N’ Roses John Fryer Notable Projects: Puscifer, Cocteau Twins, This Mortal Coil, Nine Inch Nails, H.I.M., Depeche Mode, Love & Rockets Ben Rosen Notable Projects: Unwritten Law, Marilyn Manson, 8mm, Aimee Allen SPA MUSIC MANAGEMENT, INC. 2 Generations 275 Madison Ave., Ste. 1905 New York, NY 10016 212-661-6990, 917-951-3645 Contact: Aimee Berger E-mail: aberger@primarywavemusic.com Web: www.2generations.com Russ Desalvo Notable Projects: Celine Dion, Trisha Yearwood, Marc Anthony, Bebe Winans, Tina Arena, Sophie B. Hawkins, Mya, Anastasia, Jennifer Paige, Natalie Grant, Michelle Wright, Amber Glen Robinson Notable Projects: Voivod, Dave Grohl’s project Probot, the Ramones, the Steve Miller Band, David Bowie, ACDC, Gwar, the Cycle Slutz From Hell, Annihilator, Trevor Horn, Thomas Dolby, Keith Richards, David Crosby, Ringo Starr, Todd Rundgren, the Beach Boys, the Smalls, Tears for Fears, Teddy Pendergrass, Patsy Cline SURVIVAL MANAGEMENT INC. 30765 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. 325 Malibu, CA 90265 310-317-9223 Web: www.survivalmanagementinc.com,

Download at musicconnection.com/industry-contacts www.twitter.com/survivalmgmtinc Contact: Bob Ringe *Please call for complete roster & credits UNDERTOW MUSIC 5 Old Conant Rd. Lincoln, MA 01773 617-395-7746, Cell 617-470-8663 Fax 617-249-0830 E-mail: bob@undertowmusic.com Web: www.undertowmusic.com Contact: Bob Andrews *see website for projects WORLDS END (AMERICA) INC. 183 N. Martel Ave., Ste. 270 Los Angeles, CA 90036 323-965-1540 E-mail: info@worldsend.com Web: www.worldsend.com Contact: Sandy Roberton, Colin Chambers, Paul Tao, Niki Roberton Producer, Mixer, Engineers: Tom Biller Andy Chase Max Dingel Jack Endino Don Gehman Stephen Hague Ted Hutt Peter Katis Larry Klein Danny Kortchmar Chris Lindsey Stephen Lipson Paul Northfield Tim Palmer Rick Parker Michael Patterson Vince Pizzinga John Porter Chris “Frenchie” Smith Ed Tuton Victor Van Vugt Biggi Veira Brad Wood

INDEPENDENT PRODUCERS 21st CENTURY PRODUCTIONS Silver Lake, CA 323-661-3130 E-mail: 21stcenturystudio@earthlink.net Web: 21stcenturystudio.com Styles: Original Music, Acoustic Music, Voice, Music for Movies, Books on Tape Notable Projects: Single Girl Married Girl, The Red Gretsch Kit, Thanks Oliver Charles (Ben Harper, Gogol Bordello, Ocean Eleven, etc.), John Bigham (Soul of John Black, Miles Davis), and Shawn Davis OC RECORDING COMPANY, THE 3100 W. Warner Ave., Ste. 7 Santa Ana, CA 92704 323-244-9794 E-mail: info@ocrecording.com Web: www.ocrecording.com Contact: Asaf Fulks (Engineer & Producer) Format: Analog & Digital, Pro Tools HD 11,Sony C-800G, Neve 1073, Neumann, Avalon

Styles: All music genres, ADR & Voice Overs Basic Rate: Please call for info. World class recording, mixing, mastering & production WILLIAM ACKERMAN P.O. Box 419 Bar Mills, ME 04004 207-929-5777 E-mail: will@williamackerman.com Web: www.williamackerman.com Notable Projects: George Winston and Michael Hedges, Founder of Windham Hill Records, Grammy Winner, recipient of multiple Platinum and Gold records.

ROBERT SCOTT ADAMS Director of Job Placement & Student Services Omega Studios’ School of Applied Recording Arts & Sciences 5609 Fishers Ln. Rockville, MD 20852 301-230-9100 E-mail: info@OmegaStudios.com Web: www.Omegastudios.com Notable Engineers: Elliot Scheiner, Frank Filipetti ELTON AHI Rusk Sound Studios 1556 N. La Brea Ave. Hollywood, CA 9002 323-462-6477 E-mail: Eltonahi@yahoo.com Styles: pop, dance, film scoring & mixer; general audio STEVE ALBINI Electrical Audio 2621 West Belmont Ave. Chicago, IL 60618 773-539-2555 Email: info@electricalaudio.com Web: www.electricalaudio.com/index.php ALEX ALESSANDRONI c/o NuCircle 7080 Hollywood Blvd., Ste. 512 Los Angeles, CA 90028 424-242-4741 Fax 323-370-6756 E-mail: info@nucircle.com Web: www.nucircle.com/people/alex.html MATTY AMENDOLA Owner/Producer Joe D’Ambrosio Management, Inc. 914-777-7677, 347-240-5417 E-mail: info@jdmanagement.com Web: www.825Records.com, www. mattyamendola.com Manager/ www.jdmanagement.com Styles: rock, pop, blues, indie, alternative, singer-songwriter Notalbe Projects: Jody Porter, Mark Hudson, Vinne Zummo, Eddy Davis III TIM ANDERSEN (engineer, producer) 651-271-0515 (cell) E-mail: tandersen2005@yahoo.com Web: timandersenrecordingengineer.com Styles: rock, R&B, hip-hop, rap, acoustic Notable Projects: House of Pain,

Shaq, Judgement Night SDTRK, Set It Off SDTRK, Def Jef, Patti LaBelle, Temptations, Hiroshima, Krayzie Bone, Snoop.

Producers I have engineered for: John Shanks, Richard Perry, Warryn Campbell, Carey Gordy, Louil Silas, MC Hammer, Rodney Jerkins, Quincy Jones, D.J. Rectangle, Wron G. Mix Instructor: Minneapolis Media Institute

JOEY AYOUB/THE SOUND SALON Hollywood, CA 90028 323-962-2411 E-mail: joe@thesoundsalon.com Web: www.thesoundsalon.com Contact: Joe Ayoub Styles: all, rock, metal, pop, R&B, film Notable Projects: Cab 2, Nina Shaw, Seven Foot Wave, Down From Hollow, Dream Vampires, Czarina, Annie Calder, the Mac, George Lacava

JEFF ANDERSON 3710 E. 700 S. Lafayette, IN 47909 800-732-6476 E-mail: jeff@lafayettestudio.com Web: www.soundlogicrecordingstudio. com/history Styles: emo, rock, pop Notable Projects: Amanda Overmyer, Anna-Marie Sanderson, Anthony Glise, Jared Yates, Waltz for Venus, Kayla Newton, Joe Peters

PETER A. BARKER Threshold Sound + Vision 2114 Pico Blvd.

Santa Monica, CA 90405 310-566-6677 E-mail: Peter@thresholdsound.com Web: www.thresholdsound.com Styles: rock, acoustic, AAA, Indie, live concert 5.1 mixing specialist Notable Projects: Yanni Simone, Ember FX, Sick Love, George Lacava, Jamila Ford, Jason Perlman, Dream Vampires, Jeffrey Silverman *No unsolicited material

ANONYMOUS BEATZ 1336 W Angelina St. Los Angeles, CA 90026 323-674-9127 E-mail: Anonymousproductionsbeatz@ gmail.com Styles: R&b, hip-hop jazz, underground, pop KIM ARMSTRONG K.C.’s Independent Sound 2401 E. Wardlow Rd. Long Beach, CA 90807 562-438-9699 Styles: rock, jazz, country Notable Projects: Big Jay McNeely *Unsolicited material accepted ARTIST ONE PRODUCTIONS 310-948-4335 E-mail: susan@artistoneproductions.com Web: www.artistoneproductions.com Contact: Susan Styles: singer, singer-songwriter, commercials and soundtracks Notable Projects: (past & current clients) Marion Cotillard, David Wenham, Stephen Graham, Eddie Van Halen, MTV Producers, Engineers: Eric Valentine Roy Thomas Baker Jim Steinman Roger Sommers Matty Spindel Robert Scovill BEN ARRINDELL BJA Sound 150 W. 28th St., Ste. 803 New York, NY 10012 347-827-0763 E-mail: info@bjasound.com Web: www.soundclashnyc.com/engineers/ ben-bjasound Notable Projects: Gerald Levert, K-Ci & JoJo, Aretha Franklin, Busta Rhymes, the Temptations and Janet Jackson. *Call for mixing rates

WILLIE BASSE (producer, engineer) 818-731-9116 Contact: James Wright E-mail: williebasse@gmail.com, james@ kerosenemedia.com Web: www.williebasse.com Styles: rock, blues, heavy metal Notable Projects: Canned Heat, Finis Tasby, Frank Goldwasser, Terry Ilous, Jeff Nothrup, Black Sheep (the Metal Band) BEATOLOGY MUSIC 909-843-5673 E-mail: beatology@mac.com Web: www.multiplatinumproducers.com, www.beatology.com Contact: Gordon “DJ Stealth” McGinnis Styles: urban music Notable Projects: Dr. Dre, Notorious B.I.G., Xzibit, N.W.A., Above the Law, 2Pac, George Clinton, Ice Cube, Redman, Digital Underground, Stanley Clarke, George Duke, Kid Frost, Jayo Felony, Kam, W. C., Kurupt, K Dee, Mack 10, Luniz, Mac Mall, Kausion, H. W. A., Kokane, Mad Lion, Domino, Gospel Ganstaz, Heather Hunter, Martin Johnson, E-40, Will Downing, Sir Nose, Najee, Ken Navarro, Greg Adams, Jeffrey Osbourne, Wayman Tisdale, Bob Baldwin, Everette Harp, Patti Austin, Paul Jackson Jr., Michael Lington, Michael Henderson, Jean Carne, Norman Conner, Phil Perry, Pieces of a Dream, Club 1600, Dave Mann, Eazy-E, Tray Deee, Outlawz, Volume 10, Caffeine, Badd Azz, Hostyle, Brian Bromberg and many more *Unsolicited material accepted SEAN BEAVAN SOS Management Address by request 928-308-8422 E-mail: sosmanagement@gmail.com Web: www.sites.google.com/site/ sosmanagement/seanbeavan Notable Projects: NIN, Marilyn Manson, No Doubt, Unwritten Law, Thrice, 8MM,

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Annual Directory of Producers and Engineers POD, Guns N’ Roses, Hypernova, Envy on the Coast JERMAINE BELL Main (Beatz) 323-252-2554 E-mail: mainebeatzbang@gmail.com Web: www.facebook.com/MaineBeatz Styles: rap, hip-hop, pop, R&B, trap (spacehop) Notable Projects: D Dimes (the Hustle Boys), Doggy Style Records, Joon Speaks (H&H Gang). Unsigned artist--Done Deal, Zairrion Davis, Sean Minor, Noah V, GSmok3, Juk D, (German Rapper) DPG Artist Recording Engineer: Bass Heavy Records Power Chart Productions, Durty Water Ent. TV and Film Music Q Placement Projects: Full Frequency Media Vision Films (Beyond The Talent) JEFF BHASKER E-mail: greg.cortez@42West.Net Web: www.jeffbhasker.com, www.twitter. com/jeffbhasker Notable Projects: Bruno Mars, fun., Rolling Stones, Kanye West, Lana Del Rey EVAN BEIGEL Jojo Ocean Music 818-321-5472 E-mail: mail@evanjbeigel.com Web: www.evanjbeigel.com Styles: all *No Unsolicited Material LANCE BENDIKSEN Bendiksen Productions 720-234-1234 E-mail: lance@bendiksenproductions.com Web: www.bendiksenproductions.com Notable Projects: Grayson Erhard, Caleb Grose, Back Porch, Niccole Fentress RAY BENSON Bismeaux Productions PO Box 463 Austin, TX 78767 512-444-9885 E-mail: bismeaux@austin.rr.com Web: www.bismeauxstudio.com Styles: swing, jazz, R&B, country Notable Projects: Asleep At The Wheel, Charlie Robison, Aaron Watson, Ray Benson, Suzy Bogguss, the Chieftains, Pam Tillis, Kelly Willis, Trace Adkins, George Martin LENISE BENT (producer, engineer) Los Angeles, CA E-mail: soundflo@aol.com Styles: americana, blues, world, rock, pop, jazz Notable Projects: Blondie, the Knack, Suzi Quatro, Robert Fleischman, the Barrelhouse Kings, Rich DelGrosso, Gary Allegretto, Lance Baker Fent, Steely Dan, Supertramp, Janiva Magness BIG SCARY TREE Los Angeles, CA 213-680-8733 E-mail: jeb.lipson@gmail.com Web: www.bigscarytree.com, www.myspace.com/bigscarytreestudios Contact: Jeb Lipson Styles: Specializing in recording live humans on great gear in a great room! No computerized sequenced music allowed!

Notable Projects: call for current client roster PRASANNA BISHOP Akashic Recording 1388 Deer Trail Rd. Boulder, CO 80302 303-444-2428 E-mail: prasanna@akashicrecording.com Web: www.akashicrecording.com Contact: Prasanna Bishop Styles: pop, rock, rap, reggae, jazz Notable Projects: DI2, Xzibit, Obie Trice, Big Head Todd, Marshall Mathers, the Bonner Party, Interscope Records RICHARD “Ric” BOWLS It’s Only Plastic Music Nashville, TN 818-848-5059 E-mail: ricbowls@gmail.com

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Styles: all, co-producing with Carmine Appice *Call for complete listing JOHN BOYLAN 5900 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 2300 Los Angeles, CA 90036-5050 E-mail: info@greateasternmusic.com Web: www.greateasternmusic.com Notable Projects: Linda Ronstadt, Eliana Burki, Michael Flynn CLIFF BRODSKY (producer, writer) Brodsky Entertainment, LLC E-mail: cliffbrodsky@me.com Web: www.cliffbrodsky.com Styles: all forms of modern and classic rock/pop Notable Projects: Warner Brothers, Universal, Sony, MCA, Virgin, Interscope *Unsolicited material accepted similar to: John Mayer, Coldplay and Radiohead.

MATT BROWN 4859 S Findlay St. Seattle, WA 98118 206-331-5837 E-mail: matt@emerson77.com Web: www.emerson77.com Styles: indie rock, alt. country, folk, shoegaze, experimental, ambient Notable Projects: Trespassers William, the Walkabouts, Memphis, Bill Frisell, Lucinda Williams, Lindsay Fuller, the Soft Hills THE BULLITTS | JEYMES SAMUEL The Muse Box 516-318-2787 E-mail: (NY) Amanda@themusebox.net | (LA) Nadine@themusebox.net Web: www.themusebox.net Notable Projects: Mr. Hudson, the Feeling, Jay Electronica ANDREW BUSH Grandma’s Warehouse 355 Glendale Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90026 213-484-8844 E-mail: andrew@grandmaswarehouse. com Web: www.grandmaswarehouse.com Styles: all ANDY CAHAN / THE DEMO DOCTOR Cathedral City, CA 818-489-4490 E-mail: andycahan@verizon.net Web: www.allentertainment.net Contact: Andy Cahan Styles: all Notable Projects: Ringo Starr, Harry Nilsson, the Turtles, Eric Carmen, Jimmy Webb, Little Richard, Chuck Berry *Unsolicited materials accepted ERIC MICHAEL CAP (aka General Groove) Burbank, CA 818-567-1911 E-mail: avpost@goldstreetent.com Web: www.GoldStreetMusic.com Styles: pop, R&B, gospel Notable Projects: Accent Media, IntraTherapies, Kern Direct, Texas Department of Health, the Invisible Man, The Style Group BRYAN CARLSTROM c/o Tranzformer Studio 293 South Lake St. Burbank, CA 91502 818-748-8618 E-mail: bryancarlstrom@mac.com Web: www.bryancarlstrom.com JOHN CARLTON 614 Center St. Bangor, PA 18013 610-588-4968 E-mail: mail@hilltopstudios.com Web: www.hilltopstudios.com Contact: Dave Mosca Styles: country Notable Projects: A Tennessee Tradition, Country State of Mind, Tom Kozic CAZADOR RECORDING (Top L.A. Producer, Audio Engineer, Studio Drummer, Studio Vocalist, In-Studio Vocal Coach, Composer, Songwriter) Owner of Cazador Recording (ProTools10 HD6)

Hollywood, CA 323-655-0615 E-mail: cazador.jimmy@gmail.com Web: www.jimmyhunter.com, www. reverbnation.com/jimmyhunter, www. jimmyhunter.com/jimbo.html Styles: rock, pop, R&B, most styles, live drumming or programming, Hunter has produced over 4000 songs since 1986 Notable Projects: Wes Williams, Todd Stanford, Ivy Lite Rocway, Savannah Phillips, Mr. Smoove 1, Tim Fleming’s Selective Amnesia, Mark R. Kent, Dr. Alias, The West Hollywood Cheerleaders, Francis Schulte, Crimson Crout, Dre Charles, Steve Warnick, Lisa Gold, Thorn, Tom Powers, Jeff Rients’ Prairie Land Band, The Della Reese Ministry DAVID CHAMBERLIN DBW Productions Woodland Hills, CA 818-884-0808 E-mail: info@dbwproductions.com Web: www.dbwproductions.com Styles: rock, indie, blues, hard rock, pop, country, adult contemporary, folk, celtic, new age, hip-hop Notable Projects: Zach Galifianakis, Paul Jackson, Jr. Have produced over 80 indie CDs, most of which are singer-songwriters.

Check website for details and sound samples.

ANDRE CHAMPAGNE PRODUCTIONS North Hollywood, CA 818-890-6913 E-mail: andremedia@aol.com Web: www.andrechampagne.com Contact: Andre Notable Projects: Post production and delivery for horror/thriller “Lake Eerie”, second-unit director, editor and mixer for family comedy “Christmas In Hollywood”, additional post production and mixing for documentary “Generation A, portraits of Autism and the Arts”, Publicity editing, DVD authoring and broadcast clip delivery for Discovery, Lifetime, Esquire, ePix, TVLand, TLC, Comedy Central.

TIMO CHEN Los Angeles (Silver Lake) E-mail: timochenmusic@gmail.com Web: www.t-monicmusic.com Styles: ambient film music, alt-pop, electronica, outsourced Asian pop Notable Projects: Coco Lee, Janina Gavankar, “Kissing Cousins,” Ford Motors, Burger King ROB CHIARELLI (mix engineer, producer, musician) Final Mix Inc. 2219 W Olive Ave. #102 Burbank, CA 91506 E-mail: rob@finalmix.com Web: www.finalmix.com, www.the-usualsuspects-music.com Notable Projects: Will Smith, Madonna, Christina Aguilera, Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin, LeAnn Rimes, Charlie Wilson, Janet Jackson, Train, Pink, Ray Charles, Luther Vandross, Keiko Matsui, New Boyz, Stefanie Scott, Natalie Grant, Dave Hollister, Gerald Haddon, Leah McFall, The Usual Suspects Production: Nate Highfield, Kaelie Highfield, Rob Chiarelli Notable Projects: Stefanie Scott, Sirius and Danish recording artist Sebastian Lind ARIEL CHOBAZ E-mail: hollywoodmix@icloud.com Web: www.arielchobaz.com, www.facebook.com/arielchobaz Notable Projects: Nicki Minaj, Drake, Keyshia Cole, Lil Wayne, Rihanna

RANDY CHORTKOFF (C.E.O.) Delta Groove Productions, Inc. 16501 Sherman Way, Ste. 100 Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 818-907-1600 E-mail: deltagroove@earthlink.net Web: www.deltagroovemusic.com Notable Projects: Ana Popovic, Phantom Blues Band, Phillip Walker, Mitch Kashmar, Finis Tasby, King Ernest, Kirk Fletcher, the Mannish Boys, Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers, the Hollywood Blue Flames, John Long and Billy Boy Arnold

CLEAR LAKE AUDIO 10520 Burbank Blvd.

North Hollywood, CA 91601 818-762-0707 E-mail: contact@clearlakerecording.com Web: www.clearlakeaudio.com Contact: Brian Levi Notable Projects: No Doubt, Terry Bozzio, Tony Levin, Steve Stevens, Melissa Etheridge, Crosby & Nash, Chaka Khan *Please call for complete roster & credits STEVE BARRI COHEN c/o Lake Transfer Artist Management 11300 Hartland St. N. Hollywood, CA 91605 818-508-7158 E-mail: info@laketransfer.com Web: www.laketransfer.com Recent Projects: Patrice Rushen & Sheree Brown (Hidden Beach / UMG), Candyboy featuring Mari Y. (Hip Pop Intl Records), Jacky Cheung (Hong Kong / Univ Music Grp), Sylvia St. James (House of Blues Gospel Program), UNIV/NBC (“Let It Grow” film), “13” (The Band - Rock), Taylor Dayne (Arista/BMG), Friends of Distinction (RCA/BMG), El Chicano Project (The Brown Sound / SOLA Label), “Fair Game” (Film score) Shanice Wilson (Motown/UMG) Sam Salter (LaFace/Sony) Evelyn Champagne King (RCA/BMG) JOSE CONDE Brooklyn, NY 11217 718-230-8140 E-mail: jlc3d@aol.com Web: www.olafresca.com Styles: funky, jazzy, Latin dance *No unsolicited materials ERIC CORNE (engineer, producer, mixer, composer) Los Angeles, CA 310-500-8831 E-mail: ericcorne@gmail.com Web: www.ericcornemusic.com Styles: rock/indie rock, Americana/country, blues/jazz, folk/singer-songwriter Notable Projects: Glen Campbell, Michelle Shocked, DeVotchKa, Instant Karma Darfur, Anne McCue, Lucinda Williams, Nancy Wilson, John Doe, Tsar, Walter Trout/John Mayall, Joanna Wang, PF Sloan, Tim Easton JIM D. Pyram-Axis Music Redondo Beach, CA 90278 310-802-3376 E-mail: music@pyramaxis.com Web: www.pyramaxis.com Styles: pop, rock, hip-hop, electronic, contemporary Christian Notable Projects: Currently producing tracks for top Universal artists. Global reach, Artist Consulting, placement ASCAP, GRAMMY, HMMA *Call before submitting JEAN MICHAEL DANTON 2603 W. Magnolia Blvd.

Burbank, CA 91505 818-974-0348 E-mail: jeanmicheldanton@mac.com Web: www.soundmatch.com Styles: techno, dance, pop, R&B, rock, movie soundtracks, cartoons soundtracks, advertisements tracks, Stage Opera Notable Projects: Chateau D’Herouville, Palais des Congres, studio des Abesses, Abbey Road Studio, Rocket Music Studio, Ocean Way, Entourage Studio, Elton John, Serge Gainsbourg, Michel Magne, Jean Michel Jarre, Mike Picirillo (Janet Jackson, Latoya Jackson, Smokey Robinson, Kim Carnes, Tiffany), Freddy Cannon, Tom Hanks, Gary Goetzman, Roger Daltrey, Jim Doyle (president Rocket Music), Chris Slade (AC/DC drummer) JEFFERY DAVID Signed to Reach Music Publishing Los Angeles E-mail: jenn4jd@gmail.com, Glenn Davis (manager), glenn@ davismedialaw.com Web: http://snd.sc/16LhG6q Notable Projects: Seal, Echosmith, Christina Grimmie, Victoria Beckham, Guess, Lamborghini.

JULIAN DAVID (engineer, mixer, producer) Los Angeles, CA & Germany/Europe

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Contact: Rick Lawndale Format: Pro Tools, 32 tracks Basic Rate: call for rate information

626-233-2927 SU-ZZZ PLAYHOUSE STUDIOS E-mail: jd@julinadavid.org P.O. Box 2888 Web: www.juliandavid.org Malibu, CA 90265 Notable Projects: Andy Gillmann, 310-860-7499 Fax aVid*, 310-860-7400 Any of Both, Biohazard, Bud Shank, E-mail: pplzmi@aol.com Fraunhofer IIS, Larry Goldings Trio, Contact: Jake Nevada Pacific Symphony, Patrick K, Final the Spyderz, Format: Analog, digital, Avid, Cut, Pro Trenchtown, UCLA Bruins Band, Walter Tools, DVD authoring Trout.

SWING HOUSE REHEARSAL & JEFF DAWSON RECORDING The 7175Den Willoughby Ave. 147 West 3rd Ave Los Angeles, CA 90046 Vancouver BC V5Y 1E6 323-850-4990 Fax 323-850-4992 604-985-0679 E-mail: info@swinghouse.com E-mail: dawson.jeff@gmail.com Web:www.jeffdawsonproductions.com www.swinghouse.com Web: Format:Projects: digital, 24 Daniel tracks Powter, State of Notable Basic please callMarcy for info Shock, Rate: Kelly Rowland, Playground, Holly McNarland, The Dudes, Tal Bachman TK PRODUCTIONS and Crystal Pistol 1939 Pontius Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90025 BUTCH JONES/825 RECORDS 310-445-1151 Brooklyn, NY E-mail:Info@825records.com tkprod1@aol.com E-mail: Web:www.825Records.com www.tkprod.net Web: Contact: Kenny James Styles: Audio Engineering, Mixing, Mastering Additional Contacts: Notable Projects: Talking Heads, the North Hollywood Bacon Brothers, Madonna 310-876-9666 MARC DESISTO Sherman Oaks, CA CA Orange county, 818-259-4235 714-680-3036 E-mail: marcdmix@gmail.com Web: www.marcdesisto.com THETA SOUND STUDIO Styles: Recording/Old School 2219 W.Modern Olive Ave., #226 Philosophy Burbank, CA 91506 Notable Who, (mailing Projects: address - call forRobin appt.)Trower, Melissa Etheridge, Ingram Hill, Brian Ray, 818-955-5888 Joe Cocker, Michelle Branch, U2.

Contact: Randall Michael Tobin *Call before submitting material E-mail: studio@thetasound.com Web: www.thetasound.com JEANNIE DEVA Basic Rate: call for rates Recording Studio Vocal Producer Gear: <HV EXW LW¡V QRW DERXW WKH JHDU ,W¡V P.O. Box 4636 about getting the sound you want!

Los Angeles, CA 91041record production and Services: Full service 818-446-0932 engineering by Randall Michael Tobin E-mail: Sing@Jeanniedeva.com Clients/Projects: Amy â&#x20AC;&#x153;Vocalessenceâ&#x20AC;?; Web: www.JeannieDeva.com Mel Carter â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Other Standardsâ&#x20AC;?; Grammy member specializing in allRay Manzarek â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Doors: Myth andpreparation.

Reality aspects of vocal recording and - the spoken word historyâ&#x20AC;?; Bettie Ross â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Clients include projects on Capitol Magical Time of Yearâ&#x20AC;?; Susan Kohler â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just Records, Rounder Records, MCA, ATCO/ Haroldâ&#x20AC;?; Yve Evans â&#x20AC;&#x153;4 JAZ C MEâ&#x20AC;?; Katheryne Altlantic.

Levin â&#x20AC;&#x153;At the Corner of God and Broadwayâ&#x20AC;?; Randall Michael Tobin â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Snow Queen RAPHAEL De GIORGIO Balletâ&#x20AC;? (Original Diamond DreamsSoundtrack) Music (Full-SpectrumMusic-Production) THRESHOLD SOUNDCarbon + VISION North Orange County, 2114 Pico Canyon CABlvd.

91709 Santa Monica,Fax CA 909-606-5779 90405 909-393-6120 310-566-6677 Fax 310-314-3826 E-mail: info@diamonddreamsmusic.com E-mail: todd@thresholdsound.com Web: www.diamonddreamsmusic.com Web: www.thresholdsound.com Styles: All genres, R&B, pop, soul, Contact:rock, Todd blues, Bergman acoustic, dance, jazz, orchestration, Format: digitalsoundtracks, and analog, country, 64 tracks electronica and Basic Rate: callmore for info Notable Projects:Â Many different artists, (see website for list) TV, Film, National THUD STUDIOS II RECORDING STUDIO Radio, Commercials, 5430 Vineland Ave. (Paramount/ABC-TV, Disney Channel, NBC, UPN, MTV, HBO, N. Hollywood, CA 91601 WGN, A&E, FOX Sports, ESPN, History 818-378-8162 Channel, Style Network, Showtime, CARS. Web: www.thudstudios.com TV, E-Channel, Warner Chappel Music, Contact: Jeff Abercrombie Conoco Oil, Del Oro Music & Filmworks, Transition Music, and many album projects.

Services: Budget recording studio Basic Rate: Call for info TIMEART STUDIO Diamond Dreams Music also has topStudio City, CA quality, radio ready mixing & mastering 818-980-2840, Fax 818-760-4385 services.

Web: www.timeart.us Format: Digital, Pro Tools 9, DP7 DON BasicDIXON Rate: $40/hr.

Entourage Talent Associates, Ltd. 236 W. 27th St., 8th INDEPENDENT Fl. T.I.M.S. - TOTALLY New York, NY 10001 MUSICIAN 212-633-2600 Fax 212-633-1818 15925 Kittridge St. E-mail: booking@entouragetalent.com Van Nuys, CA 91301 Web: www.dondixonmusic.com 805-340-0130 Styles: rock, pop, blues, alternative E-mail: cowboysurfer@earthlink.net Notable Projects: 10CC, The Church, Web:Armatrading, www.seedlessrecords.com/Tims.html Joan Joe Satriani, Procol Contact: Harum Stu Format: digital and analog Basic Rates: pleaseAKA call for info ROBIN DIMAGGIO DIMAGIC (DiMagic Productions) TITAN MUSIC, INC. 818-430-8926 13547 Ventura Contact: KelleeBlvd.

Mack Shermankelly@kelleemackpr.com Oaks, CA 91423 E-mail: Web: dimaggiointernational.com 818-990-6992 Styles: music that can be E-mail: All contact@titanrecording.com complemented Web: www.titanrecording.com Notable Johnny Format: Projects: digital and Celine analog,Dion, 64+ tracks Cash, Kenny Basic will.i.am, Rate: please callG, forRoy infoOrbison, Seal, Stevie Nicks TODD-AO SCORING DJ BOOM, SCOTTY 2901 Alameda Ave. BEAM Listen Vision Burbank, CA 91505 2622 Georgia Ave., N.W. 818-295-5300 Washington, DC 20001 Web: www.toddao.com 202-332-8494 Fax 202-332-8495 Contact: dlim@toddao.com E-mail: info@listenvision.com Format: digital and analog Web: www.listenvision.com Basic Rate: please callhouse, for inforeggae Styles: hip-hop, R&B, Notable Projects: KRS-One, BET, Doug Additional locations: E. Fresh, XM Satellite Radio, Belleville Outfit, Hillary Duff, Spyro Gyra, United 900 Seward Street Airlines, Kenny Chesney, Ray Hubbard, Hollywood, CA 90038 KRS-ONE, Mobb Deep, Dave Koz 323-962-4000 DJ ETERNAL LOVE aka E. Love 3000 Heat Olympic Blvd.

Pure Entertainment White Santa Plains, Monica,NY CA10603 94040 917-547-9886 310-315-5000 E-mail: PureHeatBiz@gmail.com Web: www.PureHeatEnt.com TOTAL ACCESS RECORDING STUDIOS Styles: urban 612 Meyer Ln.,pop, Ste.R&B, 18 EDM, rap Credits: Billboard 100â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Published Redondo4Beach, CATop 90278-5261 songwriter (Member SESAC, AES, 310-376-0404 NARAS, National Mentoring Partnership) E-mail: totalaccessrecordingstudio@me.com Notable Projects: Sex In The City, Waist Web: www.facebook.com/Total.Access.

Deep Soundtrack, Messiah, Roy DK, J Recording Bless, Kenny Smoove (Spoiled Rotten Contact: Wyn Davis - Adam Arnold Global Music), Joint venture with LA Reid Format: and analog, & Russelldigital Simmons, La Thaunlimited Darkmantracks & Basic Hefner Rate: all kinds of custom project Shotti (Wu-Tang Clan), Lee Carrrates - call Jam\Jive), for info. Big Mike, Horace Brown, (Def DJ Jay Faire, Fonda Rae, Ahmad Belvin TRACK ENTERTAINMENT STUDIOS (Clive Davis) 13848 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 4D Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 THE DONMAN 818-259-7244 818-831-8463 E-mail: trackentertainmentstudiost@yahoo. donman@socal.rr.com com www.youtube.com/user/ Web: thedonmanband, www.myspace.com/ Web: http://fb.com/trackentertainmentstudios thedonmanband Contact: Alexander Track, producer/ Styles: rock, pop, engineer, Grammy country Winner Notable steel guitar Format: Projects: 4 Pro Toolspedal suites, music production sessions, musicpost for production, film, TV commercials, and recording, mixing and sound design & effects for stage mastering, 7.1 surround sound, songwriting, FRPSRVLQJ DUUDQJLQJ Ă&#x20AC;OP VFRULQJ ADAM DORNlive drums etc. commercials, Joe Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ARate: mbrosio Management, Basic please call for infoInc. 914-777-7677 Los Angeles, CA

E-mail: info@jdmanagement.com Web: www.morceanworker.com Styles: jazz, drum â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bass, pop, jazz-pop, electronic, rock Notable Projects: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Richard PryorOmit the Logic,â&#x20AC;? Nikki Yanofsky, Morgan James, Mocean Worker, Theme for Sony PlayStationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Video Game â&#x20AC;&#x153;Little Big Planet.â&#x20AC;?

SAMUEL DRESS Sherman Oaks, CA 818-995-4642 E-mail: info@fridayentertainment.com Web: www.Fridayentertainment.com Styles: jazz, folk, film scores Notable Projects: Ron Anthony, Jim Hughart, Howlett Smith, Dolores Petersen, Richard Simon, Nancy Osborne, Dave McKay, Josh Nelson, Kurt Festinger *Call before submitting material SHAUN DREW (producer, composer, engineer) Sotto Voice Productions N. Hollywood, CA 91606 818-694-3052 E-mail: info@sottovocestudio.com Web: www.sottovocestudio.com Styles: producer, composer, engineer.

Specializing in rock, ambient, orchestral, world, progressive, soundtrack Notable Projects: Single track recordings to full record production, feature film scoring. Clients include major advertising agencies, TV networks and A-list filmmakers. *Call before submitting material LES DUDEK Eflat Productions P.O. Box 726 Auburndale, FL 33823 Web: www.lesdudek.com Styles: southern rock Notable Projects: Steve Miller Band, Stevie Nicks, Cher, Dave Mason, Boz Scaggs, Maria Muldaur, the Allman Brothers Band, Bobby Whitlock

CASEY DUNMORE plus4dBu 323-207-5411 E-mail: cd@plus4dbu.com Web: www.plus4dbu.com, www.schpilkas.com Styles: plus4dBu is a full-service music production entity created by Schpilkas, offering original music for TV, film, video games and other multimedia outlets where quality and fresh production music is needed. Music production, vocal production, mixing and songwriting services are also available for recording artists. Specializing in unpredictable, edgy orchestration, urban beats and electronic elements, compositions are not limited to a specific genre. Musical influences stem from classical, hip-hop, electronica, rock/ alternative, trip/hop and jazz.

Notable Projects: Production credits include the theme songs for reality TV show Tia & Tamera (Style Network) and the NBA Toronto Raptors. Some of Schpilkasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; featured placements include NIKEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Vapen Sessions, the movie Our Family Wedding (Fox Searchlight Pictures), One Tree Hill (CW), The City (MTV), Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC), and video games Tap Tap Revenge 3 and Top Spin 4 (2K Sports) DUST BROTHERS, THE E-mail: mike@dustbrothers.com Web: www.dustbrothers.com, www. mikesimpson.com/ Contact: Mike Simpson & John King Styles: rock, hip-hop Notable Projects: Beck, Beastie Boys, Korn, Hanson, Tone Loc, Linkin Park, They Might Be Giants, Rolling Stones JEFF ELLIS Emphatic Artists 8840 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 100 Beverly Hills, CA 90211 424-259-3899 E-mail: hello@EmphaticEnt.com Web: www.JeffEllis.me

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Annual Directory of Producers and Engineers Styles: acoustic, hip-hop, pop, R&B, rock Notable Projects: 2013 Grammy Award winner, Frank Ocean, Gomez, Kate Nash, Linus Young, Ryan Beatty, Shoshana Bean, Skylar Grey.

ES AUDIO Donny Baker – Chief Engineer/Owner 1746 Victory Blvd.

Glendale, CA 91201 818-505-1007, 800-880-9112 E-mail: studio@esaudio.com Web: www.esaudio.com Notable Projects: Crazy Town, Taylor Dayne (My Heart Can’t Change - Dance and Club Remixes), Shifty, Tino Coury, Sky Felix (producer), Alex Cantrall (producer), Rhona Bennett, Brandy, 40Gloc, Dina Rae. *We accept all types of music submissions **Please call for a studio tour and to meet with the producers JIM ERVIN L.A. Entertainment, Inc. 7095 Hollywood Blvd., Ste. 826 Hollywood, CA 90028 800-579-9157 ext. 707 Fax 323-924-1095 E-mail: jervin@laeg.net Web: www.warriorrecords.com/LA Styles: All *No unsolicited material BARRY “THE FOZ” FASMAN 7053 Rubio Ave. Van Nuys, CA 91406 818-989-9997 E-mail: foz@barryfasman.com Web: www.barryfasman.com Styles: All pop and orchestral styles Notable Projects: produced and arranged for Johnny Mathis, 6 albums for the hit TV series Fame, classic rock band Bluebeard, arranged for Melissa Manchester, Air Supply, Diana Ross.

Wrote & produced Showtime at the Apollo NBC-TV “theme,” music for video games

by Sony, Microsoft & Nintendo including: Roboteck/Battlecry, Dinotopia, Spongebob Squarepants, Spy vs. Spy, Star Trek.

Currently music director/conductor for Dick and Dee Dee, The Cowpies, and The Lake Shrine Temple Singers. At his Van Nuys recording studio, Sanctuary Sound, he’s producing/engineering for Stephen Longfellow Fiske, Jeni Blue, DVA, Clive Kennedy, Dawn Jacobson, “Captain Al” Riva, Marcello Drago, Miss Plenty Goodstuff, Lucky 1, Laural Usher and Howard Seibel. Scoring films for Gene Massey and the film-maker team of John Kersey and Jennifer Buttell.

FRANK FILIPETTI (6x Grammy Winner) Joe D’Ambrosio Management, Inc. 914-777-7677 West Nyack, NY E-mail: info@jdmanagement.com Web: www.jdmanagement.com/ frankfilipetti/ Styles: rock, pop, adult contemporary, classical Notable Projects: Elton John, Paul McCartney, Madonna, Billy Joel, Andrea Bocelli, KISS, James Taylor, Barbra Streisand, Ray Charles, Rod Stewart,

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Carly Simon, the Bangles, 10,000 Maniacs, Book of Mormon, Aida,Spamalot, Motown.

Steve Miller Band, Carlos Santana, John Lee Hooker, George Thorogood

RICHARD FINK IV P.O. Box 127 Bergen, NY 14416 646-233-3393 E-mail: contact@richardiv.com Web: www.richardiv.com Skype: richard.fink.iv Styles: pop, rock, alt., hard rock, metal, R&B, soundtracks Notable Projects: Carmireli, Meredith Haight, Scattered Ink, Paul Cummings, Krista Marie

BRIAN GARCIA 626-487-0410 E-mail: brian@briangaracia.net Web: www.briangarcia.net Contact: Brian Garcia Styles: rock, indie, singer-songwriter, pop, metal, hardcore, Christian Notable Projects: Our Lady Peace, Earshot, Avril Lavigne, Kelly Clarkson, Until June, King’s X, Dizmas, Michelle Branch, Chantal Kreviazuk, Galactic Cowboys, the Daylights.

MIKE FRASER PRODUCTIONS c/o 1867 Draycott Rd. N. Vancouver, BC V7J 1W5 Canada 604-985-0679 E-mail: mimi@mikefrasermix.com Web: www.mikefrasermix.com Contact: Mimi Northcott Notable Projects: AC/DC (4 CDs incl Thunderstruck), Metallica, Franz Ferdinand, Enter Shikari, Aerosmith, Satriani, Zac Brown, Elvis Costello, Rush, Norah Jones, Kelly Rowland and Led Zeppelin.

ARNIE GEHER (producer, mixer, engineer) Studio City, CA 818-763-7225 E-mail: arno@Westworld.com Web: www.reverbnation.com/arniegeher

ASAF FULKS The OC Recording Company 3100 W. Warner Ave., Ste. 7 Santa Ana, CA 92704 323-244-9794 E-mail: info@ocrecording.com Web: www.ocrecording.com Contact: Asaf Fulks (engineer, producer) Format: Analog & Digital, Pro Tools HD 11, Sony C-800G, Neve 1073, Neumann, Avalon Styles: All music genres, ADR & Voice Overs Basic Rate: Please call for info. *World class recording, mixing, mastering & production MAURICE GAINEN PRODUCTIONS 4470 Sunset Blvd., Ste. 177 Hollywood, CA 90027 323-662-3642 E-mail: info@mauricegainen.com Web: www.mauricegainen.com Styles: Any and all musical styles, film, TV, etc.

Notable Projects: Starbucks (Mastered 185 CDs), Spoon, Rita Coolidge, Rafael Moreira, Alex Skolnick, Andy McKee, Darek Oles w/ Brad Mehldau, Jim Hershman w/ Lee Konitz, Patty Austin (Sound Design), the Hues Corporation, Angela Carole Brown, James Webber, Little Wilie G, Joe Bataan, Orchestre Surreal, Mighty Mo Rodgers, Paul Fried, Disney, KCRW. JIM GAINES Ardent Producer Management 2000 Madison Ave. Memphis, TN 38104 901-725-0855 E-mail: jimgaines@centurytel.net Web: www.bessieblues.com/jimhome.html, www.ardentstudios.com Contact: Jody Stephens Styles: rock, blues Notable Projects: Stevie Ray Vaughan,

DAVID GIELAN c/o Melody Maker Productions 453 S. Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90013 213-283-7485 E-mail: info@melodymakerproductions. com Web: www.melodymakerproductions.com Recording Academy Member Styles: all, pop, rock, alt, hiphop, electro, TV/film/video game composer, singer/songwriter, audio postproduction, studio owner.

Notable Projects: Joey Lawrence, Universal Music, EMI, Animal Planet, Poor Yorick, Wayne Stylez, Arturo G. Alvarez, Lorelei Carlson, Caviar Content, iQimedia, Vox Pop Films *E-mail for more information JON GILLESPIE 1250 Daly Dr. New Haven, IN 46774-0234 260-749-1981 E-mail: Jon_Gillespie@sweetwater.com Web: www.dreamrodeo.com Styles: All Notable Projects: Gucci Mane, “Zone Six,” Amanda Perez, “Candy Kisses,” Ace Diamond, Hoochie Mama Get-Down, Joyce Lawson, Phat Squad Records, Ernie Johnson and much more.

JUSTIN GLASCO Joe D’Ambrosio Management, Inc. 914-777-7677 Brooklyn, NY E-mail: info@jdmanagement.com Web: jdmanagement.com/justinglasco/ Styles: rock, pop, country, singersongwriter Notable Projects: the Lone Bellow, Tristan Prettyman, Cary Brothers, Gary Jules, Dan Wilson, Serena Ryder, Adrianne Gonzalez (the Rescues), Garrison Starr, the Roof Beam Carpenters, Meiko, Joshua Radin, Peter Katz and others.

BRYCE GOGGIN Trout Studios Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY 718-222-0946, 917-324-3856 E-mail: troutrecording@gmail.com Web: www.troutrecording.com

Styles: rock, alt., jazz Notable Projects: Spacehog, the dig, Chess Smith and These Arches, Valley Young, So Brown, Black Host, Frank Bango, Pete Galub LARRY GOLD Joe D’Ambrosio Management, Inc. 914-777-7677 Philadelphia, PA E-mail: info@jdmanagement.com Web: jdmanagement.com/larrygold/ Styles: Rock, Pop, Classical, Urban, R&B, Notable Projects: Kanye West, Jay Z, The Roots, The Roots with John Legend, Lana Del Rey, Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Mary J. Blige, Kid Cudi, T.I., Ne-Yo, N.E.R.D., Musiq Soulchild, Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey.

BILLY GRAZIADEI (producer, engineer) Fire Water Studios Co-Founder of Biohazard.com 310-567-1280 E-mail: info@firewwaterstudios.com Web: www.firewaterstudios.com Notable Projects: Cypress Hill, Onyx, Hatebreed, Life of Agony, Pantera, Sick of it All, Slipknot, Type O Negative, Agnostic Front CARMEN GRILLO Big Surprise Music 16161 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 522 Encino, CA 91436 818-613-3984 E-mail: info@carmengrillo.com Web: www.carmengrillo.com Styles: R&B, pop, rock, jazz, blues, VO Notable Projects: Gloria Loring, Footloose, David Anderson, Kenny Nolan GROOVEWORKS 1446 W. 178th St. Gardena, CA 90248 310-403-5104 E-mail: info@grooveworksstudios.com Web: www.grooveworksstudios.com Contact: Rodney or Johnny Styles: all Notable Projects: call for current roster *Unsolicited material accepted, call first, no walk-ins JEFF GROSS (producer, writer, engineer, programmer) E-mail: 144studios@gmail.com Web: www.jag144.com, www.studioexpresso.com/profiles/jeffgross. htm RYAN HADLOCK Bear Creek Studio 6313 Maltby Rd. Woodinville, WA 98072 425-481-4100 Fax 486-2718 E-mail: bearcreek@seanet.com Web: www.bearcreekstudio.com Styles: folk, indie rock, art rock Notable Projects: Ra Ra Riot, Soko, Johnny Flynn, Blonde Redhead, the Black Heart Procession, the Gossip, Islands RUDY HAEUSERMANN 126bpm Music 818-288-6626

Download at musicconnection.com/industry-contacts E-mail: rudy@126bpm.com Web: www.126bpm.com Styles: pop, rock, singer-songwriter, urban Notable Projects: Ke$ha, Mitchel Musso, Kristina Antuna, Orange, Rob Zombie, Deborah Gibson, Kimberley Locke, Snoop Dogg and many others NIC HARD Joe D’Ambrosio Management, Inc. 914-777-7677 New York, NY E-mail: info@jdmanagement.com Web: nichard.com Styles: Electronic, Pop, Rock, Indie, Singer-Songwriter Notable Projects: Taylor Swift, Lucy Woodward, Ghost Beach, The Kin, Joey Ramone, Jack Bruce, Tito Puente, Eagle Eye Cherry, Flava Flav and Jesse Malin.

NATHANIEL HARE Joe D’Ambrosio Management, Inc. 914-777-7677 E-mail: info@jdmanagement.com Web: www.jdmanagement.com/ nathanielhare Styles: rock, pop, hip-hop Notable Projects: Co-design Studio B/NBC for the Tonight Show. Bruce Springsteen, Beyoncé, Phish, Prince, My Morning Jacket, the Foo Fighters, Wu-Tang Clan, Kenny Chesney, Phoenix, Justin Timberlake.

COL. DARRYL HARRELSON M.L.E. STUDIOS P. O. Box 93008 Hollywood, CA 90093-0008 866-246-8846 E-mail: mail@majorlabelmusic.com Web: www.mlestudios.com, www.twitter. com/mlestudios Styles: All but specializing in country, alt country, blues, R&B, voice over, A.D.R., SFX. Notable Projects: Bobie Covell (MI), Mike Davis (TN), The Tola Crusades “the light of day” (Video Game Character Voices), BLUE (CA), The Company Rep “Rosenstrasse” (8 part lead vocals), Studio and Producer credits in film: Asian Stories, Book III for “Shake That Thing.”

Prefer Flat Rate Billing per song/album instead of hourly.

Artist Development and Promotion.

Comfortable Multiple Room Studio. *See Website for submission guidelines.

TOMMY HAZERIAN Los Angeles, CA 818-632-1277 E-mail: THazerian@gmail.com Web: www.ghostnoteproductions.com/ composerth Styles: metal, hard rock, indie rock, ambient rock/trip hop ROSS HOGARTH Hoax Productions Web: www.hoaxproductions.com Contact: Ross Hogarth Styles: all Notable Projects: Gov’t Mule, Roger Waters, The Black Crowes, Shawn Colvin, John Mellencamp, R.E.M, Jewel.

DANIELL HOLCOMB/ADVENTURES IN MODERN RECORDING West Los Angeles, CA 90064 323-375-4AMR E-mail: daniellh@ adventuresinmodernrecording.com Web: www.adventuresinmodernrecording. com Contact: Daniell Holcomb Styles: hard rock-pop Notable Projects: Howard Stern Show, Sony Music Group, Bleeding Deacons HEATHER HOLLEY (producer, songwriter, artist development) E-mail: info@heatherholley.com Web: www.HeatherHolley.com Styles: Pop, Dance, Indie, All Notable Projects: Christina Aguilera, Katie Costello, Caitlin Moe, Richie Rich, Commercials for Mercedes, Pepsi, songs in Grey’s Anatomy, The Office, 90210, The Hills, Ugly Betty GAYLORD KALANI HOLOMALIA On The Beach Productions 377 Keahole St. D-03 Honolulu, HI 96825 808-393-2021 E-mail: info@islandsoundstudios.com Web: www.islandsoundstudios.com Notable Projects: Worked with all of Hawaii’s top artists. Kalapana member THOMAS HORNIG (freelance mixer, producer) Tomcat On The Prowl Productions Studio City, CA 818-533-8669 E-mail: studio@tomcatontheprowl.com Web: www.tomcatontheprowl.com Styles: singer-songwriter, pop, americana, country/folk, rock Notable Projects: Thomas Hornig-Every Single Day CD, Peter Elbling-Freddy Audio Book, Jennifer Quiroz EP CHRIS HORVATH Jamnation Music 310-391-1826 E-mail: info@jamnation.com Web: www.chrishorvath.com, www.jamnation.com Styles: pop, rock, R&B Notable Projects: Grey’s Anatomy, Rock Of Ages, Gigolo Aunts, Coolio, America’s Got Talent, A.N.T. Farm, FOX Sports, Unconscious (score), Jolly Good Fellow (score), Nat’l Lampoon’s Gold Diggers (score), Smiling Fish & Goat On Fire (score), Digimon (Theme), Alias, Scrubs, Erin Brockovich *No unsolicited material

songwriter) See Cazador Recording MICHAEL HUTCHINSON Los Angeles, CA 818-489-1911 E-mail: michael.phonocentric@icloud.com Web: www.thingsihear.com Contact: Michael “Hutch” Hutchinson Styles: rock, pop, R&B, jazz, funk, all post for movies/TV SIMON ILLA Atlanta, GA E-mail: info@simonilla.com Web: www.simonilla.com Styles: hip-hop, R&B, pop, folk, s/s, rock, gospel, emo Notable Projects: Vivian Green, Floetry, George Tisdale, Big Boi signee Vonnegutt, D. Woods (of Danity Kane), Nate Currin, Margie Chadburn, Manchester Orchestra and others, Film Soundtracks, Major League Baseball, The National Football League INSPIRED AMATEUR PRODUCTIONS STUDIO IMIRAGE SOUND LAB 3760 Vancouver Dr. Reno, NV 89502 775-358-7484 E-mail: tom@inspired-amateur.com Web: www.inspired-amateur.com INVISIBLE HAND PRODUCTIONS 24307 Magic Mountain Pkwy., Ste. 116 Valencia, CA 91355 818-789-7895 Cell 818-281-0141 E-mail: acebaker1234@yahoo.com Web: www.invisiblehandmusic.com Contact: Ace Baker Styles: pop, rock, ambient, contemporary jazz, ethnic-world music, chill-out, film and TV score Notable Projects: American Pie “Book of Love” - 6 songs, American Dragster Composer *Available for composing and songwriting. *Please call first to submit material

ERIK ISAACS West Hills, CA E-mail: music.erik@yahoo.com Styles: rock, pop, dance, AC, R&B, country, all Notable Projects: Warner/Reprise, MCA, Hollywood Records, Disney Records, Global Records, various TV/film work including Paramount Pictures, NBC, CBS, ABC, TBS, BET, Disney Channel, etc.

Worked with several Grammy winning/ nominated No. 1 hit producers/songwriters.

Services include songwriting, production and artist development.

JO-MUSIK Dallas, TX 972-226-1265 Web: www.joemilton.com, www.jo-musik.com Contact: Joe Milton Notable Projects: see website for roster QUINCY JONES PRODUCTIONS 323-874-2009 Fax 323-874-3364 Web: www.quincyjones.com Styles: all Notable Projects: Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sintara, Barbra Streisand, Tevin Campbell, James Ingram, Tamia, Siedah Garrett, Sarah Vaughan, Brian McKnight. *No phone calls. No unsolicited material.

BRIAN JUDAH P.O. Box 515381 #33880 Los Angeles, CA 90051 888-571-6878, 310-928-7776 Web: www.studiopros.com Styles: All Genres-ProTools HD3-Pro Credits Notable Projects: Six-Time LA Music Awards Nominee CHRIS JULIAN 4872 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Ste. 406 Woodland Hills, CA 91364 310-924-7849 E-mail: chris@chrisjulian.com

J.E. SOUND Hollywood, CA 323-850-0765 E-mail: jesound@jps.net Web: www.jesound.com Contact: John Styles: All Notable Projects: see website for client roster and samples of work.

JIMMY HUNTER (producer, audio engineer, studio drummer, studio vocalist, vocal coach, composer,

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Annual Directory of Producers and Engineers Web: www.ChrisJulian.com, www.ImaginePost.com Styles: rock, pop, AAA, alt., R&B, artist development, all budgets, 2006 Emmy Winner, Multiple Gold & Platinum Winner, Grammy noms *Unsolicited material accepted

DAVID KERSHENBAUM Web: www.linkedin.com/in/ davidkershenbaum Notable Projects: Signed or worked with Janet Jackson, Bryan Adams, Joe Jackson, Tracy Chapman, Duran Duran, Supertramp, Cat Stevens, Tori Amos.

DAVID KAHNE E-mail: vincristin@mac.com Web: www.vincristin.com Styles: rock, pop Notable Projects: Paul McCartney, Sublime, Kelly Clarkson, Sugar Ray, the Strokes, Wilco, Tony Bennett, Bangles

BOB KETCHUM Cedar Crest Studio CR 830, Ste. 17 Henderson, AR 72544 870-488-5777 E-mail: cedarcrest@springfield.net Web: www.cedarcreststudio.com Styles: rock Notable Projects: Freddy Fender, Krokus, Black Oak Arkansas, Trapeze

JEFF KANAN E-mail: jeff@kananrecords.com Web: www.kananrecords.com, www. linkedin.com/in/jeffkanan Styles: rock, metal, pop, emo, punk, poppunk. Basically any kind of band Notable Projects: No Doubt, Madonna, Sting, Maroon 5, Kelly Clarkson, Limp Bizkit, Mariah Carey, Liz Phair, Kingsley, Michael Tolcher, Finch and others

SAMUR KHOUJA Seahorse Sound Studios 1334 S. Grand Ave. 909-210-2317 E-mail: info@seahorsesoundstudios.com Web: www.facebook.com/samurkhouja Contact: Samur Khouja

JIM KAUFMAN Jim Kaufman Productions E-mail: jim@jimkaufmanproductions.com Web: www.jimkaufmanproductions.com Contact: (Mgmt) Andrew Brightman, 310-963-3167, (Legal) Eric German, 310312-3786 Clients: E.G. Daily, the Black Moods, Elliot Collett, Govind Das and Radha, Telegraph, Opiate for the Masses, Model Turned Superstar, Jim Kaufman – A Party of One, Dead Money Massive

KEVIN KILLEN (5x Grammy Winner) Joe D’Ambrosio Management, Inc. 914-777-7677 New York, NY E-mail: info@jdmanagement.com Web: www.jdmanagement.com/kevinkillen/ Styles: rock, pop, country, singersongwriter Notable Projects: U2, Shakira, Sugarland, Elvis Costello, Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, Jewel, Duncan Sheik, Suzanne Vega.

TIM DAVID KELLY Los Angeles, CA 818-601-7047 E-mail: info@timdavidkelly.com Web: www.timdavidkelly.com Styles: alternative, metal, americana, rock, acoustic pop Notable Projects: Kicking Harold, Shiny Toy Guns, Dokken

STEVE KRAVAC Hollywood, CA E-mail: steve@stevekravac.com Web: www.stevekravac.com, www. facebook.com/steve.kravac, Twitter: @ stevekravac Styles: rock, pop punk, indie rock, power pop, Americana, roots rock Notable Projects: RIAA Gold Accredited

Producer, Engineer, Mixer, Composer.

Blink 182, M.X.P.X., Less Than Jake, Pepper, Bad Religion Tommy Stinson.

Label Credits Include: Epitaph, Capitol, Atlantic, Side OneDummy, Fat Wreck chords, A&M, Tooth & Nail. *Contact through website KEVIN LACY Valley Cottage, NY 845-623-0252 E-mail: studio@freudiansliprecording.com Web: www.freudiansliprecording.com Styles: indie/rock, folk, pop, country, jazz Notable Projects: Johnny Bravo, Jackie Tohn, Meghan Cary, Jewtopia, Say Goodnight, Gracie LEW LAING c/o Jordan/Balter Music P.O. Box 27673 Los Angeles, CA 90027-0673 E-mail: jobamusic@gmail.com Contact: Van Jordan, 213-605-1300 Robert Balter, 323-804-7071 Styles: Hip-Hop, R&B, Urban Jazz, Pop, Rap, Gospel Notable Projects: Paul Brown, Melina, Richard Elliot, Gabriel Mark Hasselbach, Eloway White, DW3, Najee, Jesse J, Blake Aaron, Debra Laws, Pastor Chuck Singleton, B2K (Pandemonium! and B2k, SONY), 4th Elament, AJ, 4MULA1 (SoBe/ Warner Bros.), Jackiem Joyner (ARTizen Music Group), Jeanette Harris, Loyiso (South Africa), Galatia (South Africa), IMx, TG4, Neeta-S, Gospel Gangstaz, Coolio, Epicenter, Jesse Powell, Chante Moore, Lariland, Pro2Call (jazz), Sekou Bunch, Carmichael Musiclover, Dee Lucas, Judith Nicholas, Soulcrush and EMG. GEORGE LANDRESS Emily’s Basement Recordings 323-462-3220, 213-509-3678 E-mail: george@emilysbasement.com Web: www.emilysbasement.com Styles: alt, acoustic, retro, contemporary Notable Projects: No Doubt, Gary Wright, Jon B, Laura Nyro, Jimmy Cliff, Art Garfunkel SCOTT LEADER Brick Road Studios 7944 E. Beck Ln., Ste. 160 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 480-788-3573 E-mail: scott@brickroadstudio.com Web: www.brickroadstudio.com Styles: All Notable Projects: Taylor Jane, Ross M. Levy, Peter and Ellen Allard, Abby Gostein, Todd Herzog, Bryan Zive, Emily Aronoff BRIAN LESHON UNIT-O Productions Anaheim, CA 805-746-7870 E-mail: BLeshon@unit-o.com Web: unit-o.com Styles: Rock, indie, jazz, blues, hard rock, pop, country, adult contemporary, folk, World, Americana, Celtic, new age, R & B, hip hop, urban, country, reggae, gospel, classical, electronica, Christian, Latin, progressive,

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Services offered: Music production, recording engineer, mix, artist development, music marketing, social media, voice over, Post Production.

Notable Artists: Alcatraz, Peter Allen, Herb Alpert, Victor Bailey, The Bangles, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, Jeff Beck, Bobby And The Midnights, David Bowie, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Devo, George Duke, Jackson Brown, Castle Bravo, Ndugu Leon Chancler, Eric Clapton, Stanley Clarke, Commodores, Chick Corea, Devo, Dixie Dreggs, George Duke, Guy Eckstein, Eyes, Robben Ford, Ronnie Foster, Stephen Gadd, Gamma, Raymond Gomez, Great Buildings, Group 87, Happy The Man, Don Harrison, Alan Holdsworth, Dr. John, Alphonso Johnson, Louis Johnson, Kansas, Jim Keltner, Bobby Kimbal, David Koz, Abraham Laboriel, Lion, Little Feet, Steve Lukather, Bobby Lyle, Harvey Mason, Manakin, Missing Persons, Motley Crue, M & O, Ronnie Montrose, Tim Moore, Airto Moreira, Steve Morris, Mozaiq, Patrick O’Hearn, Ozzy Osborne, David Paich, Jean Luc Ponty, Pops Popwell, Jeff Porcaro, Steve Porcaro, Revelations, Romeos, Brian Setzer, Earl Slick, Soma, Ringo Starr, Steely Dan, Rod Stewart, Barbara Streisand, Supertramp, The Bangles, The Solution, The Sorry Boys, Toto, Tommy Tutone, Twisted Sister, Steve Vai, Klaus Voorman, W.A.S.P., Weather Report, Bob Weir, Lenny White, Ron Wood, Joe Zawinul.

BOB LUNA (composer, arranger, conductor, producer, keyboardist) Hollywood, CA 310-508-1356 E-mail: bobluna@earthlink.net Web: www.boblunamusic.net Styles: all styles, Film/TV, and New Media, live and midi orchestration, last minute emergencies.

Specialize in singer/songwriter demos, including composition, arrangement, production, evaluation DUNCAN MACFARLANE 3780 Selby Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90034 310-280-0175 Fax 310-280-0176 E-mail: duncan@racehorsestudios.com Web: www.racehorsestudios.com Styles: electronic/industrial, alt.-rock, punk, pure pop, feature films Notable Projects: Goldfinger, Ten Foot Pole, Showoff, Holly Knight, the Los Angeles Kings *Unsolicited material accepted

LAWRENCE MANCHESTER Grammy Winner Joe D’Ambrosio Management, Inc. 914-777-7677 New York, NY E-mail: info@jdmanagement.com Web: www.jdmanagement.com/ lawrencemanchester Styles: Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, Soundtracks, Broadway Cast Albums.

Notable Projects: The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, the Roots, John Fogerty, Jennifer Hudson. Across The Universe, Red Violin, The Departed, S.W.A.T.

Download at musicconnection.com/industry-contacts MIKLOS MALEK (producer, songwriter, mixing engineer, European X-Factor judge) Los Angeles, CA 818-450-3729 E-mail: katarina@miklosmalek.com Web: www.miklosmalek.com Styles: pop, R&B, electronica, world, new age, classical-crossover.

Notable Projects: Miklos’ work has been featured on over 15 million records.

Anastacia, Astraea, Ayaka Hirahara (Japan), David Phelps, Dream, Faith Evans, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Andrews, Kat Graham, LMNT, M2M, Pixie Lott (UK), Plus One, Savannah Phillips, Sylvia Tosun, Sylwia Grzeszczak (Poland), TRF (Japan), Yanni PETER MALICK Los Angeles, CA 419-827-8411 E-mail: petermalick@gmail.com Web: www.petermalick.com, www.twitter. com/silvertone Styles: indie rock, roots, americana, singer-songwriter Notable Projects: Over 200 in studio live sessions for luxurywafers.net in the past year. Also Norah Jones, Hope Waits, Jason Diaz, the Shivers.

Available for production services. *No solicitation, please.

SCOTTY MANZO 661-510-6408 E-mail: scottpmanzo@gmail.com Contact: Scotty Manzo Styles: all GUY MARSHALL c/o Tutt & Babe Music 6506 Penfield Ave. Woodland Hills, CA 91367 818-621-3181 E-mail: guymarshallmusic@hotmail.com Web: www.goodnightkiss.com/ guymarshall.html Styles: All, rock, alt, TV/film composer, singer-songwriter broadcast quality masters, studio owner/consultant Notable Projects: Pat Benatar, the Tuesdays, Baywatch, Lionheart, Cobra, Venus & Mars, Erotic TV Network, The Playboy Network, Happy Planet Childs CD, Dr. Laura, L.A. Kings *E-mail before sending material MARIO J. McNULTY Grammy Winner Joe D’Ambrosio Management, Inc. 914-777-7677 New York, NY E-mail: info@jdmanagement.com Web: www.jdmanagement.com/ mariojmcnulty Styles: rock, pop, alternative, indie, singersongwriter R&B Notable Projects: David Bowie, Angelique Kidjo, Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson, Anti Flag, Semi-Precious Weapons.

MELROSE MUSIC STUDIOS 5254 Melrose Blvd., Ste. 108 Hollywood, CA 90038 On the Raleigh Pictures Lot 818-216-5409

E-mail: melrosemusic@mac.com Web: www.melrosemusicstudios.com Styles: All styles Notable Projects: George Clinton, Taylor Dane, MTV and American Idol Artists, Pointer Sisters, Vivian Campbell (Def Leppard), Barry Goldberg, Brian Holland, Carmine Appice, Carla Olson, Howard Leese (Heart) BILL METOYER (producer, engineer) 16209 Victory Blvd., Ste. 132 Lake Balboa, CA 91406 818-780-5394 E-mail: bill@skullseven.com Web: www.billmetoyer.com, www. skullseven.com, www.fb.com/bill.metoyer Notable Projects: Slayer, Fates Warning, Armored Saint, D.R.I., C.O.C. Company: Skull Seven Productions.

MIKE MILCHNER 818-269-7087 E-mail: info@sonicvisionmastering.com, mike@sonicvisionmastering.com Web: www.sonicvisionmastering.com Styles: all THOM MONAHAN Joe D’Ambrosio Management, Inc. 914-777-7677 E-mail: info@jdmanagement.com Web: www.jdmanagement.com Styles: rock, pop, folk, electronic, produce/ engineer/mix Notable Projects: produce, engineer and mix Little Joy, Vetiver, Beachwood Sparks, Fujiya and Miyagi, Devendra Banhart, Fruit Bats, Neal Casal, Jonathan Wilson, Papercuts, Gary Louris, Tussle Johnny Irion and Sarah Lee Guthrie and others BRIAN MONCARZ Joe D’Ambrosio Management, Inc. 914-777-7677 Toronto, Canada E-mail: info@jdmanagement.com Web: www.brianmoncarz.com Styles: rock, alternative, country, pop Notable Projects: Bleeker Ridge, Moneen, Yukon Blonde, Circa Survive, Hot Hot Heat, Neverending White Lights.

BRUCE MONICAL 10907 Magnolia Blvd., Ste. 222 N. Hollywood, CA 91601 818-994-4849 E-mail: brucemoni@yahoo.com Styles: rock, funk, pop, R&B, soul, country, jazz, classical, scoring, etc.

Notable Projects: Please call for credits GILLI MOON Warrior Girl Music 818-308-4442 E-mail: info@warriorgirlmusic.com Web: www.warriorgirlmusic.com Notable Projects: International recording artists - Gilli Moon, Paulina Logan, Holly Light, Dina Gathe, Rhonda Stisi, Ari Inkilainen, Jessica Christ, Deborah Bishop, Shamballa, Nocy, J. Walker, Songsalive! and Females On Fire CD compilations DAVID MORSE Master Groove Studios Northridge, CA

Nashville, TN 818-830-3822, 615-927-0603 E-mail: davejavumorse@msn.com Web: www.mastergroovestudios.com Styles: rock, pop, country and R&B Notable Projects: R.E.M., Commodores, Warrant, Incubus, LA Guns, Bowie, Rose Royce, Earth, Wind & Fire, Quiet Riot, Motley Crue, YES, Badfinger, Alice In Chains, Gene Loves Jezebel. *32-year veteran of mixing and mastering ADAM MOSELEY (producer, engineer, mixer) Music and Film Los Angeles, CA 323-316-4932 (cell) E-mail: adammoseley@mac.com Web: www.adammoseley.com, www.accidentalmuzik.com Styles: rock, alternative, eclectic, acoustic, Latin, film, documentary and soundtrack mixing Notable Projects: Inc., Claudio Valenzuela, Lisbeth Scott, Wolfmother, Nikka Costa, Abandoned Pools, John Cale, AJ Croce, Lucybell, the Cure, KISS, Rush, Roxette, Maxi Priest JASON MOSS Joe D’Ambrosio Management, Inc. 914-777-7677 New York, NY E-mail: info@jdmanagement.com Web: www.jdmanagement.com/jasonmoss Styles: pop, hip-hop, EDM, indie-pop, rock, folk, singer-songwriter Notable Projects: Riff Raff, Kellee Maize, Lenny White, Justin Husley, Dylan Owen, Del Water Gap. ROB MOUNSEY Joe D’Ambrosio Management, Inc. 914-777-7677 Brooklyn, NY E-mail: info@jdmanagement.com Web: www.jdmanagement.com/ robmounsey Styles: pop, rock, folk, R&B, classical Notable Projects: Idina Menzel, Steely Dan, Madonna, Elton John, Rihanna, Usher, Billy Joel, Tony Bennett, George Michael, Aaron Neville, Deborah Cox, James Taylor.

RONAN CHRIS MURPHY Veneto West 4712 Admiralty Way, Ste. 536 Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 310-200-9010 E-mail: rcm@venetowest.com, liz@lizredwing.com Web: www.venetowest.com Contact: Redwing Management 818-415-7674 Styles: all Notable Projects: King Crimson, Steve Morse, Chucho Valdes, Terry Bozzio, Steve Stevens, Martin Sexton, Jamie Walters, Ulver, Pete Teo *Call before submitting material NASH-ANGELES P.O. Box 363 Hendersonville, TN 37077 615-347-8258, 310-882-0392

E-mail: NaFilm1@aol.com Web: www.nashangelesmusic.com Notable Projects: Eddie Reasoner, Gerry Dewey ZAVE NATE Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-839-6370 E-mail: info@zavemusic.net Web: www.zavemusic.net Styles: rock, blues, new country (guitar based music) Notable Projects: Headsandwich, Sahaloop, the Joy House, Dan Bern, Edouardo Torres, Indya, Impulse, Kamleon Fil, Lori Chako, Meredith Marshall, Zave AERON K. NERSOYA 411 E. Huntington Dr. #170-372 Arcadia, CA 91006 866-575-0275 Web: www.abetmusic.com Contact: Aeron K. Nersoya Styles: producing, recording, mastering, arranging, concept and packaging Notable Projects: effusion, 5th Element, Chanson du Soir, Pirates of New Providence, Cherly D. Barnes JAY NEWLAND (9x Grammy winner) Joe D’Ambrosio Management, Inc. 914-777-7677 Norwalk, CT E-mail: info@jdmanagement.com Web: www.jdmanagement.com/jaynewland Styles: rock, pop, soul, standards, singersongwriter, jazz Notable Projects: Norah Jones, Ayo, Gregory Porter Missy Higgins, Esperanza Spaulding, Melody Gardot, Etta James, Lizz Wright, Richie Havens, Charlie Haden, Linda Thompson.

STACY O’DELL Producer/Mixer NYC 646-320-4107 E-mail: stacyodellnyc@gmail.com Web: www.stacyodell.com Styles: rock, pop, metal Notable projects: Nasty Habit, Killcode, M-Lab, Resolution 15, the Vansaders, Gaggle of Cocks, Lies Beneath, Panzie CARLA OLSON E-mail: www.carlaolson.com/contact_ carla.php Web: www.carlaolson.com Notable Projects: Jake Andrews, Barry Goldberg, Phil Upchurch, Joe Louis Walker, Mare Winningham, And individual tracks by: Walter Trout, Charlie Musselwhite, Denny Freeman, Sugar Blue, Tommy Castro, Roy Gaines, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Taj Mahal, Otis Rush, Son Seals, Ernie Watts, Kim Wilson HUGH PADGHAM (4x Grammy Winner) Joe D’Ambrosio Management, Inc. 914-777-7677 London, U.K. E-mail: info@jdmanagement.com Web: www.jdmanagement.com/ hughpadgham Styles: rock, pop, singer-songwriter Notable Projects: the Police, Sting,

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Annual Directory of Producers and Engineers Genesis, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Melissa Etheridge, Julia Fordham, XTC, Yes, Paul McCartney, David Bowie.

JOHN ANDREW PARKS 512-591-8130 E-mail: bryanlloyd@ planettexasentertainment.com Web: www.johnandrewparks.com Styles: pop, rock, country Contact: Bryan Lloyd Notable Projects: call for current roster DAVE “HARD DRIVE” PENSADO c/o Larrabee Studios 4162 Lankershim Blvd.

Universal City, CA 91602 818-753-0717 E-mail: info@pensadosplace.tv Web: www.pensadosplace.tv, www. facebook.com/pensadosplace Notable Projects: Mary J. Blige (“Be Without You”), P!nk (“Get The Party Started”), Brian McKnight, Destiny’s Child (“Emotion”), K-Ci & Jo Jo (“All My Life”), Christina Aguilera (“Beautiful,” “Car Wash” & “Lady Marmalade”), Keyshia Cole (The Way It Is), Ice Cube, Kelly Rowland (“Simply Deep”), Beyonce Knowles, Michelle Williams, Will Smith, the Pussycat Dolls, Mya (“My Love Is Like...Wo”), Coolio, Esthero, Black Eyed Peas, Sisqo, Mystic, Sticky Fingaz, Kelly Clarkson (“Ms. Independent”), Dru Hill & Warren G PLATINUM STUDIOS 818-994-5368 E-mail: paulhilton123@sbcglobal.net Web: www.paulhiltonmusic.com Contact: Paul Hilton Styles: Latino (all), rock, blues Notable Projects: Society 1, Los Neighbors, Kanary, Bob Moss, The Dogs, Janet Klein, ‘Lectric Chairs, Marshall O Boy. *Call for approval before sending material KC PRICE Price Productions New York City - Los Angeles 917-865-1731 E-mail: sera@priceproductionsnyc.com Web: www.priceproductionsnyc.com Styles: pop, rock, R&B, urban, singersongwriter, soul, dance MICHAEL RAPHAEL 26030 Franklin Ln. Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381 661-312-1616 E-mail: mraphael68@gmail.com Contact: Michael Styles: rock, pop, metal, R&B Notable Projects: Hannah Montana (Disney Records), Ana Maria Perez De Tagle (Camp Rock, Fame, Jonas Tour), the Faculty Soundtrack - (Columbia Records), George Lynch (Dokken), Jani Lane (Warrant), Busted (Universal Records), Social Code (Interscope Records), Nelson (Geffen Records), Demo deals for Columbia Records, Randy Jackson, ESPN Television, Paramount Pictures, Fox Television, Hollywood Records, Capital Records. Worked with American Idol and American Jr’s and I was called “the song doctor” by members of the Sony staff. *Unsolicited material accepted.

WILL RAY P.O. Box 9222 Asheville, NC 28815 828-296-0107 E-mail: will@willray.biz Web: www.willray.biz Styles: country, folk, blues Notable Projects: the Buzzards, Hellecasters, Solomon Burke, Kacey Jones, Wylie and the Wild West Show *Unsolicited material accepted PAUL RISER c/o IMC Entertainment Group Inc. 19360 Rinaldi St., Ste. 217 Porter Ranch, CA 91326 818-700-9655 E-mail: sr@imcentertainment.com Web: www.imcentertainment.com Contact: Sylvester Rivers Notable Projects: Motown Records, Dennis Edwards (the Temptations) *No unsolicited material

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DAVID Z RIVKIN David Z Company 10061 Riverside Dr., Box 907 Toluca Lake, CA 91602 206-354-2789 E-mail: beth.tallman@hsartistmgmt.com Web: www.davidzproducer.com Clients: Prince, Buddy Guy, Etta James, Jonny Lang, Collective Soul ERIC ROBINSON Joe D’Ambrosio Management, Inc. 914-777-7677 Los Angeles, CA E-mail: info@jdmanagement.com Web: www.jdmanagement.com/ ericrobinson Styles: rock, pop, singer-songwriter, folk, indie Notable Projects: Taylor Swift, Dan Wilson, Michelle Branch, Sia, Virginia Coalition, Paul Mcdonald & Nikki Reed, the Milk Carton Kids.

RICHARD P. ROBINSON P.O.Box 26457 Echo Park, CA 90026 323-839-7293 E-mail: Rich@richmixmusic.com Web: www.richmixmusic.com, www.linkedin.com/in/richmix Contact: Richard P. Robinson Styles: rock, blues, reggae, jazz Notable Projects: Aggrolites, Sandollar Sound, Dee Dee O’ Malley, Fleetwood Mac, Izzy Chait, Ryan Eglash, Rivers Cuomo/Weezer, Jenny Lewis, Pinetop Perkins, Eddie Kirkland, Nelsen Adelard, Andrew Loog Oldham, Ana Victoria, Diego Verdauger, Amanda Miguel, John O’Kennedy, Oosten.

SYLVESTER RIVERS c/o IMC Entertainment Group, Inc. 19360 Rinaldi St., Ste. 217 Porter Ranch, CA 91326 818-700-9655 E-mail: sr@imcentertainment.com Web: www.sylvesterrivers.com/Home_ Page.html, www.imcentertainment.com Contact: Sylvester Rivers Notable Projects: Warner Bros., Wanett McKee, Legend *No unsolicited material ROBO RECORDS & FONOGENIC STUDIOS Producers: Rob Christie & Ran Pink E-mail: rob@roborecords.net Web: www.RoboRecords.net Styles: All Styles Notable Projects: Micky Dolenz, Orlanthi, Sass Jordan & S.U.N., the Bangles, the Beach Boys, John Waite, Shella E & The E Family, Snoop Doog, Charlie Sheen & Rob Paterson, Brian Ray ROCKZION RECORDS 673 Valley Dr. Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 310-379-6477 E-mail: rockzionrecords@rockzion.com Web: www.rockzion.com/productionco.html Contact: Dennis TODD ROSENBERG (producer, composer, engineer, mixer) Los Angeles, CA 310-926-5059 E-mail: todd@toddrosenberg.net Web: www.toddrosenberg.net Styles: rock/indie rock, Americana/country, ska, punk, solo artist Notable Projects: Pressure 45, Devil Driver, Mad Caddies, Motograter, Honda, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Panasonic, Gillette, Fox, Megatrax, APM, Grooveworks.

DAVID ROSENBLAD DRM Sirreelsound/Thirteenth Moon Studio Austin, TX 214-752-5000, 468-360-1443 E-mail: sirreelsound@cloud.com Web: www.drm-sirreelsound.com Notable Projects: Equally at home as a sound designer/composer for film, music producer, guitarist, sound editor and recording/mix engineer.

Clients: PBS, HBO, MTV, HDnet/AXSTV, History Channel and wide variety of music artists such as Herbie Mann, Freddy Fender, Sara Hickman, Everclear, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Allan Holdsworth, Cheap Trick, The Flaming Lips, Maynard Ferguson, and Brave Combo.

BARRY RUDOLPH c/o Music Connection 3441 Ocean View Blvd.

Glendale, CA 91208 E-mail: barry@barryrudolph.com Notable Projects: Pat Benatar, Hall and Oates, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rod Stewart *No unsolicited material MARK SAUNDERS Beat 360 Studios 630 9th Ave., Ste. 710 New York, NY 10036 212-262-4932 E-mail: ollie@rocketmusic.com Web: www.marksaunders.com Contact: Ollie Hammett Styles: electronic, rock Notable Projects: the Cure, Tricky, Depeche Mode, Erasure, Marilyn Manson, David Byrne, Shiny Toy Guns, Neneh Cherry, Siouxsie & The Banshees, the Human League, Gravity Kills, Femi Kuti, The Mission, Yaz, Madness, Robert Plant, Lisa Stansfield, the Sugarcubes SKIP SAYLOR P.O. Box 280010 Northridge, CA 91328 818-300-0400 E-mail: skipsaylor@gmail.com Web: www.skipsaylor.com *See HITMIXERS MANAGEMENT Notable Projects: Production - Bootstraps (Amazon Top Pick of 2013), Ronnie Hudson w/ Snoop, Too Short and E40, Candyman 187 w/ Snoop Dogg, Sardar, Ceasefire, California Dreamers, End of Ever, The Ex-Hang-Ups, TJ Gibson, Oh My Stars, Spacifix, Brandon James, Riley Bray, Lynn Carey Saylor w/Brian May Mixing/Engineering - Jonathan Butler (No. 1 Contemporary Jazz Album, No. 9 Gospel on Billboard), Booker T. Jones, Vintage Trouble, Bobby Brown, Distortion Music, Brainpower featuring W.C. Ralph Tresvant, Jonathan Lashever, Mohammad Molaei, the Lost Boys, Dominique & Darius, Will Smith, Notorious, Iron Man 2, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Nashville Film Festival Award-Top Music, Parenthood, Cherie Currie, Layla Hathaway, Hung, Twentieth Century Fox Films, HBO Film/ TV, The Day the Earth Stood Still, X-Men, Obama Documentary, Mumtaz Morris, Phoebe Snow, Gospel Artist Karima Kibble, The Reddings, Gary Taylor, Vesta Williams, Linda Clifford, Con Funk Shun, Damion Hall, Whispers and many more ELLIOT SCHEINER (7x Grammy Winner) Joe D’Ambrosio Management, Inc. 914-777-7677 Weston, CT E-mail: info@jdmanagement.com Web: www.jdmanagement.com Styles: rock, pop, adult contemporary, singer-songwriter Notable Projects: O.A.R., Beck, Foo Fighters, Steely Dan, Donald Fagan, the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Paul Simon, Van Morrison, Sting, Queen, James Brown, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Buffett, Dan Fogelberg.

ANDY R. SEAGLE Phoenix, AZ 85020 602-371-8992 E-mail: cca@amug.org Web: www.andyseagle.com Styles: All Styles Notable Projects: Paul McCartney, Lyle Lovett, Placido Domingo, Yo Yo Ma, Hall and Oates, George Strait, Phil Ramone, HBO SIMONE SELLO RedRum Productions Los Angeles, CA 310-428-6209 E-mail: simone@redrumproductions.com Web: www.redrumproductions.net Styles: rock, pop, electronica Notable Projects: Mishavonna, Hannah Montana-Hits Remixed, Bad Apples, Christina Aguilera JOHN SEYMOUR P.O. Box 358 Greendell, NJ 07839 908-684-9400 Web: www.Media51.com Notable Projects: U2, Dave Matthews,

Santana, Vertical Horizon, Bruce Hornsby, Bouncing Souls, Thursday IAN SHAW Warmfuzz Key West 001 (305) 923-8944 E-mail: ian.shaw@warmfuzz.com Web: www.warmfuzz.com/music_ recording_key_west.htm Notable Projects: ABC, Agnes, Animals That Swim, the Answer, Matt Backer, Bahareque, Edward Ball, Belouis Some, The Bicycle Thieves... see web for complete list F. REID SHIPPEN 310-876-2689 Robot Lemon PO Box 23108 Nashville, TN 37215 E-mail: reid@robotlemon.com Web: www.robotlemon.com/indexa.html Notable Projects: Accident Experiment, A Fine Frenzy, Aron Wright, Atticus Fault, Christa Black, Danyew, Death Cab For Cutie, Eric Benet, Eric Church, Flyleaf, India Arie, Jonas Brothers, Jonny Lang, Low Millions, Made Avail, Marc Broussard, Mat Kearney, Matt Wertz, Mercyme, Plubm, Robert Randolph, Son of a Bird Man, Steven Curtis Chapman, The Afters, Toby Mac, Trent Dabbs JON SINCLAIR P.O. Box 4694 Valley Village, CA 91617 800-231-6135, 818-433-8803, 805-669-8614 E-mail: training@singclear.com Web: www.singclear.com Styles: British Rock producer, vocal coach & artist development alt., pop, country, alt rock and gospel Notable Projects: E-mail or check website for testimonials & discography *No Unsolicited Material.

JEREMY SKALLER Primary Wave Music 116 E. 16th St. 9th Fl. New York, NY 10003 212-661-6990 E-mail: awatkins@primarywavemusic.com Notable Projects: Jay Sean, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Seal, Usher, Bridman, Blue Cantrell, Backstreet Boys, Alanis Morissette, Annie Lennox, Fabolous, Janet Jackson, Shakira SKYLAB SOUND / ELECTRODYNE MUSIC Please see website for phone number E-mail: skyko@skylabsound.net Web: www.skylabsound.net Contact: SKYKO Styles: electronic, rock, industrial, dance, classical, pop Notable Projects: Sting, Madonna, Boyz II Men, Paul Oakenfold, Ton T.B., Jan Johnston, etc. *Unsolicited material encouraged DAVID SNOW Little Hipster Music Van Nuys, CA 818-570-3499 E-mail: contact@littlehipstermusic.com Web: www.littlehipstermusic.com Styles: All styles. Truly versatle, multiinstrumentalist.

Notable Projects: Faith Hill, Arista, EMI, Sony, BMG, singer-songwriters and indie artists.

RO SMITH Def Ro Inc. 33 Prospect St., Ste. 1R Bloomfield, NJ 07003 973-200-8247 E-mail: defronic@msn.com Web: www.members.tripod.com/~sirRO/ index.html Styles: R&B, hip-hop, pop Notable Projects: Mary J. Blige *Accepts unsolicited material - NO CALLS JOE SOLO PRODUCTIONS, INC. E-mail: joe@joesolo.com Web: www.joesolo.com Styles: pop, rock, alt., hip-hop Notable Projects: Famous Music, Macy Gray, Quincy Jones Publishing, Myka Nyne, Luminaries, FOX Sports *No unsolicited material.

Download at musicconnection.com/industry-contacts SOUND MATRIX STUDIOS 18060 Newhope St. Fountain Valley, CA 92708 714-437-9585 Fax 714-437-9877 E-mail: info@soundmatrix.com Web: www.soundmatrix.com Contact: Chris Whiting Styles: all, Digidesign Certified Pro Tools Operators Music Notable Projects: Sugar Ray, “Day n’ Night,” The Track “Stand by Me,” with Dave Lombardo of Slayer SCOTT SPELBRING 571-249-4667 E-mail: info@dragonflyeast.com Web: www.spelbring.com Styles: pop, rock, hard rock Notable Projects: Sr-71, the Speaks, Chris Kirkpatrick (N’Sync), Evenout, Webilt, Field of Grey, Superbeing, Andy Zipf CHRIS STAMEY Modern Recording Chapel Hill, NC 919-929-5008 E-mail: mrstamey@gmail.com Web: www.chrisstamey.com Styles: rock, singer-songwriter Notable Projects: Alejandro Escovedo, Patrick Park, Jeremy Larson, Chatham County Line, Holsapple & Stamey, Sarah Dessen STARK RAVING RECORDS P.O. Box 1451 Beverly Hills, CA 90213 805-701-4890 E-mail: weberworks@earthlink.net Contact: Michael Clark, 323-485-4722 Styles: R&B, jazz, pop, latin, rock *Unsolicited material accepted SHELDON STEIGER Major Who Media 440 W 41st St., B-2 New York, NY 10036 917 312-9574 E-mail: sheldon@majorwho.com Web: www.majorwho.com Styles: indie, rock, pop, contemporary classical Notable Projects: Joe Jackson, David Sanborn, Diane Birch, Care Bears On Fire, Paula Valstein, Eric Hutchinson, Kathleen Supove ABBEY STJOHN P.O. Box 12746 Lahaina, HI 96761 808-214-6910 E-mail: booking_mail@thesongwriter.net Web: www.abbeystjohn.com, www.facebook.com/abbeystjohn Notable Projects: Chris Squire STUDIO 5109 1110 N. Western Ave., Rm. 206 Hollywood, CA 90029 213-369-7094 E-mail: info@studio5109.com Web: www.studio5109.com Contact: Mike Wolf Styles: hip-hop, R&B, rock, pop, all

BRIAN TARQUIN (producer-engineer) Two-time Emmy Winner TVFilm Trax 8830 Brown Circle, Office B Cape Canaveral, FL 32920 917-974-0039 Contact: Aaron K. Davis E-mail: info@tvfilmtrax.com, publishingtrax@gmail.com Web: www.bohemianproductions.net Styles: guitar virtuoso instrumental Notable Projects: Asphalt Jungle, Steve Morse, Billy Sheehan, Hal Lindes.

Creator of Guitar Master Series featuring Jeff Beck, Joe Satriani, Stanley Clarke, Zakk Wylde DEVIN THOMAS Southwest Sound 49 S. Baldwin Ave. Sierra Madre, CA 91024 626-355-1367 E-mail: swsrecording@earthlink.net Web: www.southwestsound.com Styles: All TOM THOMAS MetroStudios Granada Hills, CA 818-366-5588 Styles: all Notable Projects: call for current roster RANDALL MICHAEL TOBIN Theta Sound Studio 2219 W. Olive Ave., Ste. 226 Burbank, CA 91506 818-955-5888 E-mail: rmt@rmtobin.com Web: www.rmtobin.com, www.thetasound.com Styles: solo and group vocals, pop, rock, R&B, jazz, alternative and country Notable Projects: “The Heart & Soul of Mel Carter” - Mel Carter; “A Magical Time of Year” - Bettie Ross; “Across the Waters” - Isla St. Clair, Cabar Feidh Pipe Band; “BARK! - the musical” - Original Cast Album; “My Favorite Gentlemen” - Susan Kohler; “Rain on the Roof” - Margaret MacDonald, “Vocalessence” by Amy, “At the Corner of God and Broadway” - Katheryne Levin; “The Snow Queen - ballet redefined” - RM Tobin.

DAVE TOUGH 5801 Tee Pee Tr. Nashville, TN 37013 615-554-6693 E-mail: dave@davetough.com Web: www.davetough.com Styles: country, pop Notable Projects: Come & Go, Cindy Alter, Matt Heinecke, Craig Winquist ALEXANDER TRACK (producer, engineer) Track Entertainment Studios Sherman Oaks, CA 818-259-7244 E-mail: trackentertainment@yahoo.com Web: www.facebook.com/ trackentertainmentstudios Contact: Alexander Track Styles: all, Pro Tools recording, mixing,

mastering, music videos, post production sound, scoring for film/television/radio.

Grammy winning producer-engineer *Please see web for more info and pics TRAIN TRAX STUDIO 213 Agostino Rd. San Gabriel, CA 91776 626-291-5100 E-mail: Info@TrainTraxStudios.Com Web: www.traintraxstudios.com Contact: Alex Truberg Styles: rock, electronic, indie, experimental, singer-songwriter TRIPOPS MUSIC PRODUCTION 1700 S Main St., PMB 188 Las Vegas, NV 89104 702-985-2278 E-mail: tripops@poppermost.com Web: www.tripops.com Contact: Alex Oliver, 702-985-2278, Roy Rendahl, 702-340-6748 Styles: indie, singer-songwriter, folk, pop rock, rock, vocal, and instrumental music TTAM TROLL 55 Pebble Beach Ln. Pottstown, PA 19464-7200 610-326-2664, 610-970-1415 E-mail: troll@floatingfish.com Web: www.floatingfish.com Styles: electronic Notable Projects: Any Questions?, Punch Drunk, Obomatic, Imbued Vagary CHRISTOPHER TROY TRAHAN MUSIC PO Box 451762 Los Angeles, CA 90045 818-694-9057 Fax 818-782-1499 E-mail: troy_trio@yahoo.com Web: www.fb.com/ChristopherTroyproducer Styles: R&B, blues, jazz, pop & zydeco Notable Projects: Gold and Platinum credits: Grady Champion (blues), Zac Harmon (blues), Jazz In Pink (smooth jazz), BLU (R&B/hip-hop), Gail Jhonson (jazz) Wendy Brune (jazz/R&B), Techeeta Lopez (Latin), K-Ci & Jo Jo, Kevonne Edmonds, Karyn White, Troop, Black Uhuru, Whispers, Ojays; Film & TV: Songs featured in The First Family, Mr Box Office, Comedian Kevin Hart/Blockwood “Save The Last Dance,” “Deep Cover,” “White Men Can’t Jump,” Sister Sister, Family Ties, 90210, Jag, BET Comic View, Byron Allen *Looking to record and develop self contained bands with styles from Mint Condition, Earth, Wind & Fire to Maroon 5.

Also interested in confident solo acts and creative songwriter collaborations.

JOHN TYREE PRODUCTIONS And ABAO Records Hollywood – New Orleans – New York 504-914-2736 E-mail: john@johntyree.com Web: www.johntyree.com Syles: All Notable Projects: JayZ, Project X, Evolve Thru Scars, Rancid, Dr. Dre, Eve, Garrison Starr, No Doubt, Eminem, No Mercy, KISS, Dave Koz, Snoop Dogg, Mariah Carey, Stone Temple Pilots, Fiona Apple, Johnny

Rivers, Mista Love Jones, Slash, Filter, Slayer, “The Water Boy,” “Ants” and other major label and motion pictures. Mixing, mastering, production, songwriting, music videos and photography. Development deals available for artist’s and bands. *Unsolicited material accepted, call ahead.

TONY VISCONTI Grammy-Winner Joe D’Ambrosio Management, Inc. 914-777-7677 New York, NY E-mail: info@jdmanagement.com Web: www.jdmanagement.com Styles: rock, pop Notable Projects: David Bowie, Morrissey, Kaiser Chiefs, Razorlight, Dashboard Confessional, Fall Out Boy, Angelique Kidjo, Alejandro Escovedo, T. Rex, the Moody Blues, Thin Lizzy, Strawbs, Gentle Giant, Sparks.

BIL VORNDICK 6090 Fire Tower Rd. Nashville, TN 37221 615-352-1227 E-mail: bilinstudio@comcast.net Web: www.bilvorndick.com Styles: acoustic music Notable Projects: Alison Krauss, Rhonda Vincent, Jerry Douglas, Bela Fleck, Jim Lauderdale, Ralph Stanley, Lynn Anderson, Charlie Hayden with Pat Metheny, Bob Dylan, John Oates, Mark O’Connor DUSTY WAKEMAN Mojave Audio 2711 Empire Ave Burbank, CA 91504 E-mail: dusty@mojaveaudio.com Web: www.mojaveaudio.com Styles: americana, rock, country, world, jazz Notable Projects: Dwight Yoakam, Lucinda Williams, Jim Lauderdale, Anne McCue, Buck Owens JAMES WALSH Threshold Recording Studios NYC 440 W 41st St., B-2www.

New York, NY 10036 212-244-1871 E-mail: majorwho@gmail.com, James@ majorwho.com Web: www.majorwho.com Styles: rock, s/s, blues Notable Projects: Paul Simon, Ricky Martin, Todd Alsup, Paula Valstein, Wes Hutchinson, Shayna Zaid, Alec Gross DAVE WATERBURY Magnolia & Laurel Canyon Valley Village, CA 818-505-8080 E-mail: davewaterbury91607@yahoo.com Web: www.davewaterbury.net Styles: rock, dance, electronica, electro Notable Projects: the XOTX, Robbie Krieger of the Doors, Pink, Mark Kendal of Great White, Spirit, David Eagle of Tina Turner and Rick Springfield, Terri Nunn of Berlin, Irv Kramer of Ray Charles Band

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Annual Directory of Producers and Engineers CHARLIE WATTS Santa Monica, CA 818-613-7363 E-mail: charliewatts57@gmail.com Web: www.technovoice.com Styles: rock, pop, R&B, country & hiphop Notable Projects: Sting, the Who, Kiss, Usher, Jose Feliciano BOB WAYNE Sunburst Recording 10313 W. Jefferson Blvd.

Culver City, CA 90232 310-204-2222 E-mail: bob@sunburstrecording.com, info@sunburstrecording.com Web: www.sunburstrecording.com Contact: Bob Wayne, Director of Sunburst Recording Styles: All...We Specialize in acoustic based instruments and voice Notable Projects: George Carlin (Grammy Winner), Hepcat, Doug MacLeod, Adam Sandler, Plas Johnson, Ernie Andrews, Micky Dolenz, Tim Robbins & Gabriel Roth TOM WEIR 4412 Whitsett Ave. Studio City, CA 91604 818-505-9368 E-mail: eharrison@studiocitysound.com Web: www.studiocitysound.com Contact: Estelle Harrison Styles: all Notable Projects: Rod Stewart, Scott Weiland, Heather Youmans, Josh Freese, Phantom Planet, Michael Damian, Eric Clapton, PBS World Cafe, Nightmare & The Cat, Juke Kartel, Shaggy, Light: Celebrate Hanukkah Live In Concert (PBS), Brian O’Neal, Warren G, Biffy Clyro, Vertical Horizon, Weezer, Tom Morello, Runner Runner, Chris Cornell, No Doubt, Neil Peart, Chuck Negron.

TERRY WENDT PRODUCTIONS 613 Larchwood Dr. Nashville, TN 37214 615-573-0162 E-mail: wmi1@wminashville.com Web: www.facebook.com/terry.wendt Contact: Terry Wendt (producer/ musician) Notable Projects: Shania Twain, the Lynns, Chace Roberts, Jeannie C Riley, the Wendt Brothers, Bliss Bujard, River County, Corrina Ann, WMI Nashville WESTBOUND STUDIOS Hollywood, CA 310-985-5509, 323-933-3251 E-mail: gelowphotos@gmail.com Web: www.westboundstudios.com Contact: Gelow Styles: hip-hop/rap, pop, R&B MICHAEL WOODRUM 818-848-3393 E-mail: michael@woodrumproductions. com Web: www.woodrumproductions.com Styles: all Notable Projects: Prince, Eric Clapton, Joss Stone, Snoop Dogg, Wayne Kramer, the Neptunes WOODY Allied Post Audio 310-392-8280 E-mail: info@alliedpost.com Web: www.alliedpost.com Styles: rock, jazz, remixes, hip through trip-hop, sample friendly *No unsolicited material WYMAN RECORDS 1908 W Burbank Blvd.

Burbank, CA 818-845-8787 E-mail: studio@wymanrecords.com Web: www.wymanrecords.com/site Styles: All styles Contact: Tip Wyman Notable Projects: Mansions on the

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Moon, Ledisi, Three 6 Mafia, Kem, Billy Wes, Wonder Girls, Surf Club Contact: Tip Wyman SAUL ZONANA E-mail: zonana@comcast.net Web: www.saulzonana.com Contact: Nicole Poveromo Notable Projects: Crash Test Dummies, Adrian Belew, Nicole McKenna, Ace Frehley, Taylor Dayne

ENGINEERS ROBERT SCOTT ADAMS Director of Job Placement & Student Services Omega Studios’ School of Applied Recording Arts & Sciences 5609 Fishers Ln. Rockville, MD 20852 301-230-9100 E-mail: info@OmegaStudios.com Web: www.Omegastudios.com ELTON AHI Rusk Sound Studios 1556 N. La Brea Ave. Hollywood, CA 90028 323-462-6477 Styles: pop, dance, film scoring & mixer; general audio TIM ANDERSEN (engineer, producer) 651-271-0515 (cell) E-mail: tandersen2005@yahoo.com Web: www. timandersenrecordingengineer.com Styles: rock, R&B, hip-hop, rap, acoustic Notable Projects: House of Pain, Shaq, Judgement Night SDTRK, Set It Off SDTRK, Def Jef, Patti LaBelle, Temptations, Hiroshima, Krazy Bone, Snoop. Producers I have engineered for: John Shanks, Richard Perry, Warryn Campbell, Carey Gordy, Louil Silas, MC Hammer, Rodney Jerkins, Quincy Jones, D.J. Rectangle, Wron G. Latest Project: Silverseed from Minneapolis, produced a single with each of the Band from broadway plays Rock of Ages featuring Mig Ayesa and American Idiot featuring Dan Grennes.

Mix Instructor: Minneapolis Media Institute KIM ARMSTRONG KC’s Independent Sound 4333 E. Second St., Ste. 307 Long Beach, CA 90803 562-438-9699 Styles: all MAOR APPELBAUM (mastering engineer) Woodland Hills, CA 818-564-9276 E-mail: mappelbaum@gmail.com Web: www.maorappelbaum.com Contact: Maor Appelbaum Notable Projects: William Shatner, Sepultura, Walter Trout, Fates Warning, Rob Halford, Yngwie Malmsteen, Fates Warning, Lita Ford, Anvil, Cynic, Adrenaline Mob, Therion, Biohazard, Smile Empty Soul,The Prog Collective.

Connie Lim, Fight, Toby Wright, Justin Gray, Roy Z, Sylvia Massy, Gilby Clark, Warren Riker, Ryan Greene, Fabrizio Grossi, Thomas Lang, Billy Sherwood and more

E-mail: mail@evanjbeigel.com Web: www.evanjbeigel.com Styles: ALL *No Unsolicited Material LENISE BENT (producer, engineer) Los Angeles, CA E-mail: soundflo@aol.com Web: www.studioexpresso.com/profiles/ lenisebent.htm Styles: Americana, Blues, World, Rock, Pop, Jazz Notable Projects: Blondie, The Knack, Suzi Quatro, Robert Fleischman, The Barrelhouse Kings, Rich DelGrosso, Gary Allegretto, Lance Baker Fent, Steely Dan, Supertramp, Janiva Magness RICHARD “Ric” BOWLS It’s Only Plastic Music Nashville, TN 818-848-5059 E-mail: ricbowls@gmail.com Styles: all, co-producing with Carmine Appice *Call for complete listing CLIFF BRODSKY (producer, writer) Brodsky Entertainment LLC E-mail: cliff@brodskyentertainment.com Web: www.brodskyentertainment.com Styles: all forms of modern and classic rock/pop Notable Projects: Rose Rossi, Jason Kirk, Warner Brothers, Universal, Sony, MCA, Virgin, Interscope *Unsolicited material accepted-but please, no rap, hip-hop or Urban, R&B ANDREW BUSH Grandma’s Warehouse 355 Glendale Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90026 213-484-8844 E-mail: andrew@grandmaswarehouse. com Web: www.grandmaswarehouse.com/ Styles: all ROB CHIARELLI (mix engineer, producer, musician) Final Mix Inc. 2219 W Olive Ave. #102 Burbank, CA 91506 E-mail: rob@finalmix.com Web: www.finalmix.com, www.theusual-suspects-music.com Notable Projects: Will Smith, Madonna, Christina Aguilera, Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin, LeAnn Rimes, Charlie Wilson, Janet Jackson, Train, Pink, Ray Charles, Luther Vandross, Keiko Matsui, New Boyz, Stefanie Scott, Natalie Grant, Dave Hollister, Gerald Haddon, Leah McFall, The Usual Suspects Production: Nate Highfield, Kaelie Highfield, Rob Chiarelli Notable Projects: Stefanie Scott, Sirius and Danish recording artist Sebastian Lind

310-500-8831 E-mail: ericcorne@gmail.com Web: www.ericcornemusic.com Styles: rock/indie rock, Americana/ country, blues/jazz, folk/singersongwriter Notable Projects: Glen Campbell, Michelle Shocked, DeVotchKa, Instant Karma Darfur, Anne McCue, Lucinda Williams, Nancy Wilson, John Doe, Tsar, Walter Trout/John Mayall, Joanna Wang, PF Sloan, Tim Easton JIM DECICCO Pyram-Axis Music Redondo Beach, CA 90278 310-802-3376 E-mail: music@pyramaxis.com Web: www.pyramaxis.com Styles: pop, rock, electronic, film/video scores, voice over Notable Projects: Currently producing tracks for top Universal artists.

Artist Consulting, Development, Coaching Hollywood Music in Media Association, HMMA’s *Call before submitting JULIAN DAVID (engineer, mixer, producer) Los Angeles, CA & Germany/Europe 310-924-7840 E-mail: Chris@juliandavid.org Web: www.juliandavid.org Notable Projects: aVid*, Andy Gillmann, Any of Both, Biohazard, Bud Shank, Fraunhofer IIS, Larry Goldings Trio, Pacific Symphony, Patrick K, the Spyderz, Trenchtown, UCLA Bruins Band, Walter Trout.

CHRISTIAN DAVIS Sly Doggie Productions Reseda, CA 310-770-8108 E-mail: slydoggieproductions@gmail.com Web: www.slydoggie.com Contact: Christian Davis Stalnecker Styles: All HANS DEKLINE Culver City, CA 310-621-1896 E-mail: hdekline@gmail.com Web: www.soundbitesdog.com Styles: Mastering for all genres Notable Projects: Tim Finn, Morcheeba, the Von Bondies, Diplo, the Shore, DJ AM, etc MARC DESISTO Sherman Oaks, CA 818-259-4235 E-mail: marcdmix@gmail.com Web: www.marcdesisto.com Styles: modern recording Notable Projects: U2, Pink Floyd, Melissa Etheridge, Michele Branch, Ingram Hill, Warren Zevon, Robin Trower, DVD mixing of the WHO 5.1

DONNY BAKER ES Audio Services Glendale / Burbank, CA E-mail: studio@esaudio.com 818-505-1007, 800-880-9112 Web: www.esaudio.com Styles: all including rock, pop, R&B, rap, hip-hop, etc. *Now accepting submissions via Social Media link

STEVE BARRI COHEN c/o Lake Transfer Artist & Tour Management 11300 Hartland St. N. Hollywood, CA 91605 818-508-7158 E-mail: info@laketransfer.com Web: www.laketransfer.com Recent Projects: Candyboy featuring Mari Y. (Stari Records), Steve Salas (Tierra), Patrice Rushen, Sheree Brown (Children’s Album), Jacky Cheung (Hong Kong / Univ Music Grp), Sylvia St. James (House of Blues Gospel Program), Neal Sowers (Hubcap Stealers), Evelyn Champagne King (RCA/BMG), Freddie Fox, Taylor Dayne (Arista/BMG), Friends of Distinction (RCA/BMG), El Chicano (SOLA Label), “Fair Game” (Film score IMDB) Shanice Wilson (Motown/UMG) Sam Salter (LaFace/Sony), Sebastian King (Nu Money Records)

PETER DOELL Universal Mastering Studio 3400 Cahuenga Blvd., Bldg. C Los Angeles, CA 90068 818-286-6233 E-mail: nick.d@umusic.com Styles: any and all styles - particularly strong in R n’ R and jazz Notable Projects: R.E.M., Otmaro Ruiz, Celine Dion, Miles Davis, the Replacements, Tommy Conwell & the Young Rumblers, Brian Setzer, Toby Keith, Roger Cairns, Wynton Marsalis

EVAN BEIGEL Jojo Ocean Music 818-321-5472

ERIC CORNE (engineer, producer, mixer, composer) Los Angeles, CA

LUCAS FACKLER E-mail: lucasfacklermusic@gmail.com

JAMES DUNKLEY 169-B Belle Forest Circle Nashville, TN 37221 615-662-1616 Web: www.clynemedia.com E-mail: info@clynemedia.com, Robert@ clynemedia.com Notable Projects: Anthrax, Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Amon Amarth

Download at musicconnection.com/industry-contacts Web: www.lucasfackler.com/ Styles: rock, indie, folk, jazz, hip-hop JOHN FALZARANO Los Angeles, Nashville, Atlanta 818-419-0323 E-mail: recordingtruck@aol.com Web: www.recordingtruck.com Styles: All Notable Projects: call for details MAURICE GAINEN PRODUCTIONS 4470 Sunset Blvd., Ste. 177 Hollywood, CA 90027 323-662-3642 E-mail: info@mauricegainen.com Web: www.mauricegainen.com Styles: Any and all musical styles, film, TV, etc.

Notable Projects: Starbucks (Mastered 185 CDs), Spoon, Rita Coolidge, Rafael Moreira, Alex Skolnick, Andy McKee, Darek Oles w/ Brad Mehldau, Jim Hershman w/ Lee Konitz, Patty Austin (Sound Design), the Hues Corporation, Angela Carole Brown, James Webber, Little Wilie G, Joe Bataan, Orchestre Surreal, Mighty Mo Rodgers, Paul Fried, Disney, KCRW. ARNIE GEHER (producer, mixer, engineer) Studio City, CA 818-763-7225 E-mail: arno@Westworld.com Web: www.reverbnation.com/arniegeher DAN GERBARG Howie Weinberg Mastering, Inc. 8331 Lookout Mountain Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90046 323-524-8776, 917-455-1570 E-mail: dan@howieweinbergmastering. com Web: www.howieweinbergmastering. com Notable Projects: Fiona Apple - The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do (Grammy Nominated) DAVID GIELAN c/o Melody Maker Productions 453 S. Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90013 213-283-7485 E-mail: info@melodymakerproductions. com Web: www.melodymakerproductions.com Recording Academy Member Styles: all, pop, rock, alt, hiphop, electro, TV/Film/video game composer, singer-songwriter, audio postproduction, studio owner.

Notable Projects/Clients: Joey Lawrence, Universal Music, EMI, Animal Planet, Poor Yorick, Wayne Stylez, Arturo G. Alvarez, Lorelei Carlson, Caviar Content, iQimedia, Vox Pop Films *E-mail for more information

JASON GOLDSTEIN (mixer, engineer) 917-475-6957 (cell), 310-399-7895 Web: www.jasongoldsteinmixer.com Notable Projects: Beyonce - “B-Day” (mixer); The Lonely Island - “Turtleneck & Chain,” “The Wack Album” (mixer); The Roots “Undun,” “Game Theory,” “How I Got Over,” “Rising Down” (mixer); Jay Z - “The Blueprint” (mixing) *10 Grammy nominations including “Record Of The Year” for mixing Beyonce’s “Irreplaceable.” Grammy Win For mixing Beyonce’s “B-Day” BILLY GRAZIADEI (producer, engineer) Fire Water Studios Co-Founder of Biohazard.com 310-567-1280 E-mail: info@firewaterstudios.com Web: www.firewaterstudios.com Notable Projects: 9 Biohazard Records, Cypress Hill, Onyx, Hate Breed, Life of Agony, Pantera, Sick of it All, SlipKnot Sid # 9, Type O Negative, Agnostic Front ROSS HOGARTH Hoax Productions E-mail: contact@hoaxproductions.com Web: www.hoaxproductions.com Contact: Ross Hogarth Styles: all J.E. SOUND Hollywood, CA 323-850-0765 E-mail: jesound@jps.net Web: www.jesound.com Contact: John Styles: all Notable Projects: see website for client roster and samples of my work JIMMY HUNTER (Top L.A. Producer, Audio Engineer, Studio Drummer, Studio Vocalist, In-Studio Vocal Coach, Composer, Songwriter) Owner of Cazador Recording (ProTools10 HD6) Hollywood, CA 323-655-0615 E-mail: cazador.jimmy@gmail.com Web: www.jimmyhunter.com, www. reverbnation.com/jimmyhunter, www. jimmyhunter.com/jimbo.html Styles: rock, pop, R&B, most styles, live drumming or programming, Hunter has produced over 4000 songs since 1986.

Notable Projects: Wes Williams, Todd Stanford, Ivy Lite Rocway, Savannah Phillips, Mr. Smoove 1, Tim Fleming’s Selective Amnesia, Mark R. Kent, Dr. Alias, the West Hollywood Cheerleaders, Francis Schulte, Crimson Crout, Dre Charles, Steve Warnick, Lisa Gold, Thorn, Tom Powers, Jeff Rients’ Prairie Land Band, the Della Reese Ministry

MICHAEL HUTCHINSON Los Angeles, CA 818-489-1911 E-mail: studiopig@aol.com Web: www.thingsihear.com Contact: Michael “Hutch” Hutchinson Styles: rock, pop, R&B, jazz, funk, all post for movies/TV CHRIS JULIAN 4872 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Ste. 406 Woodland Hills, CA 91364 310-924-7849 E-mail: chris@chrisjulian.com Web: www.ChrisJulian.com, www.

ImaginePost.com Styles: rock, pop, AAA, alt., R&B, artist development, all budgets, 2006 Emmy Winner, Multiple Gold & Platinum winner, Grammy noms *Unsolicited material accepted KEVIN KILLEN Joe D’Ambrosio Management, Inc. 914-422-0022 E-mail: joe@jdmanagement.com Web: www.jdmanagement.com/ kevinkillen Styles: rock, pop, alternative Notable Projects: U2’s The Unforgettable Fire and Wide Awake In America, Peter Gabriel’s So, Bryan Ferry’s Bete Noir, Patti Smith Dream of Life, Kate Bush’s The Sensual World, Elvis Costello’s Mighty Like A Rose, The Juliet Letters and Kojak Variety, Burt Bacharach and Elvis Costello’s Painted From Memory and Duncan Sheik’s Phantom Moon STEVE KRAVAC Hollywood, CA E-mail: steve@stevekravac.com Web: www.stevekravac.com, www. facebook.com/steve.kravac, Twitter: @ stevekravac Styles: rock, pop punk, indie rock, power pop, Americana, roots rock Notable Projects: RIAA Gold Accredited Producer, Engineer, Mixer, Composer. Blink 182, M.X.P.X., Less Than Jake, Pepper, Bad Religion Tommy Stinson. Label Credits Include: Epitaph, Capitol, Atlantic, Side OneDummy, Fat Wreck Chords, A&M, Tooth & Nail. *Contact through website BRIAN LESHON UNIT-O Productions Anaheim, CA 805-746-7870 E-mail: BLeshon@unit-o.com Web: unit-o.com Styles: Rock, indie, jazz, blues, hard rock, pop, country, adult contemporary, folk, World, Americana, Celtic, new age, R & B, hip hop, urban, country, reggae, gospel, classical, electronica, Christian, Latin, progressive, Services offered: Music production, recording engineer, mix, artist development, music marketing, social

media, voice over, Post Production.

Notable Artists: Alcatraz, Peter Allen, Herb Alpert, Victor Bailey, The Bangles, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, Jeff Beck, Bobby And The Midnights, David Bowie, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Devo, George Duke, Jackson Brown, Castle Bravo, Ndugu Leon Chancler, Eric Clapton, Stanley Clarke, Commodores, Chick Corea, Devo, Dixie Dreggs, George Duke, Guy Eckstein, Eyes, Robben Ford, Ronnie Foster, Stephen Gadd, Gamma, Raymond Gomez, Great Buildings, Group 87, Happy The Man, Don Harrison, Alan Holdsworth, Dr. John, Alphonso Johnson, Louis Johnson, Kansas, Jim Keltner, Bobby Kimbal, David Koz, Abraham Laboriel, Lion, Little Feet, Steve Lukather, Bobby Lyle, Harvey Mason, Manakin, Missing Persons, Motley Crue, M & O, Ronnie Montrose, Tim Moore, Airto Moreira, Steve Morris, Mozaiq, Patrick O’Hearn, Ozzy Osborne, David Paich, Jean Luc Ponty, Pops Popwell, Jeff Porcaro, Steve Porcaro, Revelations, Romeos, Brian Setzer, Earl Slick, Soma, Ringo Starr, Steely Dan, Rod Stewart, Barbara Streisand, Supertramp, The Bangles, The Solution, The Sorry Boys, Toto, Tommy Tutone, Twisted Sister, Steve Vai, Klaus Voorman, W.A.S.P., Weather Report, Bob Weir, Lenny White, Ron Wood, Joe Zawinul.

BRIAN LEVI Clear Lake Audio 10520 Burbank Blvd.

N. Hollywood, CA 91601 818-762-0707 E-mail: contact@clearlakeaudio.com Web: www.clearlakeaudio.com Contact: Brian Levi Notable Projects: Asia, No Doubt, Terry Bozzio, Tony Levin, Steve Stevens, Melissa Etheridge, Crosby & Nash *Please call for complete roster & credits HOWARD (HOWIE) LINDEMAN 164 Trinidad St. Naples, FL 34113 239-269-3277 E-mail: howardlindeman@gmail.com Styles: All Styles Notable Projects: Natalie Cole, The Elvis Concert Tour, Colors of Christmas, Midas XL8 System Support, Aerosmith U.S Tour, Roberta Flack, Midas XL8 System Support, REM U.S Tour, Melissa Manchester, Seg Productions, Oleta Adams, Peabo Bryson, James Ingram, Producer Engineer Naples Jazz Orchestra, CD/On a Misty Night”Jeremy Goodman Project/ Produce & Engineered. *FOH touring & Full Pro Tools HD mixing at “Howie’s Mixing Suite” with All Avid Plug-ins and WAVES Plug-ins (WAVE endorsed) feel free to contact me at the number above. **Accepts demo tapes.

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Annual Directory of Producers and Engineers DUNCAN MACFARLANE 3780 Selby Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90034 310-280-0175 Fax 310-280-0176 E-mail: duncan@racehorsestudios.com Web: www.racehorsestudios.com Styles: electronic/industrial, alt.-rock, punk, pure pop, feature films.

Notable Projects: Goldfinger, Ten Foot Pole, V12, D’Lovely, Los Angeles Kings *Unsolicited material accepted MIKLOS MALEK (producer, songwriter, mixing engineer, European X-Factor judge) Los Angeles, CA 818-450-3729 E-mail: katarina@miklosmalek.com Web: www.miklosmalek.com Styles: pop, R&B, electronica, world, new age, classical-crossover.

Notable Projects: Miklos’ work has been featured on over 15 million records. Anastacia, Astraea, Ayaka Hirahara (Japan), David Phelps, Dream, Faith Evans, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Andrews, Kat Graham, LMNT, M2M, Pixie Lott (UK), Plus One, Savannah Phillips, Sylvia Tosun, Sylwia Grzeszczak (Poland), TRF (Japan), Yanni SCOTTY MANZO 661-510-6408 E-mail: scottpmanzo@gmail.com Contact: Scotty Manzo Styles: all MARIO J. McNULTY Grammy Winner Joe D’Ambrosio Management, Inc. 914-777-7677 New York, NY E-mail: info@jdmanagement.com Web: www.jdmanagement.com/ mariojmcnulty Styles: rock, pop, alternative, indie, singer-songwriter R&B Notable Projects: David Bowie, Angelique Kidjo, Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson, Anti Flag, Semi-Precious Weapons.

DANIEL MENDEZ (mixer, engineer, producer) E-mail: info@headabovewatersongs. com Web: www.danielmendez.com Notable Projects: Noah Gundersen, Dashboard Confessional, Lit, Almost Famous, Amy Lee (Evanescence), Heart, Bob Schneider, Meg & Dia, Duran Duran... see website for more BILL METOYER (engineer, producer) 818-780-5394 16209 Victory Blvd., Ste. 132 Lake Balboa, CA 91406 E-mail: bill@skullseven.com Web: www.billmetoyer.com, www.skullseven.com, www. fb.com/bill. metoyer Notable Projects: Slayer, WASP, Fates Warning, Armored Saint, D.R.I., C.O.C. Company: Skull Seven Productions.

MIKE MILCHNER 818-269-7087 Fax 818-352-9307 E-mail: info@sonicvisionmastering. com, mike@sonicvisionmastering.com Web: www.sonicvisionmastering.com Styles: all BRUCE MONICAL 10907 Magnolia Blvd., Ste. 222 N. Hollywood, CA 91601 818-994-4849 E-mail: brucemoni@yahoo.com Styles: rock, funk, pop, R&B, soul, country, jazz, classical, scoring, etc.

Notable Projects: Please call for credits ROB MOUNSEY (producer, engineer, mix, arranger, composer, musician and film composer) Grammy Nominated

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Joe D’Ambrosio Management, Inc. 914-777-7677 E-mail: joe@jdmanagement.com Web: www.jdmanagement.com/ robmounsey Styles: All genres Notable Projects: Produced Jackie Evancho’s 2011 Christmas album, arranged Celtic Woman’s 2011 Christmas show, MD\Arranger for Idina Menzel live shows, Steely Dan, Madonna, Elton John, Rihanna, Usher, Billy Joel, Tony Bennett, George Michael, Aaron Neville, Deborah Cox, k.d. lang, Michael jackson, Mary J. Blige, Trisha Yearwood, Toni Braxton, James Taylor and scores of others.

BARRY RUDOLPH c/o Music Connection 3441 Ocean View Blvd.

Glendale, CA 91208 E-mail: barry@barryrudolph.com Notable Projects: Pat Benatar, Hall and Oates, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rod Stewart *No unsolicited material

JAY NEWLAND (producer, engineer, mixer) 9-time Grammy winner Joe D’Ambrosio Management, Inc. 914-777-7677 E-mail: joe@jdmanagement.com/ jaynewland Web: www.jdmanagement.com Styles: Rock, Pop, Soul, Standards Notable Projects: produce, engineer and mix Norah Jones first two albums (32 million sales), Ayo two #1 debut releases, Missy Higgins smash debut release, recorded Esperanza Spaulding’s Grammy-winning debut release, Rob Thomas, Etta James, Lizz Wright, Richie Havens, Charlie Haden, The Little Willies, Linda Thompson, Herbie Hancock/Michael Brecker/Roy Hargrove, Clarence “Gatemouth” Bowen

ELLIOT SCHEINER (7x Grammy Winner) Joe D’Ambrosio Management, Inc. 914-777-7677 Weston, CT E-mail: info@jdmanagement.com Web: www.jdmanagement.com Styles: rock, pop, adult contemporary, singer-songwriter Notable Projects: O.A.R., Beck, Foo Fighters, Steely Dan, Donald Fagan, the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Paul Simon, Van Morrison, Sting, Queen, James Brown, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Buffett, Dan Fogelberg.

HUGH PADGHAM 4x Grammy Winner Joe D’Ambrosio Management, Inc. 914-777-7677 London, U.K. E-mail: info@jdmanagement.com Web: www.jdmanagement.com/ hughpadgham Styles: rock, pop, singer-songwriter Notable Projects: the Police, Sting, Genesis, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Melissa Etheridge, Julia Fordham, XTC, Yes, Paul McCartney, David Bowie.

CHRISTOPHER J. ROBERTS Dba Signal Flow Productions 818-915-4557 E-mail: cjreq@earthlink.net Styles: Everything but polka *Studio and live sound production and engineering ERIC ROBINSON Joe D’Ambrosio Management, Inc. 914-777-7677 Los Angeles, CA E-mail: info@jdmanagement.com Web: www.jdmanagement.com/ ericrobinson Styles: Rock, Pop, Singer-Songwriter, Folk, Indie Notable Projects: Taylor Swift, Dan Wilson, Michelle Branch, Sia, Virginia Coalition, Paul Mcdonald & Nikki Reed, the Milk Carton Kids.

RICHARD P. ROBINSON 1628 Morton Ave Echo Park, CA 90026 323-839-7293 E-mail: Rich@richmixmusic.com Web: www.soundcloud.com/ richmixmusic, www.richmixmusic.com, www.linkedin.com/in/richmix Styles: rock, blues, reggae, jazz.

Notable Projects: 4 GrammyNominated CDs including Pinetop Perkins & Eddie Kirkland.

Also, Sandollar Sound, Aggrolites, Dee Dee O’ Malley, Fleetwood Mac, Izzy Chait, Ryan Eglash, Rivers Cuomo/ Weezer, Jenny Lewis, Nelsen Adelard, Andrew Loog Oldham, Mackshow, Kozzy Iwakawa, Ana Victoria, Diego Verdauger, Amanda Miguel, John O’Kennedy, Michael Oosten, John M., Liam Leahy, Iraj Lashkary, Sammy Rimington, Big Bill Bissonette.

SKIP SAYLOR P.O. Box 280010 Northridge, CA 91328 818-300-0400 E-mail: skipsaylor@gmail.com Web: www.skipsaylor.com *See HITMIXERS MANAGEMENT

SKIE MUSIC GROUP Dana Point, CA 714-313-0589 E-mail: scott@skiemusic.com Web: www.skiemusic.com Contact: Scott Ragotskie (producerengineer) Styles: alt rock, singer songwriter, hip hop, pop, hard rock ABBEY STJOHN P.O. Box 12746 Lahaina, HI 96761 808-214-6910 E-mail: mail@abbeystjohn.com Web: www.abbeystjohn.com Notable Projects: Chris Squire DAVE TOUGH 5801 Tee Pee Tr. Nashville, TN 37013 615-554-6693 E-mail: dave@davetough.com Web: www.davetough.com Styles: country, pop Notable Projects: Come & Go, Cindy Alter, Matt Heinecke, Craig Winquist

JOHN TYREE PRODUCTIONS And ABAO RECORD Hollywood – New Orleans – New York 504-914-2736 E-mail: john@johntyree.com Web: www.johntyree.com Syles: All Notable Projects: Jay-Z, Project X, Evolve Thru Scars, Rancid, Dr Dre, Eve, Garrison Starr, No Doubt, Eminem, No Mercy, KISS, Dave Koz, Snoop Dogg, Mariah Carey, Stone Temple Pilots, Fiona Apple, Johnny Rivers, Mista Love Jones, Slash, Filter, Slayer, “The Water Boy,” “Ants” and other major label and motion pictures. Mixing, mastering, production, songwriting, music videos and photography. Development deals available for artists and bands. *Unsolicited material accepted, call ahead before sending materials.

DUSTY WAKEMAN Mojave Audio 2711 Empire Ave. Burbank, CA 91504 E-mail: dusty@mojaveaudio.com Web: www.mojaveaudio.com Styles: americana, rock, country, world, jazz Notable Projects: Dwight Yoakam, Lucinda Williams, Jim Lauderdale, Anne McCue, Buck Owens

BOB WAYNE Sunburst Recording 10313 W. Jefferson Blvd.

Culver City, CA 90232 310-204-2222 E-mail: bob@sunburstrecording.com Web: www.sunburstrecording.com Contact: Bob Wayne, Director of Sunburst Recording Styles: All… we specialize in acoustic based instruments and voice Notable Projects: George Carlin (Grammy Winner), Hepcat, Doug MacLeod, Adam Sandler, Plas Johnson, Ernie Andrews, Micky Dolenz JEFF VAUGHN 818-731-5799 E-mail: ears4rent@verizon.net Styles: scoring mixer/recording engineer/Film/Television/Games. *Call for current roster TONY VISCONTI Grammy-Winner Joe D’Ambrosio Management, Inc. 914-777-7677 New York, NY E-mail: info@jdmanagement.com Web: www.jdmanagement.com Styles: rock, pop Notable Projects: David Bowie, Morrissey, Kaiser Chiefs, Razorlight, Dashboard Confessional, Fall Out Boy, Angelique Kidjo, Alejandro Escovedo, T. Rex, the Moody Blues, Thin Lizzy, Strawbs, Gentle Giant, Sparks.

TOM WEIR 4412 Whitsett Ave. Studio City, CA 91604 818-505-9368 E-mail: eharrison@studiocitysound. com Web: www.studiocitysound.com Contact: Estelle Harrison Styles: all Notable Projects: Rod Stewart, Scott Weiland, Heather Youmans, Josh Freese, Phantom Planet, Michael Damian, Eric Clapton, PBS World Cafe, Nightmare & the Cat, Juke Kartel, Shaggy, Light: Celebrate Hanukkah Live In Concert (PBS), Brian O’Neal, Warren G, Biffy Clyro, Vertical Horizon, Weezer, Tom Morello, Runner Runner, Chris Cornell, No Doubt, Neil Peart, Chuck Negron.

MICHAEL WOODRUM 818-848-3393 Fax 818-848-3344 E-mail: michael@woodrumproductions. com Web: www.woodrumproductions.com Styles: all Notable Projects: Prince, Eric Clapton, Joss Stone, Snoop Dogg, Wayne Kramer, the Neptunes JOE ZOOK Joe D’Ambrosio Management, Inc. 914-777-7677 Studio City, CA E-mail: info@jdmanagement.com Web: www.jdmanagement.com Styles: rock, pop, R&B, indie, alternative Notable Projects: One Direction, Katy Perry, OneRepublic, P!nk, Dashboard Confessional, Modest Mouse, Plain White T’s, Kelly Clarkson, Serena Ryder, Brooke Fraser, Mary J. Blige.

For hundreds more contacts from current directories (managers, agents, vocal coaches, college radio, recording studios, rehearsal studios, mastering studios, publishers, film/ TV and more), visit our website: musicconnection.com/industrycontacts.

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JOE SOLO – GLENN– T. LITWAK

CRITICAL: Speak the Language of the Music Business!

H

it record producer Joe Solo (Fergie, Macy Gray, Michael Jackson) and creator of The Joe Solo Music Success Workshop relates an incredible (but not so rare) encounter with an artist’s willful ignorance about the music business––and the unfortunate consequences for the artist’s career.

Talking The Talk Last summer, I was hired to listen to the “final” mixes of an artist’s record and tell him what possible improvements I could suggest.

He explained that music was his life, and that this collection of songs was the culmination of three years of an emotional, passionate, musical journey. He nurtured, cared for and loved his “babies” with all his heart.

I took a listen. His songwriting talent was undeniable. Each tune a highly written gem. The recordings of the songs were well executed, too. He had hired a seasoned producer, took ample time to experiment with different colors and arrangements and tweak them until they were just right. Each and every vocal was perfectly in tune and dripping with vibe. To top it off he spared no expense in hiring a top mastering engineer.

I asked him what he intended to do with his record and he said he’d probably mail it to record labels and wait for them to send him deals memos.

“What?!?!?!?” my brain said to myself. I asked him if he knew that major labels don’t accept unsolicited material.

“Didn’t know that.”

I asked, “Do you know the basic tenets of music publishing?”

“What’s publishing?”

I explained to him it’s where songwriters make the majority of their income. I asked, “If somehow you’re able to generate label interest, who will negotiate the deal for you?”

“I’ll do it myself.”

“Have you thought about getting your music placed in TV, movies, video games and commercials?”

“Is that even worth doing?”

At this point I couldn’t take it anymore.

How could someone with so much talent be so ignorant of the business side of music? I asked him if he thought about learning, at a very minimum, the basics of how the business side of music works. (Publishing, records deals, license deals, manager agreements and copyrights, to name a few.)

His response: “I just want to make the music.

I don’t want to hassle with all that other stuff. It’ll all take care of itself.”

Doubt it.

While listening to his music, I was pondering ways in which I can do business with this guy––pitch his songs for films and TV, shop him for a record contract and a publishing deal. Maybe even connect him a top manager. He seemed to have it all. Great songs, unique voice, an interesting look, and superb recordings.

But upon finding out how little he knew––

Results of Ignorance Seven months later, I got a call from a well-established music supervisor whom I hadn’t talked to in quite some time. We were catching up, and he mentioned to me that this same artist’s music had caught his ear. He, too, was blown away by the music, but ended up walking away from the deal he offered the artist: ... Because the artist didn’t know what is typical on film placement deals and wasted valuable time making unrealistic demands. ... Because the Music Supervisor was nervous that the artist would make him look bad to the movie producers and directors with whom he has spent years cultivating trusted relationships. ... Because time is precious, and he didn’t have the time to teach the artist about the business. ... Because there are many other artists with quality material to choose from who already know how the business of music works.

It gets worse.

There are roughly 30 music supervisors in Hollywood who control 90% of the music that gets placed in major films and TV shows. They know each other very well––and they all talk. Word in this business travels very fast.

And the artist hasn’t been able to penetrate the industry since then.

Bottom Line The artist refused to learn to speak the language of the music business, and paid for it with his dream.

You could learn the fundamentals of the music business on your own by Googling the terms mentioned above. Or try to pick up information from your more experienced music friends. (Check out Music Connection regularly!)

But to learn it quickly and correctly from someone who’s been there and done that, we will be doing an entire session on “Vital Music Business Fundamentals” at Joe Solo’s Malibu Beach House Music Success Retreat, which I will be presenting this March. (Go to MusicCareerSuccess.com for details.)

In the meantime, if you have any burning music business questions that just can’t wait, shoot me an email and I’ll try to help.

I’m in your corner.

“Upon finding out how little he knew—and cared to know—about the business, I quickly realized I didn’t want anything to do with him professionally.”

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and cared to know––about the business, I quickly realized I didn’t want anything to do with him professionally. And pros in the biz would respond the same way. More on this in a minute––read on...

I passionately recommended that he seriously consider getting educated on the basics of the biz. But it fell on deaf ears. It was as though laziness, fear of the unknown, or perhaps some ego (“All they have to do is hear my music and it’ll be a piece of cake from there.”) were winning over him considering the perspective of a guy who’s been in the trenches for 24 years. Go figure.

For example, if he knew that by copyrighting his music prior to someone possibly infringing (stealing) it, he would be entitled, by law, to up to $150,000 per infringement and reimbursement of all attorney’s fees. (And having this legal leverage would set the stage for attracting a top music litigation attorney to take his case—typically resulting in a quick, lucrative settlement instead of a risky, drawn-out trial.)

JOE SOLO is a record producer, songwriter, public speaker and founder of The Music Success Workshop.

His credits include Fergie, Michael Jackson, Macy Gray, Universal, Sony, Apple and Quincy Jones. For his professional history and audio examples go to JoeSoloProductions.com. Get his FREE Music Success Video Nuggets and live mentoring details at joesolo. com. To reach him: info@joesolo.com.

– GLENN T. LITWAK

WINNERS OF 7 AWARDS AT THE 2014 LA MUSIC AWARDS PRESENTATIONS

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