stormyduke’s blog

So thought I’d just tell you about a day in my life ....

10 am - ( yep that’s what I said ) – My scout comes in ..with a List, a snapshot of what’s going on out there in the A&R unsigned circles…what’s being talked about , who’s looking at what ,what ludicrous deals are being asked !!! what gigs he’s seen – He has an opinion but still I like to hear what’s going on regardless of his thoughts ( though I usually agree) – best to cover all basis... Damn does he work hard...but he loves and thrives on it ...which is why we Love him... except he never gets the Myspace Links right ..but that’s only minor.

11.30 – Producer manager comes by just to talk about who on his roster (mainly US ) are up to .... these meetings are good as it’s a constant reminder of who is out there making great records with artists – and is dead helpful...especially the one who don’t think their clients are right for everything !!!! – also just coz they are making successful records doesn’t mean they won’t take a chance in an unsigned act/artist ..... I have a coupe of artists that I haven’t signed ( and may not) but still play them in case they want to get stuck in early ?? maybe there is some writing to be had to... once we are all relaxed and flowing they tell me what other labels are up to ...... like another scout ....another source of new Music.

12.30 – I’m buying equipment ????? – have an artist with a writer/producer Demoing at the moment ..you know what ..its sounding great –good vibe/spirit...why change it ...why go into a studio and loose the Magic they have created .... so am using the studio money ( a fraction of I might add.) to buy a great liquid Pre-amp and an ace Mic for his home studio ..therefore taking it a bit further quality wise...and enough on tape to go and Mix !!!!!!!

LUNCH – With a manager – no one I am affiliated to but you never know he may come to me with something ..played a few things but not really right for RCA .. best thing is he’s a right laugh and always good value – is well connected in the US with Sync folk

5.00 (just kidding) – Meeting with Producer Hugh Padgham with credits such as the Police / Hugh was among the most successful producers in contemporary British pop back in the day, perhaps best known for his extended collaboration with Phil Collins -Padgham is credited with creating the 'gated' drum sound used so prominently on Phil Collins' single "In the Air Tonight", and which became the template for much of the of recorded pop drum sound of the 1980s. – which of course has had a resurgence in the charts due to Chart rules that allow downloads with no Physical release to chart – the obvious thing here being that Advert has made people go and buy “In the Air tonight” again...... you look at the charts around New Year “Aul langs san “ will be up there due to this .......

Anyhow –fascinating fella ... full of story’s – these are the meetings I most love – meeting people who are a wealth of History in Music – stories you have heard about but from the Horses Mouth ...yep there is a version with a Drum pattern through out the whole of “In the air tonight” as the USA didn’t understand why there was no tempo....an asked for it much to the dismay of Phil.... so it was played on top on the Master Tape and recorded ...Quality !!!!

4.00 – general catching up – getting song re-vocalled in time to recall a Mix –speaking with Mix engineer making sure he has the Idea ...( which naturally he has ...good choice) –that’s the knack picking the right Man – booking Mastering time for another Band...using UK Mastering engineer ..yeah the US are good but there is some hot ones here to ..John Davis ( Love ya ) – have difficult conversation with Producer saying that he doesn’t definitely have the Job on a certain record ..need to do some more fishing... need convincing ( which isn’t a good sign for starters..) .... talk intensely with Marketing about plots /ideas etc on certain acts......and more but even I’m getting quite Bored......

Tunes on IPOD ( recent

1.Leona Lewis album – quality songs, quality singing – think Mariah / Streisand in fact any great soul legend ....its Class and does an awesome job of Robertas “First time “ ..
2. Sigu Ros - chilled, trippy, ethereal
3.Van Morrison – Astral weeks ...as you should
4.Now 68 – Good tunes .... ( makes a change !!!! )
5.Operator Please – Australian teen frenzy Pop

No names yet but I am about to sign a new artist/singer – at the moment he has 3 jobs to pay his rent etc.and recently had to take a weekend job cleaning toilets at a school to pay for some band members which was meant to have been sorted out by his ex-manager but clearly wasn’t – to be honest I have had my eye on him for a few years and when I 1st came across him he wasn’t quite ready and needed time to develop his songs and generally grow as an artist – nothing worse than getting a deal at the wrong time –doesn’t benefit anyone least not the artist – can become frustrating and soul destroying !!!! – Am very excited about getting in the studio and making a brilliant , heartfelt album ......that’s the best part for sure – though if it doesn’t go to plan can become hellishly expensive – that’s why you have to be so prepared even before you switch on the light – Making sure you have the right producer that not only gets the artist but can put in that Magic to lift the songs emotionally and sonically still maintaining what the Artist is all about – After all its their record and that’s why we sign them..

Went to a Major High Street Record store the yesterday ( Dull I hear you say..) well what was strange was the age of the people in the store – I reckon there wasn’t anyone under the age of about 25 ( apart from myself that is !!!!!! ) – this download thing is out of control –but the way of the world .....I remember my shock and disbelief when the CD 1st came in ...I’m now loosing my mind – somebody dropped an album off their computer onto my IPOD the other day ...how out of order is that really – all that blood sweat and tears (as above) artists hard work and expression to be cheapened by a click of a button !!! – so what did the artist get ? NOTHING ...unless of course I decide to go check out a gig if I like the record enough ... but if I don’t then that’s a double whammy !!!! – I do find it strange that Lovers of this art are being kind of disrespectful with ripping of tunes ... it not only effects the record company and of course the artist but will slowly chip into all involved – Studios , manufacturers , people in general across the board involved in Music !!! – that’s not right is it ??? ?

Then again I didn’t stop myself receiving said Music – but my god it has made me think – and we all should.......it was like biting the hand that feeds you .....

Original or a Blatatant Copy - you decide -shows the power of certain bands however that can be enough for other bands to follow suit - and not alot is original these days as there has been Music coming at us from all angles for decades and decades - check this out -Video N0.1 Mew-Comforting sounds -this is the original

Not done a Blog for a while infact not even sure if anyone reads it - don't even know what to write half the time .....so thought it would be good for the "Community" to hear some of the interesting Music record companies are showing interest in .... none are secrets so can't really get into trouble....check out tommy sparks "she's Dancin" is a cracking little pop tune ...This next guy has a wicked voice -saw him play with Ali Love the other night -alexander very Bluesy , certainly got some spirit and a tourtured soul !!!! - band wise the Nut brothers reminded me of Magazine a little bit ... one song did remind me of Steve Millar band Abracadabra ..which is fine . Albums wise bought the re-issue of Os mutantes check out this video - the early CSS perhaps ???? - Meetings wise remember I blogged about Campag Velocet - well met with Pete abd heard his new band "The Count"  its really fierce - look forward to going to a Gig ... lyrically I reckon Pete is brilliant - he needs to write a book of his Lyrics - Met up with Rik Nowels who's writing talents/hits stretch from Belinda Carlisle to Nelly Fortado to New Radicals to Dido - very chilled , very skilled .... 2 trips to studio's -oStudio ne where I am Demoing this guy I have found - cracking voice , cracking tunes, sat with the producer before hand where we did our own Pre-production - listened to Scott Walker,Rufus and Queen !!!! sketched up an arrangement and Ideas etc...then laid it down in 2 days -was an hour well spent ! -studio 2 Mixing - always exciting ( not as great as Making the record) but equally as Important - combination of artist, A&R man and Mixer when in agreement and on the same page can be really fruitfull -but can of course go the other way .... and be a bad choice ( though not that often if you know what you want ..as you pick the right guy..) - saw the debut gig from sugarushbeatcompany boy they are going to be so good after a few more shows -uplifting , spiritual , twisted Pop..... 

Finally nearly cried as I listened to some Demos from Mew  the record is going to be a work of art -the fanantic and passionate Mew frengers are going to be so happy ... hopfully more people will get to discover this gem of a band... If no-one reads this then thats cool - was quite enjoyable writing it.....

"Thanks for the Demo - we think you have a lot of potential but we are not in the business of potential"

This was in a letter sent to a band back in the 80's from a Major Label ...made me laugh I must confess ... band went on to sell millions and be a very Inspirational / Influencial band  ..... it actually surpirsed me to be fair as everyone says there was more artist development back then !!!!  -- I do believe If there is a spark of talent it will be nurtured or atleast watched closely to see if it develops .......or at least I do and am sure it happens all over no matter what the Record Label -- have no fear ... for example I have been watching a singer lad for the past few years from a distance and now may well see if he wants to make a record ....he's ready............

"thats neat,thats neat ,thats neat ,thats neat-I really Love your tiger feet"

MUD - should have played Glastonbury !!! -been to the festival about 18 times...and this one was the hardest by far  -it was a struggle getting to see what you wanted to full stop let alone on time -  BJORK was amazing - Arcade Fire were quiet but exciting -CSS cheered me and my mates up and were close to the band of the weekend -the Marley brothers in the Roots tent nostalgic and quite emmotional infact - The Brakes sounded good but couldn't be arsed to leave my tent. ..... BUT WHERE WERE THE SUPERSTARS ???? BJORK was the closest in that field ( literally ) - Considering there was a couple of years to sort out the bill thought there was a few tricks missed on the Line-up front.....!! - I have only ever had 2 artists play Glastonbury before and its a hell of a proud moment I can tell you - lets hope next year I can have that moment again ...... thats if I can be bothered to go !!!!!!!! 

MY FAVOURITE ADVERT TUNE

06 Dreamer's Bay

Patience And Prudence

4 comments

Campag Velocet - Vito Satan

Anyone remember this band - Campag Velocet ? - ahead of their time I reckon - The Twang have a lot to thank them for - accept the Burberry - CV wouldnt be seen dead in it !!!!

Augie March - One Crowded Hour (promo)

5 comments

I LOVE THIS - check it out its from AUGIE MARCH - mentioned them before - I think this is one of those tracks that grows and grows and grows - enjoy

DJ'd with GRANDMASTER!!!!!!!