COMING IN THE AIR TONIGHT

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