A Monthly Newsletter April 2006

BRISTOL RECORDING & VOICE STUDIOS

S p e c i a l i z i n g i n A r t i s t D e v e l o p m e n t AUDITION LISTINGS SUCCESS STORY ARTIST DEVELOPMENT VOICE DEPARTMENT BRISTOL MUSIC INDUSTRY TIP Online listing of Al Barr, frontman for News from the Voice ENTERTAINMENT Music Industry advice performance the Boston punk rock Department featuring News from Bristol from Bristol Studios opportunities band, The Dropkick Renee Marcou’s debut Entertainment! owner Ric Poulin Page 1 Murphys single “Best Thing” Page 5 Page 2 Page 4 GRADUATES & NEW UPCOMING CLIENT GIGS STUDENTS Performances featuring News from the Bristol RECORDING STUDIO Congratulations to Latest Studio news Bristol Studios clients recent graduates from Entertainment Artist Page 6 Development Program featuring Stanley Bristol Voice Level I, Featuring the latest featuring Melissa Jane’s Porter’s second studio Engineering I, ProTools from Jada - a new album first album and Katie album “Grace SPECIALS & SERVICES I, II, and III, Production and hanging out in the Davies latest Amazing” and his Upcoming Workshops, I and II, and Reason studio with Sisqo! performance! upcoming summer Special Deals, Services 3.0 ! Welcome to our Page 5 Page 3 tour! and Reminders new voice students! Page 4 Page 6 Page 1

AUDITIONS: for a vocalist who can perform Boys 2 Pro Tools 1: Jonathan Henshaw MALE OR FEMALE VOCALIST Men style vocals. The group currently Jonathan Rhecliffe NEEDED! Boston-based special event consists of two vocalists and a rap artist. Pro Tools 2: Jonathan Henshaw, band looking to add a male or female For more information call Dan at 508-880- Jonathan Rhecliffe vocalist for backup and some leads. Must 3750. Pro Tools 3: Mario Rivera have a great attitude, stage presence and looks. Playing an instrument helps, but is SEEKING KEYBOARDIST AND GUI- Digital Performer: Mike Mobray not necessary. Steady weekend work in TARIST FOR COUNTRY/GOSPEL the New England area. All interested BAND! A Boston-area band is looking for Production 1: Cortland Mathers-Suter parties contact [email protected]. experienced members interested in Production 2: Cortland Mathers-Suter, playing country/gospel crossover who are Mario Rivera also able to make a long-term ATTENTION FEMALE VOCALISTS! A commitment. Call Stephen at 781-724- Voice Level 1: Paul Logan, Gallus Boston area female vocalist is currently in 7176 for more information. Fotabong, Patrice Peris, Michael Grill, the process of forming an all female pop Matt Soares, Pamela DeArruda, Keri funk/R&B group. Looking for fun, Wilson, Doo Byong Park, Pablo energetic and determined vocalists, ages Longobardi 17-25 who are able to sing and dance. GRADUATES: You must have a good look and be serious about performing. For Congratulations to our recent audio information please contact Pamela at engineering and voice graduates: NEW STUDENTS: [email protected]. Engineering 1: Cheryl Hajjar, Andrew Welcome to new voice students: VOCALIST WANTED! Boston-based hip Sterner hop/R&B group, Infinite Ends, is looking Connie Balagadda, Chris Kezik, Alaia Dixon, and Melissa Erilus! Reason: Jonathan Rhecliffe

Bristol Voice & Recording Studios - April 2006 Page 1 SUCCESS STORY:

AL BARR - LEAD SINGER THE DROPKICK MURPHYS

Dropkick Murphys Singer Puts an End to Vocal Frustration

After years of frustration, Al Barr, lead singer for the Boston breakout punk act Dropkick Murphys finally took control of his voice last summer with the help of Ric Poulin, owner of Bristol Voice & Recording Studios and renowned producer.

In addition to being the Dropkicks frontman for over seven years, Barr has been involved with music and singing since he was just five years old. “I never thought anything about my voice in terms of how I sounded,” he said. “But as I got into this band, it became my life in the sense that I no longer was working a day job to do music.”

Over the years, Barr has worked with many vocal coaches, trying to find different ways of making his voice do the things he hoped it could. Despite working with classical coaches from Vienna to New England, Barr was provided with all the same rudimentary exercises, which were not applicable to his style of music or live performance situations.

“It wasn’t until I came to Bristol that I heard the analogy ‘Why would you take tap dancing from a ballet instructor?’” he said. “And that seemed to hit the nail right on the head. I’m a punk rock singer, but I had basically been going to people on the improvement in his voice. He feels that since studying who were trying to teach me classical music.” with Ric he has learned the right exercises to pull himself out of a bad voice day, and as a result calims that he’s more That was until he began studying with Ric. confident both in the studio and performing live.

“Now when I sing I’m able to visualize my voice and do “I think so many people out there are seeing vocal everything that I’m visualizing for the song, whereas teachers who don’t know what they’re talking about,” he before I didn’t really understand what I was doing. I just said. “And that’s the difference. If your vocal coach is kind of did it because that was the way I always did it and unable to get you out of the mud, then guess what dude, I never really examined my singing until Ric broke it you’re wasting your money. It’s as simple as that.” down for me,” he said.

After training at Bristol, Barr went on to record The Dropkick For more information on Al Barr and his band Dropkick Mur- Murphys’ fifth studio album, titled “The Warrior Code.” In phys, check out their website at www.dropkickmurphys.com or every interview supporting the album he received comments pick up their latest album “The Warrior Code.”

Bristol Voice & Recording Studios - April 2006 Page 2 ARTIST DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

I’ve actually had training in the music that her career one step at a time. A young, I want to sing. It makes so much of a singer/songwriter from Danvers, MA, difference.” Katie has been studying at Bristol Voice MELISSA JANE and Recording Studios since the begin- Aside from the album, Melissa is perform- ning of last fall, originally as a vocal stu- ing regionally at widespread events from dent taking lessons from Aaron Winthers club nights to private parties. She and now in the Bristol Entertainment Artist recently began a side project with local Development Program with Ric Poulin. hip hop DJ, Sin, singing hooks and choruses on some of his latest tracks. Star-struck since the age of three, the 19- “Turntable,” a song the two did together, year-old is finally on her way to recording was featured in a Phat Farm fashion her first demo. “Right now Ric and I are show on December 4, 2005, and Melissa working on getting my voice up to and Sin plan on shooting a music video standard for recording,” she said. “We do for “Turntable” in the near future. a lot of vocal exercises and he’s giving me steps on how to write my songs.” In addition, Melissa has started to organ- ize is an open mic night on Sunday nights With two songs ready to record and a at An Tain, a downtown Boston venue third on the way, the demo is soon to be a across from the Aquarium. Artists can reality. Katie isn’t waiting until after email her at [email protected] recording, however, to move forward with for open mic night performance her career. opportunities. She recently headlined a New Year’s Eve For more information about Melissa performance at the First Night Teen Con- Jane, visit www.melissajane.com. cert in Newport, Rhode Island at the Jane Pickens Theater, along with Gregg Ra- poso from the boy group Dream Street. Davies belted out seven songs, including two originals, for a nearly packed house. After a year and a half at Bristol Record- KATIE DAVIES ing & Voice Studios, and a lifetime reach- In the upcoming year Davies has her ing for the spotlight, neo-soul vocalist and eyes set on finishing the demo and per- Bristol Entertainment Artist Develop- forming as much as possible. “I want to ment artist, Melissa Jane, is beginning do a lot more shows and really get myself to work on her first album. out there,” she said.

The disc will be eight songs in total, all For more information about Katie, visit co-writen by Melissa and studio owner www.bristolstudios.com/katie and renowned producer Ric Poulin. “I begin with an idea and then write lyrics from that idea while imagining the melo- MUSIC INDUSTRY NEWS: dies,” she said about her songwriting process. Melissa comes back with the lyrics and she and Ric go over them and SXSW 2006: then collaborate on the melodies until the Recently the 2006 South by Southwest Festi- song develops. val came to a close. Held annually in Austin, TX, music industry professionals got together Melissa’s style is influenced by artists like from March 15th - 19th for a music confer- Erika Badu, Jill Scott and Bilal. She has ence, festival and trade show. Earlier in the been training her voice since age ten, and week film and interactive conferences, festi- studied at the Berklee College of Music, vals and tradeshows were also held. but she didn’t find her match until she began training at Bristol Studios. For more information on what went on during SXSW you can check out Bristol Entertainment Artist Develop- “It was a lot of musical theater and classi- www.2006.sxsw.com for video blogs, ment vocalist, Katie Davies, is building cal,” she said. “This is the first place that podcasts and daily recap.

Bristol Voice & Recording Studios - April 2006 Page 3 VOICE AND RECORDING STUDIO NEWS

Renee feels that she’s on the right track Billias, “Grace Amazing” fuses elements at Bristol Studios. “I’m starting off of hip hop, rap, gospel and short skits to RENEE MARCOU where I want to be, and everyone really create a unique, urban Christian sound. supports me here,” she said. “I was “Grace Amazing” was a two year project always a little nervous, but now I feel for Porter which developed from a rough much more confident.” and chaotic time, but now that he’s re- ceived an overwhelmingly positive re- She has performed at other recent sponse, the effort seems worth it all. events, including a Barbizon fashion show in Waltham, MA on February 16, Right now he’s focus is on touring and 2006 and at a Calvin Klein promotion at increasing radio play. He has already the Saugus Mall in Saugus, MA. In the received airplay on WEZE 590 am, Bos- future she hopes to get a record deal, ton’s leading Christian station, and is in make a name for herself performing and heavy rotation on Northeastern Universi- eventually touring. ty’s radio station WRBB. During the summer of 2006 he plans to tour through For more information on this young out Texas and Florida and is currently artist, visit www.reneemarcou.com. busy with regional gigs.

In addition, Porter has recently agreed to host Boston Neighborhood Network’s gospel talent show titled, The Dream STANLEY PORTER Chaser, which is modeled after American Idol. The show first aired on BNN on Seventeen-year-old Renee Marcou February 10, 2006 and will continue to air found success and a willing audience for on the 10th and 24th of each month until her music when she debuted her first sin- the winner is announced on April 21. Por- gle, “Best Thing” at a Wilmington High ter has agreed to mentor the winner in School prom fundraiser on November 16, starting his or her career in music by 2005. The Bristol Voice student was the funding a demo, which he have done at featured performer of the evening, and Bristol Studios. ended up selling out her new two-song demo CD. Extremely satisfied with the outcome of the current album, Porter says, “I still have so much creative energy to get “It was a full crowd, and so many people back in the studio and keep working. were coming up to me afterwards,” she Chris is a great engineer and producer recalled. “Best Thing” is a relationship but also has an amazing knowledge of song written by Renee about a male who music. He knows when to push for a pushes his girlfriend away only to realize better performance and when to back that she was the best thing he had. down and let me do my thing.” Stanley Porter, a contemporary Christian gospel artist, is working hard to pursue Originally a rapper, Porter eventually Renee has been working with Bristol Re- success for his second studio album made the transition into gospel music, cording & Voice Studios for about a year “Grace Amazing,” which was recorded at and formed an independent contempo- now, at first taking vocal lessons from Bristol Recording & Voice Studios and rary Christian label, 4:12 Records. In ad- Brent Barlow and now in the Bristol En- released in September of 2005. By fo- dition to working on 4:12 Records, Porter cusing on regional touring and garnering tertainment Artist Development Pro- is a high school history teacher in Boston. gram with Ric Poulin. She just finished more radio play, Porter hopes the album will catch on and touch people’s lives. her demo in November and is now work- For more information on Stanley Por- ing on a full-length album. Recorded, mixed and mastered with Bris- ter visit his website at tol’s Senior Engineer and Producer Chris www.412records.unimstores.com.

Bristol Voice & Recording Studios - April 2006 Page 4 BRISTOL ENTERTAINMENT

JADA MUSIC INDUSTRY TIP Producer RIC POULIN - Bristol Recording & Voice Studios Owner/Director

Jada started the new year off with a bang at the Radio Disney New Years Concert at Boston’s City Hall Plaza. After perform- ing along with P-Diddy’s R&B supergroup B5 and pop/rock The Music Career Business Model - College? I Don’t Think So! trio Everlife, Jada landed the featured spot ringing in the new year with Mayor Thomas Menino on the evening news on I continually find myself having this conversation with artists daily. CBS TV! Every business evolves from a model based on successful actions. There are different models for bakeries, insurance com- Recently, Jada has headed back into the studio to record new panies, fast food restaurants, etc. and there can be more than one material for their upcoming album with some of the hottest successful model. To make any business work, you just have names in the business whose credits make up a who’s who of to find the model that has previously worked for others and the music industry today! Weekend trips to New York and New emulate it. Jersey have resulted in 15 amazing new songs . Take a look at successful Pop/R&B/Rock stars. How many gradu- Jada’s management arranged to have Sisqo, pictured above, ated from a music college that specifically prepared them for their take time out of his own busy recording schedule to stop by Ja- career? It's very hard to think of any. That is NOT the business da’s recording session a couple weeks ago and to hear them model for Pop/R&B/Rock success. The real model, as I see it, is sing. After listening to the girls’ version of “Oh Darlin” by The total immersion into the marketplace and private study, Beatles, he offered some words of inspiration: whether self taught or with a mentor. This is similar to training for the Olympics. The time to do it is while you are young, not “I’ve never heard the Beatles sing it like that! I think the after you graduate from college. best thing is the way you guys really love (what you’re do- ing),” he said after hearing Jada’s performance. “That’s what’s missing with a lot of artists today - they spend so It takes working on building your career daily, for many hours, and much time trying to be cool, and it’s a detachment, in my focusing on the right activities. In addition, you have to align your- personal opinion, from the audience.” self with music industry people who are active in the field and have access to promoters, producers and record labels. Whether early After nearly ten years in Dru Hill, Sisqo knows how to keep a on or later, building a fan base is essential. You won't last without group together. So when he pointed out the obvious friendship one, with a large fan base one can successfully work for their between Jada members and a love of their music as key ingre- whole life. dients to their appeal and success, he confirmed that Jada was on the right track. At Bristol Studios we have a comprehensive artist develop- ment program that addresses every issue confronting today’s For more information on Jada check out their website at artists. For more information you can contact Julie at www.jadamusic.com [email protected]

Bristol Voice & Recording Studios - April 2006 Page 5 UPCOMING CLIENT SHOWS AND PERFORMANCES:

Amy Famiglietti: Saturday, April 15, 2006 – 1pm performing the National Anthem at the Portland Sea Dogs vs. Binghamton Mets

Melissa Jane: Every Sunday - Open Mic at An Tain in downtown Boston. Email [email protected] to sign up to perform

WORKSHOPS STUDIO SPECIALS SERVICES

Performance Audio Engineering & RECORD YOUR DEMO! FREE VOICE LESSON! Artist Workshop Production Courses Development: Let our experienced produc- Bristol Voice Studios is now Music Career Consultations Bristol’s veteran producers, Bristol Recording Studios ers and engineers create offering new students a great Demo Critique educators and performers will offers a wide range of audio record quality music to get way to get into the TRUE Pop/ Image Consultation teach you the keys to per- engineering courses, from your demo the industry atten- Gospel/R&B vocal program! Artist Development Seminar formance success in a per- basic to advanced, that cover tion you’ve been looking for! Buy four lessons and get the Performance Workshop sonal and supportive envi- the most current and innova- Our demo package includes: fifth one for free, with no de- Songwriting Workshop ronment covering areas such tive programs, equipment and 15 hours of studio time and 20 posit required! Already Music Business Workshop as: techniques necessary for any CDs with on-CD text in jewel enrolled in the program? Don't Vocal Recording Workshop aspiring studio engineer or cases, all for $899!!! Bands: worry, you can get a free “How To” Workshops -Being comfortable and confi- producer. Taught by experi- get a great sound, pay cheap lesson too! When you buy a Music Industry Seminars dent on stage enced and talented studio rates, work with chill engi- block of 10 lessons you Professional Photo Shoot -Handling nervousness and professionals, the program neers and great gear! Song- automatically get a free voice Professional Music Video overcoming stage fright offers small class sizes and writers: get radio quality pro- lesson. That's almost three Web Design and Hosting -Being comfortable talking to hands-on training in real life duction and exciting arrange- months of lessons paid for at Press Kit Design audiences (and what to say to scenarios. ments from industry pros at one time. This is the easiest Record Label Shopping them) affordable prices. Bring your and most economical way to Performance Opportunities -How to put emotion into a Basic Courses: full musical vision to fruition. manage your voice lessons. performance Audio Engineering I, Audio Singers: Work with specially Anyone interested in finding -How to achieve star pres- Engineering II, ProTools I, trained engineers who can out more about Bristol Voice Voice Studio: ence and star quality on stage Digital Performer, Reason 3.0 make you sound your best! studios is invited to come in FREE VOICE CONSULTATION! -Physical movement, includ- We have a creative environ- for a free, no obligation vocal Voice Lessons ing gesturing in songs ment and comfortable sur- consultation. To book your Advanced Courses: Piano Lessons ProTools II, ProTools III, roundings. This deal is of- free consultation, or if you -Stage manners Music Theory Lessons Production I, Production II, fered for a limited time only are interested in purchasing Voice Over Lessons Mixing, Mastering so call Jason today at 617- a block of lessons, please The workshop is held at Bris- 247-8689. call Jacyn at 617-247-8689. tol Recording & Voice Studios Package Discounts and one night a week for 10 Recording Studio: specific individual tutorials LOOKING FOR PROFESSIONAL weeks from 7-9:30pm. A Recording/Mixing/Mastering designed to fit your AFFORDABLE TEACHING SPACE Production/Composition nonrefundable deposit is due educational needs are also AVAILABLE! REHEARSAL SPACE? Media Transfer to reserve your place in the available. workshop. Enrollment is lim- Bristol Studios is now offering CD/Tape Duplication Bristol Studios is currently Web/Graphic Design ited so register soon! professional teaching space Call Jason today at renting out rehearsal space by for rent by the hour! Instru- Audio Engineering Courses 617-247-8689 for more the hour. Solo performers and mental instructors, voice Production Courses Call Jacyn at 617-247- course information. ensembles alike are welcome teachers and dance instruc- Digital Editing 8689 for more infor- to call Jason at 617-247- tors are welcome to call CD-Rom/DVD Authoring Jason at 617-247-8689 to mation or to register. 8689 to schedule a tour of Video Recording schedule a tour of our pro- Onsite Recording our professional facilities fessional facilities and to Voice Over Talent Casting and to find out how we can find out how we can ac- accommodate your needs. commodate your needs. Session Talent Casting

Bristol Voice & Recording Studios - April 2006 Page 6