look here
for info pertaining to joe puerta's recording studio: the
exchange
here are a few of the artists that joe puerta
has produced
*the
good luck joes / on a sun
/ grace weber / alaria taylor
brandon james & the crossfires
/ mark paffrath / brian
dale
sound
clips featured
*Produced by The Good Luck Joes and Joe Puerta
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A
day in the life of an unsigned band They have the look. They have the talent.What they do not have is a recording contract. They are called The Good Luck Joes, an unsigned band from Grand Rapids, Mich. After spending some time with the band, seeing them play live and record in the studio, it is evident how tough the music business is these days, especially for unsigned bands. It is becoming increasingly difficult for good bands to form, get signed and make it in the music business. Record labels don't want to take a chance on bands that may not generate much revenue. This creates a problem because many talented and dedicated bands like The Good Luck Joes fail to get the recognition they deserve. The Good Luck Joes formed in high school and, like many bands, face the difficult decision of leaving college to pursue a career with the band or graduating and putting a potentially successful career in music on hold. One of the first things people notice when they are introduced to a new band takes place even before listening to its music. Bands that have "the look" already have a head start. Seeing The Good Luck Joes live, they definitely dress the part, evoking an image that complements their music. Their look works to their favor, adding spice and variety. Guys who can pull off wearing pink shirts while playing on stage illustrate how comfortable they are playing live, emphasizing their personalities and great stage presence. More importantly, The Good Luck Joes' self-titled debut album and their second album coming out in winter demonstrate their musical talent and insightful songwriting skills. I was able to see them record in Milwaukee at The Exchange studio-owned by Joe Puerta, former member of Ambrosia and Bruce Hornsby and the Range. It quickly became clear that because they are unsigned, they enjoy the perk of having total creative control over every aspect of the recording process. This control over their music allows them to establish their own unique sound, independent of any corporate influence. The Good Luck Joes create music by their own standards, producing a quality sound. If unsigned bands have this control and are later signed, they will be able to keep a command over their music. Not only did the rigorous recording process highlight their dedication to lay down the perfect track, but it also highlighted the wonderful dynamic of the band. All five members were present during the process, and they all helped each other along the way. The band's unity will reflect positively in their music by allowing them to build their sound together, creating a quality album. The standard recording process requires only one member to record at a time, breaking down the relationship of a group, like Guns 'N' Roses recording Use Your Illusion II practically over the phone. Additionally, The Good Luck Joes have grown from their last album-especially with the songs "48 Hours" and "Letting Go/Hanging On," which have incredible hooks and are on the right path to becoming hits. The Good Luck Joes are coming into their own with their second release and face the challenge of pursuing a career in music as an unsigned band. What they need now is airtime and exposure in order for people to embrace their music. With Clear Channel owning over 1200 radio stations, it is hard for unsigned bands to be heard even if they are truly talented. Without being under a record label, or even with a small independent one, music distribution is extremely difficult and airplay is hard to get. The politics of the music industry can be gruesome, and big labels neglect many talented bands trying to make it because it could be a gamble that will fail to pay off. This leaves the music market unoriginal and homogenous. For unsigned and independent bands, the college circuit seems to be the best way to gain exposure. More public radio stations are needed to play unconventional and unsigned bands or, at least, the music that people don't hear on every other station. Small venues and local record stores also need to tap into the local talent. Madison has a plethora of great bands and a talented arts scene. Thankfully, many are heard due to the smaller venues and the Student Unions. Word of mouth is also another way people find out about bands. The Internet is a great place to stay in touch with new bands, although with the decline of music downloading the process has become harder once again. The Web site www.purevolume.com contains a huge library of unsigned bands where you can listen to unsigned bands' music for free. This is a great resource to hear bands you never heard of and is another way for bands to gain exposure. The Good Luck Joes is one of the many talented unsigned bands deserving exposure, but with the music scene the way it is, being unsigned makes exposure hard to come by. Listen to them and check out their Web site, www.goodluckjoes.com. Support
unsigned bands, and you may find amazing unheard talent and help vary
the homogeneous music scene. So good luck, Joes, and all other talented
unsigned bands. *Produced
by The Good Luck Joes and Joe Puerta |
Ever since Mike McWilliam left his life behind in Florida in 1997 to join forces with his brother John in Milwaukee, their lives have been devoted to creating the ultimate rock band. Their journey brought them to many stages with different bands and artists all of which served to condition them, but something always seemed to be missing. When they decided to ask brother Thomas to join the band it became clear that the three shared a natural chemistry that satisfied what they had been searching for all along. The brothers decided to pool their creative resources and concoct a new form of rock band. They wanted power and drive as well as mystique and intrigue with a constant yet subtle twist of innovation. This has led to comparisons by fans, newspaper critics, radio personalities and other local musicians to famous bands such as Radiohead, Pink Floyd, Pearl Jam, Incubus, Foo Fighters, Jeff Buckley, Oasis and The Verve as well as others. Only one month after their inception competing against the top bands in the region, ON A SUN was awarded 25 hours of recording time by Milwaukee's premier music newspaper THE SHEPHERD EXPRESS. The timing was perfect as this was just what they needed to launch their new sound. This attracted musician/producer Joe Puerta (Ambrosia, Bruce Hornsby and the Range). Joe produced with them a four-song ep, which upon its release was adopted by LAZER 103, WMSE 91.7 and NEW ROCK 102.1 with rave reviews. They also attracted the attention of musician/producer Peter Buffett (Hollywood Records, sound track for Dances with Wolves) who joined them in the studio with contributions to their new song Canyons. By performing diligently over the last three years around Milwaukee and Chicago before enthusiastic audiences On A Sun was recognized by Summerfest as being the right stuff for their premier Lazer103 ROCK STAGE for 2002, opening for Judas Priest. The following year they were invited back and opened for SALIVA. A portrait of John was used as the cover for the official 2003 schedule of events as well as on billboards across the state. Not to mention 450,000 collector beer cups. Then again in 2004 they rocked the Rock Stage opening for Three Days Grace. Their Self titled 4 song ep landed them a wealth of great shows and opportunities. Ranging from fund raisers for the poor to premier shows in Chicago. The recordings earned a spot on Chicago's WXRT local Anesthetic program to help sponsor a headline packed showcase at Chicago's famous MARTYR'S. The band was invited to perform an unplugged set opening for a Colin Haye of Men At Work. With a packed house of they received huge applause; acknowledgement for successfully crossing into the land of singer song writers. Their artistic abilities landed them a headline spot at the 20th anniversary party for Milwaukee’s Crazy Shepherd Music Magazine. On A Sun’s natural chemistry, vitality and talent have swept them at an unbelievable speed to their present showcase level. Now with the upcoming release of their first full length CD WATERSHED combined with their insatiable desire to write and perform On A Sun will bring their music to the world. They also have a song that Joe produced: "Forgive" from the soundtrack of the movie "Side Effects" which is being shown at the Sundance Film Festival. Check out their website: www.onasun.com
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It's 'Showtime'
It was
a surprise when she got the call. Late last winter, producers of "Showtime at the Apollo" held an audition for the show in Madison. Weber, who sings in jazz and classical choir at Pius, auditioned and came in second place. A representative for the show said they would be calling her later in the year. And they did: Weber taped her performance for the show in August; the episode is scheduled to air at 1 a.m. Sunday on WCGV-TV (Channel 24), and is expected to be repeated on Jan. 15. Although Weber's school singing is more geared to chorales and other more traditional European Christian liturgical music, she has had, for as long as she can remember, a passion for Baptist-style gospel and other roots and religious music indigenous to African-American culture. "People who've heard me sing on a recording and only then see me in person sometimes won't believe it was my actual voice they heard," said Weber, who has a deep, brassy and bluesy gospel-tinged singing style that roams in sound and influence from Ma Rainey to Billie Holiday to Shirley Murdock. "And at times, like when I'd sing with Milwaukee's Inner City Youth Gospel Choir (she was a member for two years during grade school) and when I arrived at the Apollo Theater to tape my segment for the show, a lot of people would give me 'what are you doing here?' kinds of stares and comments. "But once they heard me sing, most people were pretty cool." Weber doesn't just prefer older gospel, blues and jazz singing. She also has pop preferences typical of a 16-year-old. "I like Lauryn Hill, Joss Stone, India.Arie and a few other modern neo-soul singers," Weber said. "But Britney Spears? Yuk! And so many people who know I sing and then see me before hearing me assume that's the kind of music I like." When not singing with school choirs or doing homework, Weber has been recording an album at the south-side recording studio by Remote Planet at The Exchange. According to Weber, a demo CD with a few of her songs fell into the hands of Peter Rudge, an international music executive who splits his time between London and New York and who managed several European and North American tours by the Rolling Stones in the 1970s and '80s. "He
(Rudge) called me and complimented my music and made a special trip
to Milwaukee to see me perform in the studio," Weber said. "He
told me he's waiting for me to finish my CD, so he's got something more
substantial in hand when he goes out and promotes me and my music." |
Alaria Taylor is an award winning songwriter with numerous regional and national awards including: Billboard Magazine Songwriting Contest, Songwriter of the Year: Songwriters of Wisconsin, Pop Songwriter of the Year: Wisconsin Composers Circle, Great American Love Song Contest, and many others. She was selected to attend the prestigious ASCAP Advanced Songwriters Workshop in New York City. An accomplished live performer, she has performed in coffeehouses, nightclubs, colleges, theater, operas, cover bands, aboard cruise ships and on radio & TV In 2003 Alaria began working on her album, Unfinished Business, which she completed with the help of some equally remarkable musicians and with the support of the family and friends who knew this was what she was meant to do. “During the years I was sick, the biggest regret I had was that I never recorded a solo full-length CD of my original songs,” she says. “This was my ‘unfinished business,’ and I never thought I’d get a second chance. That’s why I named the album Unfinished Business.” The album consists of twelve original songs, and is an eclectic collection of material that includes bits and pieces of pop, folk, rock, blues, adult contemporary, and everything in between. But even with such variety, the album is consistently enjoyable, and is tightly held together by Alaria’s well-crafted and inspired songwriting, as well as her beautiful voice. Unfinished Business was produced by Grammy award winner Joe Puerta (Ambrosia, Bruce Hornsby and the Range), and it features many artists that are well-known, especially to those familiar with the Milwaukee music scene. Willy Porter, Robin Pluer, Greg Koch, Peter Mulvey, Steve Cohen and John Calarco are just a few of the musicians who drop in to make an appearance. “It’s been a labor of love and a life-long dream,” she says. “I sincerely hope people love it as much as I loved making it.” The 2004 release of Unfinished Business has been welcomed by a tremendous response from Alaria’s fans and critics. In the 2004 Billboard Magazine World Songwriting Contest, she picked up honorable mentions in the pop category for “Patiently”, “One Hour a Day” and “This Isn’t What I Ordered.” The Songwriters of Wisconsin International bestowed several awards upon her, including first place finishes for “Patiently” as rock/pop song of the year and folk song of the year and “This Isn’t What I Ordered” as novelty song of the year, a fourth place finish for “Patiently” as best adult contemporary song, a fifth place finish for “One Hour a Day” as best rock/pop song, and honorable mentions for “Waiting for You” as adult contemporary song and “One Hour a Day” in an open category. So now Alaria Taylor feels as though she has found her place. After being away for so long, she has been warmly welcomed back into a strong community of fellow singer-songwriters. Most importantly, her unfinished business has finally been finished. ALARIA
TAYLOR – UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Alaria Taylor is
a singer and award winning songwriter. Alaria's vocals are rich in passion.
Taylor holds a degree in psychology and has spent years in the theater
and in opera. Alaria also plays guitar and piano although she does not
handle these responsibilities on her twelve-track collection. Guitars,
bass, drums and strings are played by other talented musicians. The
CD was expertly produced by Grammy award winner Joe
Puerta. Unfinished Business is a major accomplishment for
this amazing artist. The CD captures part of Alaria's challenging journey
to compose her own songs while working in the arts. In 1999, serious
illness hindered the process for many months but spiritual healing and
rejuvenation led to the completion of Taylor's debut. Her lyrics are
personal, poetic and inspiring. The music itself is an eclectic mix
of adult contemporary, blues, folk and pop. The CD opens with 'One Hour
A Day' with its light, snappy beat but the visual lyrics are a serious
call to prayer. The song features Robin Pluer singing backup who strongly
complements Alaria's vibrant vocals. The track has a catchy groove and
plenty of spirit. It is followed by 'Immunity' that starts off slow
and dark alluding to a cold day at the end of December. A brief quiet
before guitars, piano and rhythms increases the pace and the tone of
Alaria's vocals turn hopeful. This song is a crafty contrast of images
and tempos. 'It Hurts' has painful, visual lyrics combined with a compelling
chorus and edgy instrumentation. Alaria Taylor's debut release is finished
and it is a job well done! |
Brandon James & the Crossfires Brandon James & the Crossfires is a five piece band that will satisfy the needs of virtually any crowd. In addition to covering The Allman Bros. Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Beatles and The Eagles, you'll hear new favorites like Sheryl Crow and Uncle Kracker along with some country standards. The real treat here is the band's original music!
They've recorded some outstanding demos that were brilliantly produced by Grammy winning musician Joe Puerta of Ambrosia & Bruce Hornsby and The Range at The Exchange studios in Milwaukee. One song: "Baby", was co-written by Joe Puerta.With blazing guitars and a solid groove, this band provides the best in Country Rock, Classic Rock, Southern Rock and Americana Music. Brandon James & The Crossfires were a 2004 WAMI nominee for Country Artist of the year.
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Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mark Paffrath has been a performing musician since 1976. That year ended a six month tour of folk clubs and festivals in Germany with friend and fellow Wisconsin native Don Owens with whom he did two recordings. Through the mid 1980s he performed for over eight years with the duo Paffrath & Dykhuis with whom he released two recordings and garnered a WAMI (Wisconson Area Music Industry) award for Best Folk Artists. He also played with the locally popular R & B band Marvin & The Dogs which released one recording. Through the mid and late 1980s he performed with Julie Schroeder in the duo Moulin Rouge with one recording to their credit. For a short stint in the early 1990s he performed as a duo with Milwaukee's Willy Porter. He currently sometimes performs with Richard Holly. They have released a CD called "Rainbeat" which won Best CD in a Racine (WI) Journal Times readers poll and they were nominated for a WAMI last year as Best Folk Artists. Mark, who was also picked as Best String Player several years running in the Racine (WI) Journal Times poll, also performs regularly as a solo in the region and has recently released a CD called "Retrofix - Life's Journey With Musical Friends" featuring music - mostly original and some borrowed - from many of the different groups he has performed and sung with over his career, plus one new song, "Forest Green Beret" produced by Joe Puerta of the group Ambrosia at The Exchange. Forest
Green Beret was voted 2002 Song of The Year Mark focuses his work full time in different areas of the music business and has his own music booking, management and publishing operation, New Leaf Music Enterprise. Mark also collects vintage watches, loves James Bond movies, TV Land, Karmann Ghias, Studebakers, old Chryslers, time off and Dean Martin. He and his wife love Summer and eachother and have two cats and a dog and live in Wisconsin. Mark's new CD, "Soothe" was released in 2004. Joe Puerta produced three songs from the CD at The Exchange. Soothe has recieved rave reviews. Check out Mark's website: www.markpaffrath.com
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Brian has
performed with: Les Lokey, Joe Puerta,
Jeff Radi, Ambrosia,
Melissa Mathes; and he has made guest appearances for
numerous other artists. He was also the drummer for Joe Puerta's
band "The Rummies." |
