I love almost everything. IL Sistema was created to be an entity that supports, advocates and develops honest, hardworking, extremely talented artists and individuals. I am inspired by the greatness of the best like Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Bowie, Bono, U2, Ray Charles, Robert Johnson, Josephine Baker, Madonna, Prince, Trent Reznor/NIN, Radiohead, Deftones, Timbaland and Muse.
Movies
Ray, Jerry McGuire, Almost Famous, Million Dollar Baby, Against the Ropes, Spinal Tap
Television
I do not follow American Idol or any other reality based music search show. My whole career and some of my friends' in the music business could be a series in itself with all the drama, highs, lows, scandals, etc.
Books
All You Need To Know About the Music Business by Donald Passman...and also everything from Deepak Chopra to books on the existence of vampires.
Heroes
The people in my life who continue to love and support me while I continue to follow this crazy passion of mine. Also, some of the people outside of my family who I could never do or have done this without and some who have serve (d) as an inspiration to carry on: Rob McDermott, Nick Ferrara, Perry Watts-Russell, Iris Dillon, Diana Meltzer, Jason Flom, Walter O'Brien, Louis Levin and Brian Nelson, Jolene Cherry, Kevin Williamson and all of the artists who I've worked with along the way, thank you for the experience...You know who you are ;-)
Oh,... and a true hero is anyone who has ever endured heartbreak and disapointment of being disppointed by someone or something you had great faith in...this too shall pass and you will become enriched by the experience, I promise you.
About me:
Currently: Working One Less Reason tour Summer 2009 and preparing them for recording with top producer and a major national record release campaign - no major label! Consulting ever so talented pop/country songstress Kirsti Manna best known for her #1 hit "Austin" by country artist Blake Shelton. A&R consultant for major label and independent projects. Developing the hot rising star producer/writer/musician M Quest with Bill Pettaway - get him now before you won't be able to. Consulting new and developing artists. Representing Rachel Bolan of Skid Row for production and writing projects. Developing a new merch concept for which artists can generate further income.
ONE LESS REASON CURRENT SINGLE "SEASONS" NOW AVAILABLE ON I-TUNES, AMAZON AND MANY OTHER DIGITAL OUTLETS.
Jonathan Tyler and The Northern Lights have got it going on. Red hot, bluesy rock and roll the way it oughtta be. Congrats to Jonathan Tyler and Atlantic Records on their recent deal. Rock on!
I haven't had the opportunity yet to meet or work with Jared Leto but thought I'd put this in a place where many people could see it. I just recently saw this video and read the story behind it...truly incredible and moving statement...it really touched me...one of my favorite motto's "success without a cause is a wasted effort." Way to go Jared.
RACHEL BOLAN is busy in the studio writing with and producing some of tomorrow's hottest new rock artists when not on the road with SKID ROW. Hit me up if you have an artist or project you'd like to discuss working with Rachel on.
Check out Carrie Underwood covering "I Remember You" a HIT song originally co-written by Rachel Bolan and Snake Sabo and performed by their band Skid Row. The song reached #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #23 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks in early-1990:
I've been a HUGE champion of International Recording and Performance Artist Bosson. I'd signed him to his first North American recording deal at Capitol Records in 1999. Here's a self written and directed video for his current single "What If I" that is blowing up in Sweden and Eastern Europe. Footnote - Bosson was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Original Song In A Motion Picture for his song "One In A Million" alongside Bjork, Bob Dylan, Sting and Garth Brooks.
I'm a music business addict. I've been in this industry for 20 years and still going strong. My peers and colleagues see me as a tireless music advocate, visionary, and mentor. I truly enjoy doing all kinds of artist development which is everything from executive producing a project, A&R, to artist management. I surround myself with quality friends, colleagues, and artists. You'll often hear me tell an artist - "It's 40 % talent and 60% ambition." Somewhere in there though you have to have character and truly understand it's all about the journey and not the destination.
Don't look for one musical direction or vibe on this page. I'm lover of ALL TYPES of music and an advocate for my many hardworking friends and artists in this business no matter what it is that they do ;-) Being involved in different formats and aspects of the music business is what keeps the path exciting for me...I'm stimulated by never feeling locked in to one style or avenue.
Brief list of artists over the years that I'm tied to for being an early champion: Deftones, Alanis Morissette, Blink 182, Slipknot, Muse, Saliva and Vega4.
IL Sistema Entertainment
Nashville, TN
I've seen some wonderful rewarding moments in my career -signing artists to their first major label deals, helping bands garner interest from other labels when mine wouldn't sign them which lead to recording contracts and multi-platinum records; the artist Bosson I signed get nominated for a Golden Globe "Best Original Song In a Motion Picture"; Hooking the charismatic blind rapper Supervision with Stevie Wonder...I could go on...I love what I do!
The Deftones RULE...I've been an advocate of for many years...love my boy Stef!
Who I'd like to meet: Anyone in life who is the real deal. Do not try to convince me you're the real deal...just BE the real deal. You could be a solo artist, band or a person putting yourself through school making it happen to be in the music business one day.
HOLLY! hey girl.. my boyfriend lives in Georgia and i will be headed that way at the end of October. I'm definitely flying. I'm soo excited. So how are you? anything exciting going on?
Hey! I was in Vegas last week launching our new clothing line. Please check out all the new clothes on the new website at www. MainlineNation. com and place an order! Thanks so much! Hope all is well!
I can't wait till tonight. It's been a rough week and it's only TUESDAY!! Briggs had to be somewhere tonight but I said I'd set something up for another night.
Long time no see!! I am so excited to see how into music you still are!!! Just recently found my Rage Against The Machine demo from the Atlantic days and thought of you xoxo
