As I tell you about Joey Sykes, keep in mind this is being written by Joey Sykes, so I have to walk a fine line of being informative,without bragging too much.
I will start with my first big break,which was getting signed to Elektra records in 1996 with a band called COWARD.Great powerpop group from New York, (which is where I'm from).Produced by Jerry Finn (Green Day, Blink 182,Sum 41,etc..),and co-produced by Coward.We were on MTV, toured with 3rd eye blind, and others,etc...I was the guitarist/background vocalist/co-writer.My writing partner was Sheppard.(talented producer/writer of Shep and Kenny fame).
In 1998, I moved to California to play with Capitol recording artist Tommy Henriksen.I was the musical director/ guitarist/background vocalist.We toured a bunch,did a video,had a song in the movie "Blast from the past",and other cool things.The band was slamming.The drummer was Nate Morton,of Rockstar Supernova/INXS houseband fame, among tons of other credits.Tommy is a gifted producer/writer, who is currently getting record deals for pretty much everyone he produces.
Next, I was playing guitar/backing vocals for Multi-platinum, Capitol recording artist Meredith Brooks("Im a Bitch"). This is where I accomplished one of my childhood dreams, by playing Madison Square Garden, opening up for the Eurythmics(sold out).Also, the Staples center in LA, Jay Leno(twice),Rosie O'Donnel, Queen Latifah,Martin Short, and other great things.Also, performed with Queen Latifah,as she was the guest singer/rapper on Merediths single "lay Down".The band was amazing.The keyboardist was Will Hollis, who is now in the Eagles, as well as Don Henleys musical director,and many others, The drummer was Herman Matthews (Tower of Power,Richard Marx,Kenny Loggins, currently with Tom Jones),bass player was Mark Meadows(Edgar Winter,Dweezil Zappa,John Waite etc...)
Next was playing guitar in an Epic records band called ON.This was Ken Andrews formally of Failure.
Over the years, I have opened for/shared the stage with such legends as Don Henley,Bryan Adams,John Couger Mellencamp,Hall and Oates,Paul Stanley,and others...
In 2001 I moved back to NY,and did alot of producing and writing.I also released an indie record called New English(available on CDbaby).
I am now living in LA, producing .writing ALOT, including, travelling to Nashville every 6 weeks, writing with some of Nashvilles elite(see Nashville collaborators blog).The past several years have been great for placing songs in film/tv.I have songs in Laguna Beach,Everwood, Threshold, Date my Mom ,and others.I appeared in a Sony pictures movie called "Across the Universe" that was in theatres Sept. 2007.(Bonos acting debut).Recently, a song written by Me and Lyric Street recording artist, Marcel,has been selected to be on his upcoming release, due out 5/09.The song is called"Baby Breathe".Also, a song of mine, called "Human, Being Human", has been placed in a movie called Daddy Day Camp, starring Cuba Gooding Jr, that was out in August 07.
Anyway , thats it for now.Im sure I missed some stuff...Sorry
Take Care, Joey Sykes
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