The post SXSW weeks are usually spent following up on all the new contacts and opportunities - this year was no exception. While Scott and co. were busy attending several showcases every night at SXSW, even more meetings were held each day to get to know some of the new, independent talent behind the scenes; i.e., managers, booking agents, merchandise suppliers, A&R, indie label owners, etc. April was about getting back in touch with the best people from the event and having more meetings - many more. The good news is only getting better - there are some highly dedicated people out there that love music and are very smart - so for both artists and fans, the days ahead are going to be better than the daze past.
With so much on the music biz side and designing/developing the ManaSonic web site, Scott is realizing he can't exactly be in more than one place at a time but TikiTown rocks on with its deep ooga-booga. Tom Luekens, the chief engineer (and right hand man) behind all of Scott's productions for the past 12 years is one of the greatest talents working in the field of recording. Just ask anyone he has worked with...he has a brilliant ear, not only behind the console but in the construction of the music itself. Being trained as a musician and playing most of his life (as he still does) he is able to hear things that most people can't and has the ability to communicate precisely what is needed during the recording process. With Scott currently out of the studio, Tom is now producing projects at TikiTown with Scott taking an executive production role, making sure everyone is groovin'. Tom is beyond qualified for his new position and the projects are lining up. Scott predicts he'll be working for Tom in short order. Tom can be reached at; rockwald@mac.com
The idea of Scott splitting his time between being an independent producer in the studio and being the CEO of a music company is comparable to how Rick Rubin has balanced his incredible career but without the massive facial hair. Scott is able to go several days without shaving and nobody knows the difference. You read it hear first folks - only the most important inside information gets in this column.
