January, 2008

Busy, busy busy! Time, it seems, is flying by faster than ever. No sooner is MIDEM over then it's time for another music conference, then another… we find ourselves planning our lives months in advance. Work, work, work straight up to the summer holiday (a new-found habit that, it turns out, is both nice and necessary), and then it's back on the horse again on a marathon race straight through to the December break when we hope to catch our breath in between all that has been planned for our “off” time.

And another year is gone.

When we look back at it, what do we actually remember? Surely not the thousands of phone calls, SMS messages, e-mails… surely not the errands and the hassles and the little rituals that make up our day-to-day lives. No, we tend to clump it all together: “It was such a bad year!” …or “it was such a busy year!” or, if we're fortunate, “it was such a great year!”

But I like to remember different things – little things. Personal things. The moment, when getting on a plane, that I found out my grandmother had died – and the total stranger who helped me on board. The night I sat outside with my colleagues and celebrated our friendship. The way I felt when seeing my Japanese family after five long years. The way I brought in the year with friends-like-family, and then saw it out again with those same wonderful people.

THESE are the moments that make up a year – that make up a life.

Wow. What a year it's been! 2000 saw HEG go through some of its biggest challenges yet – and come out stronger than ever on the other side. Throughout the past year I have been reminded of the true value of many things: Of life, with the birth of HEG's newest staffer, little Ella Cocchiara-Klein (daughter of our wonderful head of A&R Maria and her husband Mike). Of votes – (Election… or coup?) Of the importance of believing in your principles and finding the strength to act on that belief – no matter what unexpected resistance you find in your path.

HEG is a work in progress; one founded on the belief that artists and writers should control their work, and that a music publisher should do everything possible to help them bring their work to the world. We're not perfect, but we're growing and changing and constantly working towards that ideal. This year taught me that not everyone is ready for that kind of change – for a company that does things in an honorable way even if it means acting from instinct instead of from the bottom line. Our way of doing business may be just too different for some people; after all, we've always been told to distrust things that are "too good to be true." But that cannot and will not change what HEG – what I – know to be true: It is an honor to do what we do. It is a sacred trust that we enter into with every writer or artist we represent. And it is our responsibility to promote – in any way possible – and to protect the copyrights that are entrusted to our care.

HEG enters the new millennium stronger than ever before thanks to the unbelievable level of support that has come our way. I am amazed at the increasing number people who believe in what we're doing, and who lend their talent and expertise, their time and energy, their sweat and tears – and especially their friendship. More now than ever before, I could not continue to grow this dream without them, as they have been instrumental in making HEG what it is. And we'll keep on working, striving, hoping and having a great time together. Somehow, that seems to be the most valuable thing of all.

8 July, 1999

Where shall I start? When I saw that it had been such a long time since my last update, I realized that we have been so busy that we've not been able to do anything but work, work, work! So much has happened - so sit back, grab a cup of your preferred beverage and read on.

HEG is, I'm delighted to report, quickly achieving many of the goals we've been working towards for such a long time. Without the incredibly hard work of the people on the staff none of this would be possible. So a VERY special thank you goes out to Ron Kawakami (Chief Operating Officer, Executive Producer and Co-Conspirator), Maria Grazia Cocchiara (Marketing Manager and Serial Killer Extrodinaire), Varda Steinhardt (Vice President of Film, TV, Video, Multimedia and Resident Sommelier), Gabriel Sinclair (Jazz Marketing, Promotion and Friend In Deed In Time Of Need) and our newest staff member, Erica Rebelle (Rock Marketing, Promotion, and Queen of the Witty Remarks). And of course, the many others who make our lives easier on a day-to-day basis: Thank you in every way. I owe you all a drink!

Of course, it all starts with the music - without this we would be nothing. And there are some great things happening! HEG produced CDs to date now number four, and we are delighted by the response these CDs are receiving. The newest release is "For the Love of Love" by the amazing Ann Klein . Look for a story on Ann and the new CD in an upcoming issue of Billboard, which includes a couple of quotes from yours truly. You know you've arrived when Billboard's on the line! Ann is currently on the West Coast checking out the scene in La La Land - can't you just see her as a Hollywood star?

The always incredible Melissa Reaves also has a new HEG CD out entitled "Sentimental Anthem." Melissa has made us all proud by being selected to play to tens of thousands of her closest friends at Lilith Fair in Charlotte, NC on July 27. You go, girl! This is, of course, in addition to her usual schedule of about a zillion shows a year, so Melissa wins the prize for the most miles traveled by a HEG artist. "Sentimental Anthem" was recorded in March at The Loft in Bronxville, NY and was produced by Melissa and moi. A VERY special thanks goes out to Elizabeth West for her gracious support throughout the recording. Melissa was also a featured artist at a recent BMI Songwriters Showcase in New York, and has been getting rave reviews for the CD, which features (in my opinion) some of the best songs she's ever written.

Both Melissa and our wonderful jazz guitarist, Derek Bronston, were featured artists at the LMNOP Music Conference in New Orleans in April. HEG took over the town, throwing the very best party of the conference in the Presidential Suite at the LMNOP host hotel where Derek and Melissa did an impromptu duet. This was the second year in a row for Derek to play the conference; his CD "Longing" has been receiving radio play across the country as well as racking up very impressive reviews. Derek's quest to rule the world continues!

HEG also hosted a great party in New York in March for Derek and our very impressive, always original Lauren Stauber to celebrate their debut solo CDs. The party, arranged by our own Maria C., was held at the very cool East Village bar The Musical Box. One of the highlights of the evening was the arrival of Lauren's CD, "Solar Heart" - which had to be specially flown in from New England for the event. "Solar Heart" has been on my home CD player ever since - this woman can WRITE!!! Which is exactly what movie music supervisors are saying - don't be surprised if you hear Lauren on a soundtrack in the very near future!

In fact, we have been making great strides in getting our music in to the hands of music supervisors. From 1950s rock & roll to Cuban music from the 70s to Asian Techno, we've been getting the calls and filling the requests. Which we like, very much! One of our more recent signings is performance artist/dominatrix Velocity Chyldd, who will be featured in an upcoming episode of HBO's "Real Sex." Look for a special performance by Velocity, as well as the Lauren Stauber Bodypaint by Numbers show at HEG's booth at the upcoming CMJ Music Conference in New York. See? We'll do anything to promote our music!

On the business front, we are very excited to announce a new distribution deal with Ladyslipper, Inc. This is a very cool company that specializes in supporting strong female artists (no shortage there!) but will also work with cool guys - good thing for Derek! In addition, we've signed digital download distribution deals with both Liquid Audio and MCY, so soon you'll be able to click a button and download any track of the 50 titles we now represent directly from our website. 50 you ask? Yes, 50, as we are representing all 25 titles from Oriente Musik (the exceptional Berlin-based world music company) as well as the entire classical catalogue of ZC Music Group, which is rapidly expanding thanks to the international efforts ZC's president, Johanan Bickhardt.

Which brings me to one of the absolute COOLEST things that I've every had the opportunity to do: Work with none other than Leonard Nimoy, internationally known actor, photographer and scholar most famous for his portrayal as Star Trek's Mr. Spock. What a kind and talented gentleman! Mr. Nimoy narrated "Souls On Fire," a new oratorio by composer Charles Osborne and librettist Aryeh Finklestein. This major new work is based on the works of Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel and was recorded in February in Sophia, Bulgaria by the Bulgarian National Symphony and Chorus. HEG is honored to be working with ZC Music on a project of this caliber and scope. ZC has more wonderful projects in the works with Messrs. Osborne and Finklestein - more on that soon!

We are also proud to announce a Japanese licensing deal closed between Mad Moses Productions and U.N.I.T.Y. Records in Tokyo for a dance/pop project to be released in August and for which HEG is the publisher. In addition, ISS Records in Germany has licensed the newest release by Sulfur, a NYC-based rock band in a deal for Germany, Switzerland and Austria through a deal initiated by HEG.

Things have been very busy on the conference front. In addition to the previously mentioned happenings at LMNOP in New Orleans, while there I also sat on two Continuing Legel Education panels for Loyola University (one on music publishing and the other on international licensing). I also moderated a panel for Women In Music on music publishing. At the recent AFIM (Association for Independent Music) conference in Atlanta, I conducted a workshop on music publishing --the first in that organization's history. In addition, I will be speaking on a music publishing panel at the Atlantis Music Conference in Atlanta in August. Other events we've attended include the Sundance Film Festival in January, which has resulted in many new film music contacts, as well as MIDEM in Miami where we closed a U.S. sub-publishing deal with Balloon Records, based in Austria. There are also many other wonderful things coming out of MIDEM Miami, which we will announce as the deals close. Next up is the rapidly-expanding Popkomm in Cologne, Germany, which will be part of a European swing that includes Zurich, Paris, Berlin, Copenhagen, Stockholm and Oslo. Racking up those frequent flyer miles! I am especially looking forward to my first (!) trip to the three Scandinavian capitols and the opportunity to see my many business contacts and friends in those cities. Break out the Aquavit!

On a sad note, we regret to announce that Mr. Karl Hereim, formerly HEG'S Production Manager, is no longer with the company. Also, singer-songwriter Mary Ann Farley has moved on to other pastures. We wish both Karl and Mary Ann much luck in their future endeavors.

Who knows what HEG's future will hold? I for one think that things are looking very interesting - and very exciting! Not that I'm a troublemaker or anything, but we're breaking the old rules and barriers. Now what could be more fun than that!

Have a great summer - stay cool!

Sarah-C

Happy Holidays From HEG!!!! (12/14/98)

1998 has been quite a year! The new company is now up and running: Hacate Entertainment Group, LLC (HEG) is quickly becoming a force to reckon with. Our new offices are fantastic and we have great fortune of working with some incredible writers and companies. We've even just taken out our first add in Billboard (issue date 12/20/98) -- Wheee!!!

We are very excited to announce an association with Hans Edler Music AB. Hans is a veteran writer and producer, and HEG is working with him in the U.S. and Asia on his hit Swedish pop project Freebee, as well as on a new project called Rolling Circus. Freebee's first record exploded across the sales, radio and MTV charts throughout Europe and Asia in 1997, and we look forward to helping Freebee's second release, "Babe," gain even more success. A special thanks goes out to Aslak for introducing us to Hans and his music.

ZC Music Group, a U.S. record company specializing in classical music and Oriente Musik, a Berlin-based record company working with world and ethnic music are two associations that are helping to put HEG on the map -- especially with film soundtrack and TV producers! Unbelievably beautiful music that touches the heart and soul -- much of it completely unavailable for many years. We are extremely honored to be working with both of these amazing companies and their music. And extremely happy to work with such great people: Jo at ZC and Reiner, Till and Gigi at Oriente are all folks you could bring home to meet mom.

On the home front, HEG artists Derek Bronston and Lauren Stauber both will be releasing their debut CDs, and both are HEG productions. We can't wait. I've heard the tracks from these things, and a taste of them will be available on "Sample This! HEG Sampler 1999" which will be available in January. While HEG is not a record company, we do occasionally produce CDs for the purposes of licensing them to other companies. So if you're a record company looking for some amazing material... Speaking of which, I will be bringing copies of our latest releases to MIDEM and would love to meet with any interested parties there. Just e-mail me and we'll set something up!

I'm also very happy about the addition of two very special people to the HEG family: The very extradinary Karl Hereim, who is working with us on production coordination, and Maria, our fab new intern. Nice to know you both!

I would like to end off this update by saying thanks to everyone who has helped to make this year such a special one:

To the writers, musicians, producers and associated companies who give us the honor of allowing us to represent their amazing music. Derek where shall I start? Varda for her help & healing. Lauren for keeping her sense of humor. Karl for keeping us sane. Melissa for the paint job & Elizabeth for the webwork. Dante for his amazing eyes. The Sato's for their wisdom. Steve & Anita for having the right idea. Robert & Steven for their understanding. Maria for being exactly what we needed. Andreas for his friendship & advice. Geri for her friendship and support. Michelle Richmond for her perfect PR. Marian for her laugh and her overworked ears. Carol for her impeccable style. Al and Roy at The Loft for saving our butts. Special thanks also to Bill Craig & the entire MIDEM press office, Gene Smith at Billboard, Diane Snyder at ASCAP, Jeff Cohen at BMI, Goldenfly Records & Sulfur, Tom & Angela Harrell, Scott Mebus, Universal Buzz Radio, Lancit Media, the folks at LMNOP & AFIM, Susan White, Matt Machaffie, OnlineTV, Fez, Mason Wright & Richard Oliver, The Styrenes & Jillmar Publishing, Shanachie Entertainment, Michi & Carol at Nichion, K.C. & Alex at Warner/Chappell H.K., Chizuru & Koichi at Rittor, Miko Kurasawa, Koyama at U.N.I.T.Y., Jojo & Domez at BÄro 2000, Evert Wilbrink, Joe Morscher, Mario at MICA, Hans-JÄrgen Homann, Annie Benhamou, ISS Records, Gus Samios & Patricia Greer, Doni Farr, Paul Russak and Hugh Torrance.

I would like to especially add in the following personal thanks: Ron for simply everything. All of the above for putting their faith in HEG. Aslak for being a brilliant friend. sa, Hor ur, Þ÷r, Magga and my entire Icelandic family for simply being. Bjûrk for teaching me to be a tough cookie. Mama & Papa-san for my wonderful room. Nina & Pedro for letting me break their crockery. Paul & Jill for inviting me to dinner. My students for allowing me to share in their development. My family for understanding my strangeness. M. Bird for always answering the phone. Paul & Richard for sharing their dumplings - eep eep!. Kitty for his unconditional love. And last -- but by no means least -- Thank you to Karl for helping me understand that it's all OK.

May 1999 be a wonderful year for you all. Sarah-Chanderia

Hacate Takes Over the World!!!!! (9/98)

I'm very happy to announce the formation of the Hacate Entertainment Group, LLC, a company that includes our ASCAP publishing branch (Hacate Music), our BMI publishing branch (Vinkona Music), our production branch (STFU Productions) and our entertainment company (FCOT). Hacate Entertainment Group (HEG) will be headquartered in our new midtown Manhattan offices, and we will be celebrating the formation of the company with a special showcase to be held on Friday, September 11 at 8:00 p.m. at Fez Under Time Cafe at 380 Lafayette Street in New York City. I am delighted to announce that the show will feature performances by HEG artists Mary Ann Farley, Melissa Reaves, The Hush and Ann Klein. Please come down and celebrate this most auspicious event with us!

I would also like to announce a new association with songwriter and producer Mitch Moses, whose last two releases have seen considerable success. His version of "The Pink Panther" (Nervous Records/Hi Life/Polygram) went to #39 in the British Pop Charts and #1 in the Wax Trax dance chart, and his "One Good Reason" (Maxi Records) was #4 in Billboard's Dance Charts. We are very excited and honored to be working with Mitch.

Other news sees me roaming the globe (as usual) having just returned from Popkomm 1998 in Cologne, Germany. The event was even better than last year's, with considerable interest in many of HEG's artists and songwriters. Prior to Popkomm (where I met with many good friends and associates), I spent a few days in Paris touching base with my many new business associates there, and afterwards I spent some time in Berlin, were I met with my dear friends, both new and old. Also, I met with the wonderful folks at Oriente Music, and am proud to announce that Hacate Entertainment Group, working in association with the ZC Music Group, will be representing Oriente's extremely high quality catalogue of Latin music at this year's MIDEM Latin America conference, to be held next week in Miami. While I look forward to the event, I have to admit dreading spending 4 days in Miami in August -- in hurricane season! And while it will be good to meet with all my Latin American business associates, I will miss my special friends that -- for whatever reason -- are unable to attend this year.

Look for a new album from the Wright Music Group featuring The Hush in concert. This performance was recorded at the Musicians for Children concert, and all proceeds will go to the St. Judes' Children's Hospital.

Lots more going on, but I have to run to the studio, so you'll just have to wait for the next update to hear the rest! Be well --

New Update from The Prez! (July 7, 1998)

As an old song of The Hush goes: "The summer heat's upon us" and the temperature is certainly on the rise inside, as well! Busy times, as always -- lots of stuff going on.

First off: studio action. I have just finished producing seven songs for the amazing Melissa Reaves at The Loft where The Hush did our record, in Bronxville, NY. The tracks, which will be available as an EP are AMAZING -- performances like you see Melissa do live are now recorded on tape. I'm very honored to have had the opportunity to work with Melissa as a producer and can't wait to distribute these very hot tracks to an unsuspecting music industry! Melissa's shows have been getting bigger and bigger -- I only hope she'll still have time for hanging out when she's headlining stadiums!

Other studio action sees The Hush recording five tunes -- also at The Loft. I am very excited to say that the new line-up sounds incredible! We have just heard that we are currently receiving radio play thanks to our inclusion on a compilation CD called "Departure", which was produced by the Wright Music Group and features us, Green and Checkers, Richard Oliver and other great bands. The tracks included on the CD are "Sorry" and "Ritual". In addition, The Wright Music Group willl also be releasing a CD featuring us, Green and Checkers, and several other artists who will be performing at the Musicians for Children benefit concert to be held at the South Street Seaport on July 25th. The concert and the CD are both to benefit St. Jude's Children's Hospital, so please come down and show your support!

Other news sees Vinkona Music artists 10" Maria featured as a top pick by Billboard Talent Net. Yo go, girls!

It looks as though we may have finally found our new office, and just in time, as Hacate and Vinkona Music announce our expansion into the wonderful world of film and television music. Way cool video producer Varda Steinhardt has joined the team, and her primary job will be to get our artists' music placed on soundtracks and in television and video productions by any and all means necessary -- however, we do draw the line at horses heads!

Popkomm is coming up, followed immediately by MIDEM Latin America and I (of course) will be attending both with bells on! OK, maybe I'll skip the bells. But I am available for meetings, drinks, or general gossip -- if you plan to be in Cologne or Miami, let me know!

OK -- I've now caught my breath. Now I'm off and running again.

Happy (?) Summer! -- June 5, 1998

I say "?" because if you're like me, you're not that fond of the heat. But I guess it's inevitable, so we might as well make the best of it!

My last update included information on Derek Bronston's performance at the LMNOP Convention in New Orleans. I'm happy to say that the show was a great success, as was a party held in Derek's honor the next day at the Pontchartrain Hotel. My thanks go out to Louis and the entire LMNOP staff for a job well done. I highly suggest that you check out this very worthy convention next year.

Just two weeks after LMNOP, I attended the Association for Independent Music (AFIM) conference in Denver, Colorado. AFIM (formerly NAIRD) is a great organization for American independent music professionals and will be reprinting many of my articles in their newsletter in the months to come. The conference -- as usual -- led to many wonderful new contacts and the renewal of many old ones, in spite of the dreadful location! Great leaps forward were made with the folks from Canadian Music Week , MIDEM, Popkomm, and Folk Alliances as well as with Billboard, Music Business International and the Online Music Library (Thank you Gerd!!). I made many wonderful new friends, including Andreas (a great lawyer and publisher from Berlin), Markus and Rea (who run three wonderful labels in Cologne and Reto -- who seem to know everyone in the music business in Europe). Watch this space to see where this will lead!

This week it's off to Boston where I will finally meet my publisher and editor from Northeast Performer. I'm promised a great dinner... Next week I have been invited to Paris (much to my surprise!) to meet with a great record company there, District Records, for whom I have been doing some vocals and will be handling some publishing. Hacate Music enters the Dance world! I originally met Paulo from District Records at MIDEM in Cannes -- so you can see how one thing really leads to another. In addition my new association with ZC Records has allowed Hacate and Vinkona Music to enter into the realms of Latin and classical music in a very big way. Watch this page for new addition!

By the way, I'm on the lookout for office space -- I've outgrown my current spot. Any ideas would be extremely welcom! Til next time... Be cool and stay out of the sun!

Greetings and Salutations! (4/20/98)

It has been some time since my last update; forgive the delay, but it's been a bit on the busy side!

First of all, I hope you'll take this opportunity to have a look around at the site. It is being redesigned as we speak under the guiding hand of Sue White, webmaster extraordinaire. Please feel free to contact us with any suggestions you have, or if you would like to hear more about any of the artists signed to Hacate Music or Vinkona Music.

Since I last wrote, I attended MIDEM Cannes -- the largest and most influencial of the international music conventions. Out of my many meetings came an opportunity for jazz guitarist/composer Derek Bronston (signed to Vinkona Music) to perform at the LMNOP Convention in New Orleans. I will be accompanying Derek to the convention and am looking forward to my first visit to the City of Sin -- especially as the convention coincides with the New Orleans Jazz Festival. If you plan to be town, just drop us an e -- we will be checking e-mail while on the road.

Another opportunity that came about as a result of MIDEM is the licensing of certain songs administered by Hacate and Vinkona Music by the World Bank. Also, there were many meetings and many wonderful new contacts made -- we are very excited about the prospects that lie ahead. MIDEM also brought a parting of the ways in some respects, with the apparent loss of a good friend. I guess we must all have some pain to help us appreciate the good things in life.

And speaking of which, spending a few days on the Riveria followed by a few days in Paris is not exactly torture! I loved both places and look forward to many more visits -- I could even be convinced to do more than visit, if all goes well! Paris opened up even more opportunities for Hacate and Vinkona Music, so I'll be back often.

But in the meantime, do come down to New Orleans for LMNOP -- hope to see you there!

Holiday Greetings from Sarah (12/23):

Greetings to all!

It's that time of year again -- the holidays are upon us with a vengeance. Actually, it's one of the best times to be in New York -- if you don't mind the crowds!

What a year it's been! Full of unexpected surprises and delights -- and of course the usual hard work. For The Hush it's been a year of change, as we must announce that Lauren Stauber, our good friend and health-care provider on the road, has left the band to pursue her own musical pursuits. We will miss her sorely -- her keen insights, her remarkable ear, impeccable rhythm, truly amazing voice and her healthy foods, teas and homeopathic concoctions! However, as she is signed to Vinkona Music, she hasn't gone too far; you can expect to hear more from the Unstoppable Ms. Stauber in the months to come.

Stepping in to fill the void is the newest member of The Hush, Nichole Roux. A beautiful, fun, interesting and versatile vocalist with a resume that includes everything from jazz, gospel, rock and classical (including a 12 member a cappella group) vocals to ballet, modern, jazz, African and Afro- Caribbean dance. Nichole will make a great addition to the band, both as a singer and on stage -- she's even a Platinum Legs Pageant winner! She also has a great sense of humor -- our vocal rehearsals are so much fun I often have deja vu that Lauren hasn't left at all! We look forward to working with Nichole, and we especially look forward to her animated impersonations when we're on the road. With her along, we may not even need to rent movies!

Nichole has made her recording debut with The Hush by singing backups on "Ritual" our newest recording that will be out on the "Performance" compilation CD in January. "Ritual" was written the day after I returned from the MIDEM convention in Miami. Also included on the CD will be "Sorry", a song I wrote in the back seat of a car traveling from Cologne to Berlin immediately after the Popkomm convention. As you can see, traveling inspires me -- or maybe it's the people I meet when I'm traveling. So now you can imagine how much I am looking forward to next month's journey to France to attend the giant MIDEM conference in Cannes -- an event celebrating its 31st year. I greatly look forward to doing lots of business and catching up with all my friends from all over the world -- and do I seem to have a lot of friends! The holiday card count was up to almost 300 this year; many of those cards went to people who will be attending MIDEM. I'm already practicing saying, "Yo, wots up?", in my best New York accent. Who knows, maybe Iêll even come back with a new song or two.

MIDEM is all about doing business, and do business I will! There are many exciting things happening for Hacate Music and Vinkona Music, including the signing just last week of the amazing Mary Ann Farley, recently named one of the top ten unsigned acts in New York City by Billboard Magazine. Unsigned no more! Mary Annês great solo record, "Daddyês Little Girl" garnered press and radio play across the country and we are very excited to welcome her to the family. Everyone is busy in the Hacate/Vinkona world, and we'll be linking up to everyone's individual websites as time goes on, so you can keep up!

The holidays see everyone in transit, going their separate ways to celebrate in their own ways only to return (hopefully) refreshed and (probably) plumper. Derek is in Detroit for the annual Bronston Family hang. Nichole will be visiting family in Long Island and Lauren (she'll always be a part of the band, really!) will be visiting relatives in St. Louis. And me? Iêll be working away in good, old NYC, getting ready for MIDEM. And dreaming and planning and working to make my dreams come true. Here's hoping that yours do, too.

The latest news (9/22):

Hello -- Welcome to Fall! It officially starts Tuesday, September 23rd, but the weather here in New York is so nice I think the season got a head start! The Equinox is scheduled this year to celebrate the giant show that Hacate and Vinkona music are producing at The Baggot Inn, located at 82 West 3rd Street, New York City. This show marks the official debut of the two publishing companies, and I am very proud to announce that six of our artists will be performing.

Kicking off the evening at 7:30 will be Hacate Music's newest signing, Red Giant, a great rock and roll band with a bi-lingual frame of mind. Following in the Giant's footsteps at 8:00 is the little lady with the gigantic voice, Melissa Reaves (who is driving in from North Carolina to do the show). I am very excited to announce that Lauren Stauber, most recently of The Hush, will debut her solo material at 8:30, and will sit in with The Hush when we perform at 9:00. James Vidos will suffer through broken ankle pain to perform at 9:30 (which will make his songs even more poignent, I'm sure!) and then Derek Bronston will show us how it's done when he rounds out the evening by blowing us all away with his jazz ensemble at 10:00. Plus, we may have a special guest or two, so please come on down and chow down on the six foot (or two meter for our European friends) submarine sandwiches, chips and salsa, and remember to tip your waitress!

Aside from the show, things have been heating up on a lot of different levels. Immediately after the Popkomm conference (see update below) in Cologne, Germany, The Hush played a great show at the CMJ conference (great thanks to Barbara Powell!), and the very next day I went to Miami to attend the first annual MIDEM Latin American and Caribbean Music conference. Quite the amazing experience -- on many levels -- with the whole thing starting off with the usual unbelievable opening night party. The party was held at the Vizcaya, an Italian Renaissance style villa built in 1914 located in the middle of 10 acres of formal Italian gardens and fountains. Quite the backdrop for the usual incredible food and drink and music. However, the best part of the evening was getting to see my dear friends from near and far -- and Miami Beach provides quite a setting for great conversation.

The conference was very well attended and helped to focus the world's music community on the potential of the Latin American marketplace. It was certainly good for Hacate Music, as there was much excitment over Jayuya, a band on Cosmic Records that I represented there. Also, Red Giant has got them talking, as their mix of English and Spanish lyrics make them a natural for the Latin American market. There is much talk of opening MIDEM Miami up to other types of music next year. This would certainly give CMJ and SXSW a run for their money!

I did not get to stay to the end of the conference, as my work there was done and I had deadlines to meet (see the newest issue of Northeast Performer for my article on publishing contracts). However, Miami -- for all it's flaws -- has left a permanent impression on me. Already Derek and I have written two songs about my experiences there (one of which, a tune called "Ritual" has already been recorded). I guess anything that inspires that much creativity must be good! I know I am very lucky. I get to travel and to get to know the most brilliant people -- I am constantly amazed at how well people from such different places and lives can communicate with one another. As always, I feel there is so much left to say, but one hopes that true friendships will endure over time and distance, and that those friends know the respect I have for them and their lives.

Until the next update...

News from Sarah-Chanderia (8/20):

Guten Tag!

I've just returned from Popkomm, the music convention that was held in Cologne, Germany on August 15-17. What a great time! First off, Cologne is a beautiful old city (the first Roman settlement in Germany) and an absolutely wonderful place to hold a conference. It is also known as the media capital for Germany, so the population is used to us entertainment types roaming around until all hours of the night!

The conference was amazing and (contrary to some opinions) not just an event for underground music. It has grown tremendously in the last three years and companies came from all over the world to exhibit there. Of course, I saw many -- but not all -- of my friends from MIDEM Hong Kong. To all of you who did not make it, you were definately missed!

My many meetings were mixed with many moments of shear fun, such as enjoying traditional German food and drink on the banks of the Rhine with my friends Yogi and Charly from The Hush's European record company, Koch International. Then there were the parties -- the V2 party was my personal favorite -- which ended up with everyone hanging out at the Hyatt until 6:00 a.m. A very special thanks to Axle and Jacques for their insights and a really great time -- even if no one made the scandal of going swimming in the lobby! There's always next year....

Johannes and Domez, the dynamic duo behind The Hush's management company Buro 2000, were fantastic -- so much so that I went for a surprise side trip to Berlin to have more meetings with them. Of course, it was also a great excuse to see my sister Nina and all my other wonderful friends-like-family who live there. Berlin is another one of those cities that I absolutely love, and having been there many times, it is a place where I feel completely at home.

All in all a very profitable and fun journey. Of course, I must now do the follow-up work and hope for the best, but this is part of being a professional. These conferences provide me with a tremendous opportunity to meet people from all aspects of the music business, to look them in the eye and help them understand where I'm coming from and what I envision, whether it's regarding The Hush, Hacate and Vinkona Music or life in general.

Next up: The Hush play the CMJ Music Marathon on Saturday, September 6. If you're a New Yorker or just passing through come see us! It should be a great time. And the very next day (9/7) I'm off to adventure in Miami for MIDEM Latin America.

You know what? Life doesn't suck!

News from The Hush (7/23):

Gratulerer Med Dagen!

News from Sarah-Chanderia (7/15):

It's summertime in New York City, and the hot and humid weather does such wonders for the temperament of the average New Yorker! NYC is really a very friendly place to visit... in the autumn, winter or spring!

In my quest to beat the heat AND touch base with my European friends and colleagues, I will be attending PopKomm, the music conference that takes place August 14-18 in Cologne, Germany. This will be my first year attending PopKomm, so I will let you know how it goes! I do know that it is very large, very international, and covers primarily the European market. While at PopKomm, I will be meeting with Johannas Wille, The Hush's wonderful European manager. Johannas' company (Buero 2000) is working closely with our booking agents and the company which has licensed our CD "Human" in Europe (Koch International) to bring The Hush to Europe to tour. Any of you out there that may have ideas for cities for us to play, please e me -- we would LOVE to hear from you -- and no city is too out of the way! Also, if you plan to attend PopKomm, please e me and let me know! I have met some of dearest friends at music conventions, so don't be shy!

Speaking of which, be sure to check out my article on MIDEM Asia in the July issue of Manhattan Mirror. The magazine is looking great these days since it's makeover, and I am very excited to be a part of it as a contributing writer. For those of you who are wondering about the happenings since MIDEM Asia, life has kept me extremely busy. I have received quite a lot of interest (and late-night faxes!) from the companies I met with in Japan and Hong Kong -- interest in The Hush, in the artists signed to Hacate Music, and in the Go On Girl Two compilation (GOG). In fact, I am proud to say that Hacate Music and it's sister company Vinkona Music now represent most of the songs on GOG and I am working very hard to bring all those much-deserving bands to an international audience. Also, I am VERY excited to announce that Hacate Music has signed one of the artists from GOG, the incomparable Melissa Reaves -- you MUST check this woman out. Melissa's first CD was just the tip of the iceburg of what this amazing performer (who does over 200 gigs a year) has to offer; and I am extremely honored to be working with her.

On the studio side, I've finally upgraded my studio with the purchase of a great new mixing board (a Yamaha RM-800 for all you tech-heads out there!) and will be using it to record Hacate/Vinkona artists and The Hush's new songs -- Derek and I have been busy! Some of those will be appearing on a new compilation CD which we are very excited about. Can't divulge the details yet, but the CD will probably feature a brand new song called "Brilliant" that was inspired by my incredible trip to Hong Kong. I am looking forward to many more incredible experiences; at PopKomm, MIDEM Miami and beyond!

So much going on -- so much to think about and do. And so many wonderful people! Every day I realize how lucky I am to be doing what I love and to have so many wonderful people in my life. Even if I don't see them often, my brilliant worldwide friends and family are a source of quiet strength and joy to me. I hope I can be the same for them. The music is the language that lets us all communicate.

News from Sarah-Chanderia (6/1):

Hello everyone -- I'm back from Asia and predictibly jet lagged. What an incredible trip! I left NYC ready to do serious business and wound up having one of the best times on.. ahem.. record.

After I left Hong Kong I went for recouperation time in Kyoto with my Mama- and Papa-San. Their home is in a very beautiful area of this most beautiful city and from my room you can see a little river rushing by. A very peaceful place to see the sunrise -- and to reflect upon one of the more intense times I've ever experienced! One of my favorite moments was while riding the bullet train (Shinkansen) back to Tokyo. It was a rainy day, with not much visability, so you can just imagine the breathtaking beauty of the clouds suddenly parting for just a few moments to reveal a shining Mt. Fuji. It was like a gift, and inspired me to believe that anything is possible if it is pure and good.

And people wonder where I get my lyrics!

Tokyo was, as always, amazing. I love it there -- it is such a city of the future. To stand in Shibuya and hear the echoing of voices from the huge TV screens on the buildings -- to feel the unbelievable rush of people and energy -- it's like being in Blade Runner. It is a very vibrant town, and enormous. I stayed with a friend in Yokohama -- which meant that I got to know the Tokyo and Yokohama train service. Very clean, efficient and extremely prompt! (Mayor Guiliani, are you listening?) My many old and new friends in Tokyo took me to wonderful restaurants, treated me to lots of wonderful sake and we made many wonderful memories together. Not only that, but they helped me learn more about the music business in Japan. And in regards to that... well, lets just say that things are looking very interesting for The Hush and Hacate Music in the Pacific Rim!

This trip confirmed to me that there are truely amazing people in the world. Even on the other side of the planet, in the most unlikely of places, one finds people who share your hopes and dreams... people who understand you no matter what language you speak. And people who you want to know for the rest of your life. My only wish was to have more time to talk, to listen -- to experience -- but perhaps that lies in the future.

From my first walk along the top of Victoria Peak to my last walk along the Ginza Strip, this was a journey that will become a permanent part of my life and my music. And, in that way, I hope to share it with you all.