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JUDGING THE MPG AWARDS 2012 - Friday 13th!!

Is Friday 13^th lucky for some? Well let’s hope so, as that was the date of the judging for the Music Producers Guild Awards this year.

A panel of over 20 producers, artists, broadcasters and journalists came together at Air Studios on January, Friday 13^th to cast their final votes on the MPG Awards 2012. This year Andrew was delighted to be asked to join the panel. Bernard Butler, Andy Gill, Tony Platt, Mick Glossop, Green Gartside, Jim Abbiss, Janice Long, Nemone and Gareth Jones were amongst the other attendees.

The MPG Awards celebrates the work of producers, engineers, mix engineers, in fact all those involved in recorded music. After healthy debate in each category, the anonymous votes were cast.

The results will be announced at the Awards ceremony on February 16th at London’s Café de Paris.

AMBASSADORS OF MOROCCO - Record debut EP

After the success of their first two singles (Wikipedea and Never Imagine This), London based four-piece, Ambassadors of Morocco, chose to team up with Andrew once again to record their debut EP.

The EP will show off some of their great new material as well as a fantastic take on a classic.

Andrew wanted to record the tracks in a studio with lots of character, to really capture the bands energy. So this time, it was ‘all aboard’ as they set sail on ‘Lightship 95’, the floating studio, literally, on a ship in London’s famous Docklands.

‘It was a good job nobody got sea sick!’ said Andrew after the two-day session, just before Christmas (2011). ‘I’ve never recorded on a ship before – it was a great experience. You really get focused. It enhances the feeling of being isolated but at the same time adds real excitement - exactly what I wanted’.

The Ambassadors of Morocco plan to release their debut EP in the spring of 2012.

BRIT's - Another year as a members of the BRIT's Voting Academy

As another year comes to an end Andrew is delighted to be asked to continue his privileged relationship with the BPI, returning once again as a member of the Brit’s Voting Academy. ‘This is my third year now as a member of the Voting Academy. It’s such a privilege to keep being asked – it’s a real honour.’

The 2012 Brit Awards will be televised in February.

AMBASSADORS OF MOROCCO - New Single - Never Imagine This

AMBASSADORS OF MOROCCO’S new single Never Imagine This was released on Monday (September 19th, 2011), the second single from the guitar-led indie-pop band.

Following a summer of sold-out shows and festivals the Ambassadors of Morocco’s single Never Imagine This was once again produced and engineered by Music Producers’ Guild Director, Andrew Hunt, this time Andrew saw things through right to the end, mixing the track as well.

After the success of their first single Wikipedea, their second, Never Imagine This won’t disappoint.

You can download Never Imagine This from iTunes:

http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/never-imagine-this/id465355174?i=465355239

…from Amazon:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-music&field-keywords=never+imagine+this

…or see the Never Imagine This video via the official youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1LC9dmaFJs

YOLANDA BROWN - Step Aside!

Andrew was over the moon work with one of the UK finest saxophonists, two times MOBO Award winner, YolanDa Brown.

Whilst writing for her debut album “April Showers, May Flowers”, YolanDa had a desire to start expressing herself vocally and take a step to the side from her jazz roots. She came to Andrew to work on exploring new musical territories.

“This summer was a great, YolanDa and I don’t live that far away from each other, so she’d pop down to my studio whenever she could and we’d lock ourselves away writing tunes – she’s got such a fun personality that I really wanted her to express in the tracks – we’ll see what happens!? It’s good so far!”

LIPA - MPG Graduate Award Mentor

The Music Producers Guild (UK) awarded its second graduate prize at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts. The prize is awarded annually to the graduate student who has shown the most exceptional talent, initiative, commitment and consideration to the art of Music Recording and Production from LIPA's Sound Technology degree course.

A priceless part of this extremely prestigious Award’s prize is mentoring from some of the UK’s most respected producers and once again, Andrew has been bestowed the honour of one of these roles.

Budding sound engineer/producer Philip Cook is the second recipient of the Music Producers Guild Prize and the prize was presented by MPG Chairman Steve Levine and MPG Director Tony Platt during LIPA’s annual graduation ceremony, which took place on 29^th July (2011). Also present was LIPA lead patron Sir Paul McCartney.

JULIA BIEL - Mix sessions

Singer/songwriter Julia Biel is known for her distinctive voice and expert compositional skills. Her debut album, Not Alone, released in 2006 was met with excellent reviews and her fans have long since waited for a follow up.

Well hopefully they won’t have to wait too much longer, as Andrew was recently approached by Julia to work on mixes for her new release.

JONNY JAMES - writing the EP

Things kicked off to a good start when Andrew and Jonny recently went into the studio once again for more writing sessions, this time for his debut EP.

The plan is to write three more tracks to be released along with 'Monstar'.

Continuing in his role as 'producer/writer', Andrew will produce, engineer and mix the EP.

We all look forward to hearing more from this rising UK talent.

BRIT'S - A second year in the Voting Academy

As another year comes to an end Andrew is pleased to continue his privileged relationship with the BPI by being asked to return as a member of the Brit’s Voting Academy. ‘Voting in the 2010 Awards was such a fantastic experience and I’m honoured to be asked back again’.

The voting comes to a close on December 15^th 2010 and the 2011 Awards themselves will be televised in February.

AMBASSADORS OF MOROCCO - Debut Single

AMBASSADORS OF MOROCCO’S new single Wikipedia was released on Monday (November 15, 2010) and offers a fun slice of guitar-led indie-pop, as well as a witty ode to the online encyclopaedia.

Following a year of sold-out shows, cherry-picked support-slots, Radio 6 & XFM demo exposure and the honing of an album, Ambassadors of Morocco’s debut release has finally been chosen.

The single Wikipedea was produced and engineered by Music Producers’ Guild Director, Andrew Hunt, with mix engineer Dave Bascombe. Yes, ‘that’ Dave Bascombe… of Tears For Fears, Depeche Mode, Suede, Placebo and Goldfrapp note.

The Ambassadors import the very best of the 80’s lean, edgy, angular, guitar-led pop sound and add 20 years of further musical progression & knowledge to create their own. Firm nods are made to The Cure, Wire, Depeche and The Pixies and caps doffed to Blur, Feeder, Smashing Pumpkins and even early U2. With a melody you can whistle after just the one listen Wikipedea is a perfect doorway to the Ambassadors world, it embodies their love of powerful, soaring melodies, punchy big guitars, energetic, muscular drums & bass, with strong vocal lines & BIG choruses.

A classic four-piece, the Ambassadors comprise Beni, Ben & Craig who met at Music College, plus Sven, who they met over sushi. And, since you ask, Ambassadors of Morocco is Victorian Slang - for a Shoemaker - the studio the band originally practiced in was an abandoned Shoe Factory.

You can download Wikipedea from iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/wikipedia/id394380053

…or download the track to your mobile via text if you have a smartphone (excluding iPhones) text 'TRACK WIKIPEDIA M' to 80818

Read The IndieLondon interview by Rob Carnevale:

http://www.indielondon.co.uk/Music-Review/ambassadors-of-morocco-the-indielondon-interview

…or see the Wikipedea video via the official youtube link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJ46UXZUvL0

MUSIC PRODUCERS GUILD - AGM 2010

November 2010 is setting off to be a very busy month for Andrew. Not only will Ambassadors of Morocco release their debut single, which he produced but on November 11^th he had to attend the APRS Sound Fellowship Dinner followed by the MPG AGM.

As well as dealing with all the MPG membership benefits, earlier in the year Andrew was nominated to take on the role of Membership Secretary.

As part of the AGM ceremony, Andrew gave a speech on the years progress in these areas before a night of comedy commenced in London’s Leicester Square Theatre. The evening was a great success!!

JONNY JAMES - Monstar

It’s been an exciting summer for Andrew all round, the highlight of which must have been working with the young singer songwriter ‘Jonny James’.

Jonny is from Liverpool and aged 14 began writing a number of 90's influenced pop songs, dabbling briefly in indie rock three years later, as lead singer and songwriter for the band ‘The Key of E’s’. Having already worked with a number of producers on his solo album project, Jonny wanted to add something extra - so came to Andrew.

After an initial meeting to discuss ideas, influences and direction, they set to it - with Andrew working in a writer/producer/programmer capacity, a role he is more than comfortable with.

The first track – ‘Monstar’, was recorded in Andrew’s own Dalston studio. An electro-pop/dance corker, it’s tipped for the charts.

After mixing Monstar, Jonny and his team liked the track so much that they approached Andrew to work on a further two tracks for the project.

‘Jonny James’ has been flagged as ‘one to watch’ and commenting on Monstar Andrew said, ‘Jonny is a great writer, an absolute pleasure to work with, I wish him every success and I really hope the track does well. I love it!”

Andrew is due to commence work on the follow up tracks to Monstar in the autumn (2010).

LIPA - A New Award - A New Mentor

This year, The Music Producers Guild (UK) established a new award at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts. The annual prize will be awarded to the graduate student who has shown the most exceptional talent, initiative, commitment and consideration to the art of Music Recording and Production from LIPA's Sound Technology degree course.

A priceless part of this extremely prestigious Award’s prize is mentoring from some of the UK’s most respected producers. Andrew has been bestowed the honour of one of these roles.

In a recent interview he said, “I’m delighted. It’s an absolute privilege to be asked to take on such a fulfilling position, I’ll do my very best to support and advise the Award winner whenever I can.”

Other elements of the Award include an internship at Kore Studios, opportunities to shadow Paul Epworth, Hadyn Bendall and Ray Staff (Air Mastering) on specialized recording and mastering sessions and a day’s training at AVID’s UK Headquarters.

The first Award was presented to Henrik Barman Michelsen by MPG Chairman Steve Levine and MPG Director Tony Platt at this year’s 2010 graduation ceremony. Also in attendance were LIPA Lead Patron Sir Paul McCartney and Head of Discipline Jon Thornton, who recommended Barman Michelsen for the prize.

'MEET THE MUSIC INDUSTRY' - and Jimmy Page!

In early July of this year (2010), six members of the MPG Board of Directors attended a high profile event organised by UK Music. The evening was designed to facilitate dialogue between new Members of Parliament and the music industry.

Entitled 'Meet the Music Industry', the event took place at the 'Inn on the Park', St. James’ Park in London. Apart from MPG and UK Music, many other leading industry organisations were also in attendance along with a number of record labels and artists. Dan Gillespie, song-writer and lead singer of The Feeling performed a live acoustic set but the highlight of the evening was the guest of honour, Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page, pictured here (far right) with MPG Directors (left to right) Andrew Hunt, Mark Rose (Vise Chairman) and Tony Platt.

The evening was a tremendous success. Andrew was over the moon to be in such personable conversation with Jimmy Page as Tony Platt recounted his early career on some of Jimmy’s Led Zeppelin sessions.

Photograph: Hayley Madden

AMBASSADORS OF MOROCCO - Record Debut Single

London based four-piece, Ambassadors of Morocco, dipped into The Pool in Bermondsey this March (2010) to track their debut single, Wikipedea, with Andrew.

Andrew chose three tracks to produce and record at the now famous South East studio (Paul Epworth recorded most of Florence and the Machine’s ‘Lungs’ there). Commenting on the set up he said, “Ben (Hillier - studio owner) has an immense collection of really unusual gear that takes you out of your comfort zone and pushes you creatively. I wanted to take the band somewhere that they could really perform in and capture that essence, The Pool was just the place.”

The Ambassadors of Morocco plan to release their debut single ‘Wikipedea’ on 15^th November.

THE MPG AWARDS 2010 - A Magnificent Night of Celebration

A resounding success - that is how everyone is describing this year's Music Producers Guild Awards, which took place in February.

Now firmly established as a 'must attend' event on the music industry calendar, the Music Producers Guild Awards attracted over 300 music industry VIPs who filled London’s Cafe de Paris to celebrate the enormous contribution that recording professionals make to the success of the UK's music industry.

The top award for Producer of the Year - which also earns its winner a BRIT Award for Best Producer - went to Paul Epworth, who worked with Florence and the Machine on their debut album Lungs. Florence attended the ceremony to present Paul with both his Awards.

In total 15 Awards were presented for recognition of the UK’s Audio professionals within the industry. (Full details are displayed on the MPG website.)

Amongst the attendee’s were the MPG Directors (pictured). Other artists who came along to support their producers included Dizzee Rascal, Alex Kapranos from Franz Ferdinand, Muse, and Jamie T.

BRIT'S - A new member of the Brit's Voting Academy

As 2009 came to a close Andrew received the very prestigious invitation to join the Brit’s Voting Academy - of course he accepted. ‘2010 will be the Brit’s 30th birthday and it is an absolute pleasure to join the voting team at such a great time’.

The launch party will be held on Monday 18th January 2010 and televised on ITV2 and the show itself will broadcast on ITV1 at 8pm on Tuesday 16th February. Good luck to all those who have been nominated!

AVATAR - The Power Station - New York

August (2009) was a great month for Andrew, he spent some time in New York and whilst there he found time to catch up with two of America’s great producers, Todd Whitelock (pictured right, famous for his orchestral work and his many years at Sony and at the time was working with Regina Spektor and Joshua Bell) and Dave O’Donnell (left, who has worked with the likes of Ray Charles, Herbie Hancock, James Taylor and Eric Clapton).

They met up at the infamous Avatar studios (formerly The Power Station). The Power Station – Manhattan was rebuilt as a recording studio by Tony Bongiovi (Jon Bon Jovi’s cousin) in 1977 and was renamed Avatar in May 1996. Over the years it has been the temporary home of some many artists and captured musical history on mass. Some artists who recorded there are listed below, Chic even had a ‘retro Motown room’ there, use your musical history knowledge to match the artists with the dates.

The Kinks, Aerosmith, Counting Crows, The B-52's, Tony Bennett, Bon Jovi, Dire Straits, Duran Duran, Dream Theater, Bruce Springsteen, John Lennon, Serge Gainsbourg, Ryan Adams, Pat Metheny, Neil Young, Harry Connick, Jr., Iggy Pop, Madonna, George Michael, John Mayer, Moby, Blondie, Chic, Joan Jett, David Bowie, The Last Shadow Puppets, and the band Power Station, which was named after the studio itself, plus many more.

TOUGH LOVE - release mini album

As 2008 came to a close Andrew’s final project was working on a mini album for Tough Love, which is now on release.

Press extract:

Tribal pop sextet release their debut mini album ‘Tough Love’ on June 1st 2009

“The afrobeat Scissor Sisters” Guardian
“They look and sound like nothing we have seen in recent times” Music Week
“Brilliant – packed with pop hits and charisma.” Record of the Day

Having already made an impact with their flamboyant performances in London’s more eccentric clubs, “tribal pop” ambassadors Tough Love release their debut, eponymously-titled mini-album on June 1^st.

The mini album delivers on the live promises made by a band who have managed to claim their own distinct identity as curators of one of London’s most outrageous “new vaudeville” club night, White Mischief. Hosted in venues including a 1920s theatre, a palatial Georgian mansion and London’s 1,100 capacity Scala.

MUSIC PRODUCERS' GUILD - new board members

In April of this year Andrew accepted the prestigious invitation to take a place on the board of Directors’ for the Music Producers’ Guild (UK) where he is actively involved in supporting the interests of the industry.

This news was followed later that month by legendary producer Steve Levine being appointed as the new chairman after the departure of Mike Howlett.

Everyone is looking forward to this new chapter.

MONYAKA - together again

After the successful partnership last time around Monyaka has returned once again. He and Andrew are planning to write a further two tunes, to be recorded at London’s Garden studio in the forthcoming months.