About Me:In 1989 at the age of 43 I decided to make a career move for the future and the total enjoyment of something that just moved in my way. I began this business in July of 1989 as a management/booking agent. The band was ok for a local band but the lead singer as Robin had suggested was really good. His name was John Crabtree. I suggested after promoting the band for about a year that I should manage only John. I felt that he was that good. John and his wife had just got married not too long before he started practicing with the band and he already had one child with another one on the way at the time. I decided to take John to Nashville where he got a chance to sing on music row where he attracted a good crowd that appreciated his talents. I then entered him into a talent contest at the legendary Broken Spoke. John placed 4th out of 19 performers and he was the only one not from Nashville. I told John he was a complete package with "looks, stage presence and vocals" and he had a great future in the music industry if he would persist. I booked John and his band until May 1992 when the band disbanded and John decided to leave the entertainment industry to support his family. After the band split up one of the guitar players, James Lancia; mentioned to my wife he was playing in a band called Pryme Tyme and Debbie Collins. She went to watch them and she came back with a story that I had to go see this group and its lead singer. She was fantastic!!! In August of 1992 I signed Debbie Collins to a personal and business management agreement. Because of Debbie's songwriting ability it was determined that we needed a publishing company to publish her songs and in 1994 we established James Paul Music, a publishing company through BMI. In order to promote Debbie's music and advance her career it was obvious we needed to record Debbie and release her first CD. After further consideration I decided to take Debbie to Nashville and record her debut album in 1995. The CD was titled "That’s The Way" and received lots of heavy airplay in Europe. . Acquiring booking agents for this very beautiful and talented artist became a priority and before long I had her and her new band "Wildride" booked on the Carnival Cruise Line. I arranged for another booking agent to book Debbie and Wildride from then on they booked her for the next 4 years. Debbie currently is living in Wisconsin with her 2 daughters while still playing on weekends and working at a local radio station. After I got Debbie on the road in 1995 I started looking for a new preferably young male artist to promote. Not!!! I spotted Brandi Lynn Howard at an American Legion Post in Hilliard, Ohio while attending an Ohio Country Western Music Association meeting. I was so impressed with this very young female talent (only 10 years old) I knew right then and there that this young performer and vocalist had what it takes to be a success in the entertainment industry. Within 2 months I signed Brandi to a management contract. Since then Brandi has performed in Las Vegas, Nevada; Nashville, Tennessee and throughout the Midwest at fairs, festivals, concerts, and conventions. Brandi and I created a record label known as "Spotlight Records" to promote her and Debbie's music. In 1999-2000 we completed Brandi’s first CD "Only in a Picture" which has received airplay all over the world. Brandi helped produce wrote and co-wrote this very successful first effort. Brandi has been on numerous TV shows and featured as far away as Japan on NHK-TV Worldwide Release. She also has won so many music awards that she has a small museum in her basement to display her many accomplishments. Dark blonde hair and brown eyes, along with a beautiful smile make Brandi's appearance like that of a princess. Her petite frame belies the powerful range of her vocal talent, proving the old adage "big things come in small packages". Brandi has the musical background and experience of someone many years older. I still look for Brandi to make it big in this business!!! In 2002 Brandi was hired by the Longaberger Basket Company as an Entertainer for one of the largest companies in Ohio. In the year 2002 I decided that it was time for me to cut back so I decided to be a consultant after 14 years as a music publishing, music promoter, merchandiser, webmaster, record, video and TV producer, talent manager, talent agent, and record label owner. My new company was called Access Talent and for more than two years I consulted with and advised singers, songwriters and bands on how to go about their careers. That was fun, but I admit I did miss the excitement of the real music business so in 2004 I was approached by a bass player by the name of Jon Hawks of the band known as Category IV in the hopes they might become a client of mine. Here are Jon’s thoughts on what happened “For those of you who don't know, and I am aware that most of you do, but for those who don't, here is the story behind our recording contract. I (Jon) had been running the "behind the scenes" stuff for the band and felt we were ready for the next step. I sent out several promotional packages to agents and management companies about the band. I received a few responses but the one who seemed most interested was Jim Bruce of Access Talent. Jim came to just ONE of our shows at the Dugout and was "hit by the storm" that IS Category IV. Jim began giving me advice, pulling from his past experience with several musical acts and I listened. Jim then offered to manage the band. Jay, Donnie, Mike and I all discussed it and went to a meeting at Jim’s house. All agreed to move forward with Access Talent and Jim as our manager. Come to find out. Jim owned a record label by the name of Spotlight Records. Again, several meetings, some tweaking' of the contract and BOOM, we were signed at a big party held at Dough Boys in Ashville early in 2005!” So in 2005 I decided that I would like to produce my third CD titled “The Storm” by Category IV. The process of finding a studio that fit all the criteria the band and what I was looking for took a few months. I made contact with studios in Washington D.C., Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee and New York. We settled on a studio in New York. This place was just blocks from Central Park, in the heart of Manhattan. This guy has done work with artist like James Taylor and Madonna. We were going up to do just 3 or 4 songs and release those while we worked on the rest of the CD. Then, I discovered a studio in Lafayette, Indiana by the name of Sound Logic. Sound Logic has earned several awards including 2 Grammy nominations generated from work in this studio. Time for a "road trip." The band and I all packed into Mikes (the drummer) van and off we went. We misjudged the time it would take us but a Ponderosa dinner and 5 hours later, we arrived at the Sound Logic studio. You would never know it was a studio. Out in the middle of nowhere, you would just see this nice house with a pole barn next to it and assume nothing! Go into the pole barn and you are in a whole different world. Completely finished and equipped with recording gear, a grand piano, separate rooms for vocal recording and a HUGE control room overlooking the main studio. Two hours later and we were no longer going to New York. The owner of Sound Logic, Jeff Anderson, made me an offer I couldn't refuse. Jeff was born in 1976 and has accomplished a great deal throughout his varied career. Jeff began his career working in the music industry as a musician. While recording in the studio, he found true enjoyment in the art of recording music. Following this newfound interest, he attended the prestigious Full Sail School of Recording Arts and began work as a sound engineer. In 1996, Jeff founded and built Sound Logic Recording Studios in Saint Joseph, Missouri. Over the next 5 years, Jeff produced over 480 productions that received national syndication and built the studio into one of the 100 largest recording studios in the US. Jeff’s work at Sound Logic, has earned him many national and international awards including Grammy® nominations, Addy Awards, Communicator Awards, Telly Awards, Aegis Awards, and an International Cindy Award. He has worked in all levels of the music, advertising and film industries. In 2004 Jeff moved to Lafayette IN and achieved his dream, "a world class recording facility in a laid back private location." Category IV recorded at Jeff Anderson's private 1600 sq foot studio. Sound Logic houses a vintage Neve 8108 console. One of 6 left in the USA. This console has recorded over 30 number one hits in the past and has a unique warm feel about it. I expect to release this CD to radio sometime in 2007.
Music:Rock, Country, Hip Hop and Pop
Movies:Occasionally
TV:Rarely
Books:Health, Golf and Travel
Likes:Hot women, fast cars and family
Hobbies:Music
Vices:None
Virtues:loyal
Heroes:Those that protect us from crime, war and fire.
Columbus, Ohio ………March 15, 2008 Access
Talent of Galloway, Ohio has signed Brandi Lynn Howard to a booking agreement.Jim Bruce and George Kidder owners of Access Talent,
is announcing this achievement for the second time.Originally Access Talent signed Brandi to a
contract when she was only 10 years old and that was 13 years ago.Now 23, Brandi has decided after 5 years of
performing locally on her own, she is
now ready to take her career to the next level.We last worked with Brandi in 2003 and she was one of the premier
performers in the Midwest.Brandi’s
grandmother, Donna Sagraves was the driving force behind Brandi’s career when
her grandmother died of cancer in 2002.At the age of 17 Brandi decided that she needed a break from her music
career and other than an occasional local performance she tried to work a
normal job and pursued other careers.We
remained close and Brandi suggested she might like to perform again.She suggested I help her get a band together
and “lets give it try”.
Brandi is a
singer/songwriter that loves to perform before large and small crowds.She has performed at hundreds of fairs and
festivals, clubs, conventions, private parties, veteran groups, picnics,
reunions and benefits.By the age of 12
Brandi had won numerous talent contests including Loretta Lynn’s Talent Contest
held at her ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.In Las Vegas, Nevada she won the coveted
CMAA’s National Awards of Vocalist and Rising Star Female Entertainer of the
Year.At the age of 15 the Ohio Country
and Western Music Association awarded Brandi Ohio’s Entertainer and Best Female
Vocalist of the Year.Brandi has had
the privilege of performing on numerous television shows and in 2003 Brandi’s
musical talents were featured on NHK-TV in Japan and telecast worldwide.
When Brandi was
a very young lady her Grandfather took her to a live concert.He noticed that Brandi was shaking and crying
while watching the show.He asked her
“Why are you crying?”She said “This is
what I want to do, Grandpa.I want to be
an entertainer.”
Access Talent believes that modern technology combined
with a business attitude is vital and an essential part of any entertainers’
presentation today.It is also necessary
for any new or indie artist to understand that a major label contract is not
absolute for you to make a profit, survive and/or succeed as an entertainer
today.It has been proven that many
indie artists without a major contract have had a very successful career as an
entertainer. Lets not underestimate the power of a major label or what it can
do for you.Access Talent totally
endorses that all serious artist should pursue to a higher goal.Access Talent service will improve your
current situation and prepare you for national exposure should you adheres to a
major label goal.Access Talent believes
that in today's world the artists should make themselves as visual to the world
as possible.Any artist not using modern
tech i.e. videos and computer promotions; will be unable to advance in this
competitive world. Jim Bruce has been
in the music business as a consultant, Indie
Record Label owner, Talent Agent and Manager, Music Publisher, and Promoter for
19 years. For 7 years each Access Talent
managed the careers of Debbie Collins and Brandi Lynn Howard.
All weekends as all days are extremely busy here in Ohio. Spotlight Records represented itself well promoting Category IV to the State Festival Convention where we picked up 18 new contracts on the first day and approximately 20 new contacts to follow-up on. The sad news the Buckeyes lost their first game of the year getting beat by Illinois 28-21. But maybe thats a good thing and they will be better prepared for Michigan next week to battle for the Big Ten Championship. I announced that Category IV will be showcasing for the Ohio Fairs Convention in January. Worked on taxes for a few clients and generally kept busy reviewing new talent as well. I think we have found a new female country artist to consult with by the name of Molly Gonzalez. Hope you will be hearing from her in the near future.
Spotlight Records announces the assignment of George Kidder as Agent in charge of Talent Placement. Mr. Kidder will serve as agent in charge of booking and promoting all musical acts signed by Spotlight Records Columbus, Ohio, August 14, 2007 -
Spotlight Records an independent record label for 12 years recently contracted George Kidder as their new booking and promotions director. He will develop and manage all aspects of their publicity and marketing programs for the rock group Category IV (www.myspace.com/categoryiv) and all other future acts signed by Spotlight Records including bookings, public relations, marketing and trade shows. "We are excited to have Mr. Kidder join our team of professionals," said James Bruce, owner of Spotlight Records. As at his most recent position with the Earth Angel Foundation a charity foundation that gives Dream Vacations to Ohio Children with Life Threatening and Terminal Illnesses, where Mr. Kidder is a board member and Chairman in charge of Advertising and Entertainment, George will bring a rich experience of dealing with people in the entertainment industry that will help our clients get the exposure they need through the establishment of professionally designed and executed promotions. Mr. Kidder has also worked for 36 years in a variety of positions at the Diamond Power Specialty Company..
About Spotlight Records Headquartered in Galloway, Ohio, Spotlight Records is a independent record label founded in 1995 specializing as a professional services firm for independent musicians, singers, songwriters, bands and entertainers. The firm has demonstrated expertise in booking, recordings, and career development, consultation, marketing, publicity and talent management. For more information on Spotlight Records, visit http://www.myspace.com/spotlight3records or call 614-878-7292.
Spotlight Records is set to release "The Storm", a new CD by Category IV. What started as a garage jam a couple of years ago, has turned into a hard-hitting, in-yer-face Rock-N-Roll band. Category IV formed in 2003 is made up of veterans of the Ohio Music Scene. Led by very talented front-man, Donnie Kuhn of Ashville, Ohio CATEGORY IV has the vocal power to make a statement. They have a rhythm section that is unbeatable in bassist, Jon Hawks also of Ashville, Ohio and drummer, Mike Gibbs of Hilliard, Ohio. Top it all off with the unpredictably wild lead guitarist, Jay Ott of Grove City, Ohio, and you have a truly unforgettable show.
Signed to a recording contract with Spotlight Records in 2005, CATEGORY IV hopes that everyone finds their brand of rock n roll. "good rock music with melody and just a splash of metal." The music is new but the sound is classic. The Storm is a CD of 11 original songs written and performed by Category IV. A conclusion of lifetime decisions, real happenings, lustful thought, troubled times and true love. Category IV is a down home new rock band with a classic sound. The Storm was produced by Jeff Anderson of Lafayette, Indiana who has produced over 480 productions earning many national and international awards including Grammy nominations, Addy Awards, Communicator Awards, Telly Awards, Aegis Awards, and International Cindy Awards.
Jim Bruce, owner of Spotlight Records noted "I've been in the Music Business for 18 years and finally I think I've found the right combination: the band, the sound, the songs and the experience necessary to make this project very special". Category IV caught the attention of Jim Bruce after the Jon Hawks the bass player emailed him requesting that he attend just ONE of their shows. "I was looking for something different and I liked what I heard". This new group, "I believe has the making of a national contender. Category IV has been mentioned by many as being nothing short of "Rock and Roll Ear Candy", plus they write their own stuff. These guys are extremely talented!!! "This is a GREAT CD!!!
Please check out Category IV's Electronic Press Kit (EPK) at http://www.airplaydirect.com/categoryiv or Category IV's website www.myspace.com/categoryiv or you can contact Jim Bruce of Spotlight Records at 614-878-7292 or email spotlight3records@yahoo.com
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