Brass, bass and sonic boom

The studio was really flying high last week when the Screamin' Eagles, an 18 piece big band, recorded their third CD, Breaking the Sound Barrier, at Tapeworks, Inc.

Structures Engineer at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, band manager and bass player, Chuck Gendrich explained, "All our musicians have day jobs at United Technologies. We do this as stress relief and we do this because it's fun. The only pro in the group is our music director, Topher Logan who is also Director of the Community School of the Arts at the University of Connecticut."

Topher added, "The Tapeworks staff is super helpful. They anticipate the needs of a big ensemble making the process smooth and effective. And chief engineer, Bill Ahearn, has a great set of ears!"

Chuck went on to say that, "Recording forces us to get better and we are a not-for-profit so sales of the new album help underwrite our operating expenses. Tapeworks makes it all work for us."

The band plays at private functions and charity events. Recent gigs include; Veteran's Day at Pratt & Whitney, Bradley Family Day and the Hartford Hospital Cancer Center.

We're not above simple . . .

Perhaps the highest form of giving is to donate anonymously to those you will never know.

Last week Tapeworks, Inc. had the privilege of building a series of very simple, but powerful radio spots, directed by Eric Cavoli of Lang & Durham.

For the last three years the Dalio Family Foundation has been funding a campaign to raise our aspirations at holiday time. In this series of radio spots the compelling voice of Sam Mercurio encourages us to redefine the spirit of giving at Christmas. Rather than buying gifts that will soon be forgotten or discarded, we can make better use of our money by donating to worthy causes in the names of our friends and loved ones.

As Doug Kupper, owner of Tapeworks commented, "Sure, its fun to create a complex production but sometimes when you have such a powerful message, the simple route is the best. Tapeworks is privileged to contribute to such an honorable endeavor."

So check out www.redefinechristmas.org and redefine your Christmas.

Disney Makes Yet another Splash at Tapeworks

We had a lot of laughs and learning at Tapeworks recording studio today with Ernie Sabella, a Simsbury, CT resident and the voice of Pumba from the Disney feature film, The Lion King. We recorded a new episode in the Disney children’s Safety Smart series; "Safety Smart in the Water" by Douglas Segal.

Water Safety issues; including the importance of sun screen, the dangers of thunder and lightning and AFR (accidental fecal release – uhg!) were all covered sensitively, humorously and musically.

Ernie was directed via phone patch by the Disney team in Burbank, CA, while being recorded by Bill Ahearn, chief engineer, here at Tapeworks in Hartford.

Politics Just Won't Wait

The phone rang at 11:10 AM. "Hi! I am calling from the Hamburger Company, an agency in D.C. and we need to get the Connecticut Attorney General, Richard Blumenthal into a studio to record a radio spot on Question 1. Do you folks do that sort of thing?"

At Tapeworks the answer of course is yes.

"When do you want to do this?"

"Well the Attorney General is available for an hour this afternoon and we want it on the air tomorrow."

"Okay, let me call you back in 10 minutes."

We were able to juggle things and schedule AG Blumenthal's session for a few hours later, so the agency sent the script via email. Our engineer, Tony Thomas, set up a phone patch with the agency so they could direct the reading from D.C.. At 2 PM the AG drove the 5 minutes from the Capitol to our studio.

He spent half an hour recording and listening to a number of takes of the spot in both English and Spanish. We cleaned up the recording and delivered the final cut by FTP site before 3 PM the same day.

Responsive and professional. When the need is critical, Tapeworks delivers.

Death or Canada

During the Great Famine in Ireland, 1 out of 3 citizens either perished or immigrated to North America. A vast number reached the American border and were denied access, thus moved up the coast to Canada and the city of Toronto. A new film documenting this journey is being produced, and Tapeworks had the privilege of recording and producing audio for it. Partnering with Brian Dennehy and Craig Thompson of Ballinran Productions, the audio was recorded using Tapeworks' state of the art facilities and vocal mikes. The film, entitled "Death or Canada," is due out this spring.

Mike Golic Spices Up Recording

Golic, one of two hosts of Mike & Mike in the Morning on ESPN Radio used his trademark, upbeat voice to promote the liberal use of McIlhenny Corp’s signature sauce.

The radio spots featured the former NFL defensive lineman urging listeners to try Tabasco on non-traditional foods like pizza and scrambled eggs.

Tabasco’s agency, Tracy Locke flew in a production team from Dallas to oversee the session in Hartford’s Tapeworks studio.

After the session the 6’5” Golic was happy to relax and autograph footballs for the staff while remarking, “It’s great to have this pro recording studio so handy to ESPN, makes things easy for talent and clients.”

Pictured L-R: Leeann Wells (Tracy Locke), Mike Golic, Deanna Nussbaum (Tracy Locke)

Middlebury College

Ryan Kellett's Blog

Nice kudos to us from Ryan Kellett of Stuck in the Middle. Thanks Ryan!

Ten Ways To Sustain a Voiceover Career

http://www.backstage.com/bso/advice-columns/actors-craft/voice-movement/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003827144&imw=Y

Great article with advice for what to do after the demo is made!

Hartford Courant Article

Keep an eye on the Business section of the Hartford Courant for an article on Tapeworks! The Courant's staff recently interviewed owner Doug Kupper and chief engineer Bill Ahearn for a feature in the paper. We'll post the article as soon as it is published, so stay tuned for the update.

A Month of May

Month of May, a young band out of Glastonbury, CT has just wrapped up their first EP recorded here at Tapeworks. The band is comprised of four multi-instrumentalists: Jeff - Vocals/Bass/Piano, Orion - Guitar/Vocals/Drums, Kim - Guitar/Vocals and Scott - Drums. Month of May is playing at the Webster this November with Hawthorne Heights and Emory.

Check out their myspace at http://www.myspace.com/monthofmay.

Voiceover Database

We are still putting together our-soon-to-be-launched voiceover database! Submissions are being accepted constantly, and we'd love to check out your demo and add you if we feel you meet our standards. Please submit all demos and information to erin@tapeworksinc.com to be considered!

Hospital of Central Connecticut

We've just wrapped up recording an exciting new spot for the HOCC! The introduction of new state of the art medical equipment (can't spill the beans yet!) deserved an outstanding announcement, and it was all put together here at Tapeworks. Using the concept of a chorus in rehearsal, it cleverly ties in some "oohs" and "aaahs" while explaining the new technology the hospital has acquired. The script is by Helayne Lightstone, casting by Bill Ahearn and featuring Erin Paul (Tapeworks staffer that writes this blog!!) in a bit part as "Marilyn," the singer who doesn't know the words... how embarrassing.

Stay tuned to your local radio this fall to hear the announcement, as soon as it's airing we'll also post it to the Tapeworks blog.

BUS13 updates

BUS13 has sent us some updates on the sucess of their album recorded here:

BUS13's NEW CD "Underground Parties and Other Fabulous Shoes" is now available at CDbaby.com.

Here is the link to BUS13's CD on the CDbaby on-line music store: http://cdbaby.com:80/cd/bus133


BUS13's song "Bella Bandido" is already playing on XM Satellite Radio - America's #1 Satellite Radio service... Tune into Channel 43 XMU on your XM radio dial. The XMU channel plays what's next... now - discover the latest rock/indie/college bands.

Please request XMU to play "Bella Bandido" by BUS13 today - here's how:

Help BUS13 reach this weeks "Top 23" on XMU XM Radio. It's simple and easy. Just email XMU at xmu@xmradio.com and ask them to play "Bella Bandido" by Bus13. Hit send and that's it!

BUS13 loves you for your support.

www.bus13.com

http://www.myspace.com/bus13daniels

Talos wins battle, victoriously recording at Tapeworks!!

Talos is a 4-piece band out of Springfield, MA. Brothers Tony (guitar/vocals) and Joe Staf (bass/vocals), along with Corey Villamaino (drums) and lead player Erik have been playing shows throughout Mass and CT. On June 28th, Talos won the Battle of the Bands at Webster Theater in downtown Hartford. The contest was run by Gorilla Productions, a company specializing in discovering new talent throughout the US.

In addition to prizes and cash, the band received 20 hours of studio time at Tapeworks, a prominent Hartford recording studio. They are using the time to create a 4-song demo CD with their best material, and Gorilla Productions will put their music in front of several major record labels in hopes of a deal.

For more information on the band, check out www.myspace.com/talosmusic.

Bus 13 Album complete!

After many hours of recording, mixing and re-mixing, Bus 13's album is finally finished! The guys certainly did this album right, and carefully listened and edited and listened some more until they felt it was perfect. The tracks have been sent to a mastering house in Boulder, CO; AIRSHOW.

Praised for his storytelling abilities, front-man Todd Daniels' originals have been a hit on the Hartford music scene for years, and Bus 13's blend of folk-rock translates well in the studio. The new release, titled "Underground Parties & Other Fabulous Shoes” is available for purchase at CD Baby.

BUS13 Official Website

Tapeworks Website

The new Tapeworks website is well underway. We've been reviewing some design concepts with our developers, and will hopefully finalize in the next few weeks. The new site will contain a bevy of resources and work samples for our existing and potential clients. We're very excited, and will keep you posted on a release date!

The Passion of Cashin

Duane Cashin is on the move!

The "differentiation" expert of the business world has been here at Tapeworks recording material for his business presentations and seminars. His unique approach to sales, coupled with his experience in starting and building a multi-million dollar business, is a great inspiration and practical resource for a variety of companies. Some of his major clients include Verizon Wireless, Cisco and Bank of America.

Based in Simsbury, Duane travels to meetings, seminars, etc. to provide a humorous yet poignant take on the evolving world of sales.

For more information, visit www.duanecashin.com.

Chris Berman

Chris Berman joined us once again at Tapeworks to record narrative tracking the history of the New England (Boston) Patriots. Coordinating with Cortina Productions in Virginia, Chris recorded here while being directed by the Cortina team.

Chris Berman is ESPN's top sportscaster, and a well-known voice in the New England area. Who better to narrate the rise of our football team?

Pumbaa pays a visit Tapeworks!

Yesterday, Ernie Sabella, the voice of Pumbaa from The Lion King, recorded a Timon and Pumbaa episode at Tapeworks. The Lion King spin-off series, which can be seen at 2 pm and 2:30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays on Toon Disney, features Mr. Sabella as the lovable Warthog.

The episode, complete with sing-alongable song, lets kids know how to save the environment; every little bit counts! The show's writers in Los Angeles were able to listen in real time and provide on-the-spot feedback.

Hilarious and spontaneous, Ernie was a treat to have here at Tapeworks.

Hakuna Matata!

MLB Scratch Games from CT lottery

Our state has long been a battleground for Red Sox and Yankees rivalry, and Connecticut Lottery is riling up the fans once again. The MLB scratch tickets are a big hit this summer, and Boston is outselling New York by a long shot!

A new radio spot was recorded here at Tapeworks this week to let Yankees fans know they’re being trounced. Encouraging fans to “show their pinstripes,” it will air later this summer. (Don’t let ‘em beat you, Boston!! )

CHC

Community Health Center is expanding once again, this time into Danbury, CT. No official date has been announced, but the new on hold calling system for Danbury was recorded here at Tapeworks.

Requiring three languages to serve local populations, Tapeworks sought out Portuguese, Spanish and English voice talent for the recordings. Voices from around the New England area help patients who are not native speakers of English get the healthcare and service they deserve!


CHC Website

Hospital of Central Connecticut

A new TV spot for the Hospital of Central CT was created this week at Tapeworks. Jointly produced with Helayne Lightstone of HCC, the spot “Incredible Hands” is a celebration of the hospital’s doctors and other medical personnel.

The voice of Bruce Bayley Johnson eloquently described the effort and care the doctors of the HCC put into their patients.

Joe Grieco, pianist, provided an original score of material composed on the spot with the producers.

Tapeworks, Inc offers a vast array of creative services, and with 32 years of experience in the field of advertising they are a staple of the Hartford market.

The metaphysical arrives at Tapeworks

Author Linda Thompson (I Am My Own Dragon) recorded a series of poems and website dialogue to promote her new work at Tapeworks Recording Studios in Hartford last week.

I Am My Own Dragon is of a new genre called metaphysical fiction. Thompson’s novel is divided into three sections: Life, depicting childhood traumas and struggling to learn; Transformation, which deals with the healing process and personal transformation for the main character, Lucy; and finally Enlightenment, where the reader co-creates Lucy’s experience transitioning from an atheist to a spiritual being.

Linda Thompson is also an active dramatist and performer, as well as singer and motivational speaker. She holds a BA in American studies from The University of Texas at Austin, an MA in creative writing from the University of Texas at Austin and an MBA from the University of Southern California.

Information found at: http://www.bookmasters.com/marktplc/02056.htm

Jeanine Basinger in Western Mode

It was a B Movie bonanza in Tapeworks today as noted film authority Jeanine Basinger, narrated a companion DVD track to the Budd Boetticher Western, “The Tall ‘T’” Starring Randolph Scott and Maureen O’Sullivan.

This is the first in a series of Boetticher releases that will comprise a box set of the directors distinctive works.

A regular presence in the Hartford recording studio, Prof. Basinger has provided commentary on numerous titles while viewing the films with Chief Engineer Bill Ahearn at Tapeworks and simultaneously with a Hollywood production company on the digital patch.

Jeanine Basinger is Corwin-Fuller Professor of Film Studies and Founder and Curator of the Cinema Archives at Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut.

She is also a Trustee of the American Film Institute a member of the Steering Committee of the National Center for Film and Video Preservation, and one of the Board of Advisors for the Association of Independent Video and Filmmakers.

Tapeworks is uniquely qualified for this type of work with it’s close ties to Hollywood production studios and specialized film and ADR equipment.

Tapeworks Honored at Ad Club Awards

Tapeworks brought home an award last night at the 54th Annual Advertising Club of CT Award Show! The Silver award for best Original Music or Jingle was awarded to Tapeworks for the merger announcement project we worked on with Helayne Lightstone and the Hospital of Central CT. New Britain Hospital and Bradley Hospital merged last summer, and Tapeworks' work helped smooth the transition for patients and doctors alike. Thanks to the Ad Club for this special recognition!

Celebrity Sighting!

TV personality Lynn Hoffman, the dynamic host of VH1’s Classics and the new Private Sessions on A&E, was recently spotted at Tapeworks, Inc. recording studio in Hartford, CT. Her distinctive voice and friendly demeanor made her the perfect candidate for narrating two segments of A&E’s Biography series. Biography’s “Where Are They Now?” series is bringing two more stars into the fold: The features focus on lengendary pop star Leif Garret and actor Scott Baio. Lynn’s warm and inviting voice captures viewers and brings the stories to life. Keep an eye out for the new episodes on A&E! Check out Lynn's MySpace page: www.myspace.com/lynnhoffman

Voice Over Talent

Tapeworks is constantly searching for fresh voice talent for our radio spots. Radio ads are calling more and more for voice actors, as opposed to the traditional announcer (although announcers are still well-employed!). If you are an aspiring voiceover artist or a veteran looking for more opportunities, please send us your demo! Our ears are open.

Email: erin@tapeworksinc.com

Or send a CD:

Erin Paul
770 Maple Ave
Hartford, CT 06114

Sam Foggle

Samantha Foggle frequently records her original compositions at Tapeworks. Congratulations Sam!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Lili Foggle (203) 245-4150
236 Boston Post Road, Madison CT
lili.foggle@sbcglobal.net

Jannel Rap (877) 411-GINA
clemstreet@aol.com
www.411gina.org

LOCAL FIFTH GRADER IS FINALIST IN INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION


May 7, 2008 ….Samantha Foggle, a fifth-grade student at Madison’s Brown Middle School is a finalist in the 5th Annual GINA Singer-Songwriter Competition 2008. She will join the other finalists – all adults – in Los Angeles for the live webcast of the finals on May 17, 2008 at 9 pm EST. The GINA for Missing Persons Singer-Songwriter Contest for the Missing is held annually during National Missing Children’s Month. As a finalist, Samantha will “adopt” a missing child by featuring an in-depth profile of the child during the webcast. Samantha will perform her original song “Anywhere But Here”. Winners of the contest are selected by an industry panel of judges during the live webcast. The webcast is interactive and webcast viewers are encouraged to email the show their comments.

Samantha Foggle is ten years old and lives in Madison . She began playing piano at age three, and composing at age eight. She currently sings with the Academy Division of the Elm City Girls’ Choir in New Haven . Samantha is thrilled and honored to be a participant in this important event.

Proceeds from the GINA Singer/Songwriter Contest for the Missing support GINA for Missing Persons FOUNDation, an organization dedicated to providing media attention, awareness, assistance and resources for families, friends and communities of the missing. The live webcast of the finals will take place on Saturday, May 17th at 9 pm EST. To view the webcast, log onto www.411gina.org and click on the “webcast” tab on the left of the screen. Remember to email your comments of support and well wishes to our home town girl. Donations are welcome and can be made online by clicking on the donation button on the www.411Gina.org website.

GINA has been featured on the Grammy awards show in 2003 and 2006. Nearly 300 missing people profiled by GINA have been found since the organization was founded in 2001.

Discovery Channel Man Vs. Wild spots

Tucker Smith was here at Tapeworks this morning to record tags for the Discovery Channel's "Man Vs. Wild" starring Bear Grylls. New episodes of the show are airing, despite past controversy over the autheticity of Bear's adventures. A new disclaimer warns audiences that Bear is being assisted at times by crew members while shooting. Tucker's rich voice intones the feel needed for advertising the show, and our cooperation with Star Trax Studios in NYC provided a great take!

Samantha Foggle

Samantha Foggle was back in the studio this week recording some of her latest works, “Anywhere but Here” and “Who I Am.” “Anywhere” was written for a friend whose family moved to CT as a result of Hurricane Katrina. A talented pianist and singer, she writes beautiful melodies with insightful lyrics considering her young age. Sam frequently records her compositions for voice and piano here at the Tapeworks, and we love having her!

Voice Workshop in the Hartford Area

Workshop notification:

A character voices workshop with Bob Bergen (the voice of Porky Pig) will be held next month, 17-18 May in Hartford.
Details are here.

Lighting the way to catchy jingles

Connecticut Lighting Center has a new theme song ringing in their ears… their Tapeworks-created jingle! Our creative team came up with a catchy new radio tune to promote Connecticut Lighting Center’s great line of products. Featuring a well known Manhattan singer and a bevy of musicians, the tune gets the message to consumers that lighting can be designed and installed right by the crew at CLC.

New England Baptist College releases "Songs from the Heart"

New England Baptist College, affiliated with Central Baptist Church in Southington, has been filling Tapeworks with uplifting music! The 26-member group recorded a 10 song album here at the studio. In addition to full group songs, tracks have been laid down for trios, quartets, and other smaller ensemble numbers. The album was duplicated at DiscMakers, a studio partner, and released in the past week or two. "Songs from the Heart" is a great project with some excellent singing!

Mars Mission from LEGO Denmark

We're not actually going to Mars, but we did some out of this world (haha, get it??) work for LEGO recently. LEGO recorded a series of commercials promoting the news “Mars Mission” play sets through Tapeworks. A three way patch between the US, Denmark and the voice talent allowed for an international collaboration on the project.

Roll out the red carpet...

Tapeworks has been a hub of Hollywood activity! Two Automatic Dialogue Replacement sessions took place for diverse clients around the country and the continent. Post Modern Sound, a production company in British Columbia, booked Chad Allen for ADR on Ice Blues and On The Other Hand, Death. Chad is a well-known film and stage actor, having starred in numerous television series and movies since childhood. Another ADR session was for Doppler Studios in Atlanta, adding dialogue to the popular TBS show Tyler Perry’s House of Payne.

Richard Thomas drives Mercedes into Tapeworks

Richard Thomas, renowned TV and stage actor visited Hartford Tapeworks recording studios Tuesday to record voiceover tracks for Mercedes-Benz latest radio and TV spots. The session was recorded using ISDN technology, which allowed Thomas to voice the spots in Hartford while being recorded by a production team in NYC. An in-studio monitor screen provided a video reference for the TV spots, giving Thomas the feel and attitude needed for his delivery.

Television and movie actors are often chosen to voice commercials even though their voices aren't always recognized by the average viewer when their face isn't shown on-screen.Mercedes-Benz chose Thomas as the voice of their new campaign, much of which promotes the Certified Pre-Owned sector of their dealerships. Thomas's warm and soothing voice credibly amplifies Mercedes pride in their cars and engineering skills while affirmatively answering the old chestnut; Would you buy a used car from this man?

Thomas is in Hartford this week performing 12 Angry Men at the Bushnell. The show went on tour in February, and opened Tuesday night in Hartford and will run through Sunnday March 30th.Tapeworks is celebrating it 33rd year as a Hartford mainstay. The studio is regularly the temporary home of TV and movie celebrities when their voices are needed elsewhere.

Welcome!

Welcome to Tapeworks Inc recording studio's official blog. Here we will post updates and news  regarding our own work as well as other items we think you'll find interesting. Thanks for reading!