SimmonsRecords.com

Hello,
I've been a musician now for close to 20 years, both touring and studio playing everything from blues to country to rock. Originally from Nova Scotia I moved to Toronto to take my career further. I don't drink, smoke or do any drugs. Music is what I want for a career and nothing else. I'm not interested in really signing a record deal, what I want more is to be a sideman to some established touring artists. How do I go about doing this?
Adam

Response from Gene:

There is no secret. I'm afraid you have to do it yourself. Get yourself involved in the music community in a large city. Toronto, LA, NY and Nashville are the cities. Play clubs. Take phone numbers. Schmooze.

Letters...

June 19th-

MESSAGE FROM BELINDA STRONACH

Simmons Records is dedicated to finding and promoting Canadian musical artists. As a huge music fan and proud Canadian, I am thrilled to be a partner in Simmons Records and working with Gene and Randy Lennox at Universal to help Canadian musicians get discovered. I am constantly blown away by the musical talent in this country and look forward to Simmons Records shining a spotlight on the great Canadian artists of the future.

Dear Gene:
I just finished waching 'The Hour' on CBC and would just like to thank you for your interest in canadian music. Canada has a lot of talent and you're a smart man for investing your time in our market.
On another note I was reading some of the letters on simmonsrecords.com and noticed there are a couple of responses from you that make this fact very clear:
yes we are all sick of Lady GaGa-Brittany spears-Pro Tools-Crap,
NOPE. NEVER SAID I WAS SICK OF IT. I ENJOY ANYTHING DONE WELL. "WOMANIZER" AND ESPECIALLY "TOXIC" (which I consider A Class songwriting and fantastic arrangement & Production) BY BRITNEY, AND "SO WHAT" BY PINK ARE TERRIFIC. I ENJOY THEM. I AM NOT NECESSARILY A FAN OF SOME OF THE PAINT BY NUMBERS VERSIONS OF THIS STUFF, BUT THEN, THAT'S NOT IMPORTANT. SIMMONS RECORDS' MAIN AGENDA IS TO FIND NEW CANADIAN TALENT. WITH OR WITHOUT PROTOOLS. I'M NOT GOING TO FORCE MY OPINIONS ON NEW ARTISTS. THEY SHOULD BE FREE TO CREATE THEIR STUFF, THE WAY I AND WE WERE FREE TO CREATE OURS.
but unfortunately the people who purchase music are not.
AND THAT MEANS "THE MASSES."
I understand where you are coming from, but here is the problem: Commercial radio in north america is very repetitive. As a result the same ten songs (in our case Lady GaGa and Britany Spear) are drilled into the brains of our youth. So when one of these kids go to the store to buy a album, what do you think they are going to buy?
A LITTLE OVER SIMPLISTIC ASSESSMENT, IF YOU DON'T MIND ME SAYING SO. THE SIMPLE FACT IS, EVERY INDUSTRY, INCLUDING RADIO, ONLY DOES WHAT WORKS. AND IF THEY PLAY SONGS PEOPLE LISTEN TO, THEY WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY IT. IF THEY FIND THEIR LISTENERSHIP IS DECLINING, THEY SWITCH...NOT JUST SONGS...THEY SOMETIMES SWITCH TO 'CLASSIC ROCK' OR 'COUNTRY' OR WHATEVER THEY FEEL WILL ATTRACT AN AUDIENCE. WHY? SO THEY CAN SELL ADVERTISING, WHICH IS THE PLACE THEY MAKE MONEY.
TRUST ME, RADIO HAS ABSOLUTELY NO AGENDA.
YOU AND THE MASSES DECIDE WHAT THEY PLAY.
So in my opinion, when it comes to music, its not the consumer telling the record companies what we want to here, its the record companies/media telling us what we want to here.
YOU COULND'T BE MORE WRONG. RECORD COMPANIES LIVE AND DIE BY WHAT PEOPLE WANT TO BUY. NO ONE HAS EVER BEEN ABLE TO GET ME TO BUY SOMETHING I HATED. YOUR ASSESSMENT IS A BIT 'ROMANTIC' AND PERHAPS IT'S NICE TO BELIEVE THERE ARE 'NICE PEOPLE' AND 'EVIL CORPORATIONS'. BUT ALL OF US SUCCUMB TO THE WILL (AND THE BUYING POWER) OF THE MASSES.
THE PEOPLE DECIDE EVERYTHING.

Dear Mr. Simmons:
I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Geri Bertolo. I'm a Canadian animation Director with sixteen years in directing, design and storyboard work in the animation industry. I saw you last night on 'The Hour', where you explained your new record label and search for Canadian talent. I was wondering if your search was limited to just music, as I have developed an animated series for young children that I think would work in most markets.
The problem with the series is Canada, unfortunately. I have pitched the series to all of my local broadcasters and their response is always the same. They love the show, but admit that they are not developing their own content and are waiting for the next big show from the US instead. They even admit to me that they would have turned down 'Sponge Bob Square Pants', a huge series from Nickelodeon , if it were pitched to them. Its true, most Producers here don't want to try anything new, and it is really hard for someone like myself, a virtual 'nobody', to push a series forward. I certainly don't have the clout that you do!
Actually, I am currently working on a Stop-Motion series (from Micheal Eisner) that you have done a vocal appearance for: Glenn Martin DDS, where you are in a scene at a party talking to the main character and you have a shirt that you can update that tells how many women you have slept with. You also embrace the main female character with your tongue. Good stuff!
If you are interested, please contact me at this address. I have a short 5 minute demo and a proposal that I can submit to you. Basically I need help and I hope you and your team can point me in the direction to move this series forward. I'm basically trying to make a series for preschoolers to help teach them life lessons, and hopefully inspire them to grow to be good people.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Geri Bertolo

Response from Gene:

Best to have funding or a production entity on your side...that makes something closer to reality. Tough to walk in with an idea and have people say -- "great...here's the money...and we'll make sure it gets on the air."
What I say is not an exaggeration. I've pitched about 50 different movie and television projects.
Out of those, I actually got DETROIT ROCK CITY set up (with my co-producers) at New Line and MY DAD THE ROCK STAR at Nelvana and Teletoons (Nickelodeon in US)....
That's life.

Letters...

Dear Gene,
Congratulations on your recording label, you've come to the right place. Canada has such a rich music history. I was so pleased that you were going to start a label here in Canada and then I heard from somewhere that you are only looking for bands,
THAT'S INCORRECT. NEVER SAID THAT. YOUR SOURCE EITHER MISQUOTED OR IS UNINFORMED. WE ARE LOOKING FOR 'STARS' -- PURE AND SIMPLE. WHETHER IT'S THE NEXT BOB MARLEY, OR THE NEXT LEONARD COHEN...
but I was wondering if you will ever be willing to open your listening pleasures to a solo female acoustic singer/songwriter?
RESPECTFULLY, THIS AREA IS A DIFFICULT, BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE, AREA IN THE MARKETPLACE. IN ENGLISH, THAT MEANS NOT MANY PEOPLE BUY THIS SORT OF THING....ALTHOUGH IN THE PAST, THEY USED TO. JONI MITCHELL, JOAN BAEZ, JUDY COLLINS...AND SO ON. BUT, IT DOESN'T SEEM TO WORK ANYMORE. UNFORTUNATELY.
I feel like the industry is trying to find the next big pop star but what they really need to be looking for is the next instrumentally talented singer,
NOT REALLY. THE INDUSTRY ONLY LOOKS FOR THINGS THAT THE PUBLIC WANTS. THE INDUSTRY DOESN'T REALLY "NEED" TO DO ANYTHING. THEY ONLY PUT PRODUCT OUT THEY BELIEVE IN (translation: things that people will buy). NO BUSINESS HAS AN AGENDA. BY DESIGN, WHETHER IT'S THE MUSIC INDUSTRY OR ANY OTHER BUSINESS, THEY LIVE OR DIE BY THE WHIMS OF THE PUBLIC.
I'm so sick of background beats and computer created rhythms,
I KNOW. BUT THE MASSES ARE NOT.
what ever happens to using actual instruments.
APPARENTLY A LARGE SEGMENT OF THE RECORD BUYING AUDIENCE - WHICH INCLUDES POP, RAP AND OTHER AREAS, LIKE THAT SORT OF THING.
I hope you find what your looking for and who knows maybe someday I too can be on your Label.
I WISH YOU WELL.
Yours Truly,
Kim Plantz

Gene the demon Simmons
Oh My God.
Enough with the gaga fan thing. I would love to have you come to this tiny town I live in to see if you would be interested in opening a studio in the most beautiful place in Canada. It is no big city and yet it is full of talented young musicians looking for that big break. I am not a producer or anything of the sort, more an idea guy. Now that my family is grown up I am wanting to get into the music business and would love to help you make a studio and guide these young folk into huge careers. Think of it as a Gene Simmons does Motown type thing. Not musically of course as there are far too many styles today to go pigeon holing one self.. Think about it. I know you having a studio in Canada and promoting bands would make you money. Just have to stay away from the "organized" Canadian industry. They do not look for or help anyone but their families. Even Canadian Idol is a money loser because of the lack of balls in the Canadian industry. come see for yourself Gene and let me be your man on the ground here. I have a great ear for hits and am too poor to do it myself. I will be writing again and again and again until you finally answer and say you will check it out.
Sincerely,
D. Earl Keegan

Response from Gene:

Would love to do something creative like that. But unfortunately, owning studios is a terrible business. Many artists just do their own stuff in their own studios. Protools makes it easy, and usurps the power of studios.

Letters...

Question: I was reading in a Canadian publication earlier this year, that you have teamed up with, Belinda Stronach, and someone else (can't remember) and that you will be visiting Canada to explore Canadian vocal/performing artists. The article also mentioned that you are looking for raw talent that your team would be able to see through from the very beginning. Is this correct? If yes, where and when could we find you? Where will you or your talent scouts be?
If you will be in Toronto on Friday June 19 2009, come by and visit to watch the performances of some very very talented young people....
Location: Markham Theatre of the Performing Arts, 171 Town Centre Blvd. Markham, Ontario
Showcase: OVATION PERFORMING ACADEMY...."GET STAGEstruck"
It would be an honor to have you there as a guest. I think the performers would be Stagestruck by you.....
Thank you. I wish your family health, happiness & continued success with your show.
Mary

Response from Gene:

Just check out the box on the left, where it tells you how to send us your demos.
Thanks.

Letters...

Dear Gene and company,
With all due respect, pertaining to your record label, why limit yourself to just Canadian talent? All labels should be universal because music is universal. The only way I see that your hands are tied here is if contractually you cannot sign anyone other than a Canadian because of territory issues imposed by Universal perhaps?
Sincerely,
Tanya Pelt

Response from Gene:

Good question. Here's why.
I believe in Canada.
I believe the next great wave of new talent will come out of Canada!!!
Once upon a time, England meant nothing on the world stage. Then the Beatles, Stones and others came along and it continues to this very day.
There ain't nothin' that the US or England has, that Canada doesn't have.
I am committed to launching the next wave of stars out of Canada (with our partners Universal)...to the world.

Letters...

Hi Gene,
I would like to say my whole family thinks your great. I think it is awesome that you are looking for talent in Canada. My 17 year old son Matt is in a band called 48caliber, we are from Ajax, Ontario. Matt is the lead guitar player and backup vocals. There are 4 guys in the band all which are very talented. They have a myspace 48caliber.com. They just had a cd release party at Johnny B's in Whitby Sat. May 23/09, and they are doing a showcase for 94.9 The Rock radio station at Johnny B's on July 14/09. They are also playing The Liford Wines Boys night out downtown Toronto to raise money for prostate cancer. These boys jam about 4 times a week and are very devoted. It would be a dream come true if you could hear them play. They have quite a big following all they need now is a break. It is so hard in Canada to get into the music industry.
I know your a very busy man but if there is anyway you could see them, that would be the ultimate for these guys.
I am Matt's mom and biggest fan, at every show he does a guitar solo behind his head, the crowd go's wild. This is Matt's life and all he wants to do. He also teaches guitar.
Thank you,
Marie Lionetti

Response from Gene:

Sure.
Here's how it works.
Just look over to the left, and you'll see a box of how to submit your demos and videos.

Letters...

May 29th-

Hey guys,
Check out some of the shots from Monday's helli shoot.
Pretty slick right??
More to come!
Have a great weekend!
xoxo- a

myspace.com/annacyzon

Bands on my list:

These days keeping an ear to the ground means staying on top of demos and discs and mp3s and myspaces and youtube videos and facebook pages and clubs and bars and charts and release schedules and magazine and webzines and on and on and on and on… well, it has become and unending and impossible task to fulfill. And with the influx of bands and recordings it truly is a daily expanding abyss of music that would only drive someone mad sifting through the crap out there hoping to strike gold. that someone is probably me...

READ MORE HERE...

Hello Gene,
My name is Jay Stilnovich and I live in London, Ontario, Canada. I recently celebrated my 30th birthday and am between careers at the present time. My educational background is in Advertising-Integrated Markeing Communications, and I respect and admire how you look at the big picture when it comes to the marketing world - and what you Sir, have done with it. I recently came across information about the Simmons record label. I have played drums since 1991, including teaching a few kids some drum theory. I am confident in my ability, and I think others would say the same. I currently do not have a band assembled, but know many talented musicians in the Toronto area. So, to make things short, I was wondering about any possible auditions for bands on your new label, or simply auditions for drummers. I know you are a very busy man, but if there is any info you could give me I would appreciate it.
Thank you very much.
All the best on the up-in-coming world tour.
Sincerely,
Jay Stilnovich

Response from Gene:

Sorry, but you've got to figure all this out yourself. You've got to find your own band and do it. I know you can.

Letters...

Good Wednesday morning, Your Majesty...Gene...
Yes, it's just about ready for your perusal, The cd that we believe you've been waiting for.... We're extremely confident that you'll agree. This is for certain...
You may remember one of our shiny stars, "David". He randomly happened to be at The Hollywood in Toronto & from across the room, witnessed you award those other people a $10,000 cheque.
Think you shared a "shalom" greeting upon your exit.
He is much like you, in that just his presence in a room full of random people, gains attention. Quality Quality Quality....both musically, and personally....... this entire group of individuals are unique, quality people, extremely talented composers, and of course, musical ikons..........
The majority of their tunes are original and are so, so huge & highly marketable, therefore there is a element of secrecy, including the band name, which currently has not been copywrited or registered. (all in the works for you)
If you are planning a business or personal visit to the Vancouver area in the next bit, we would be more than happy to have you to join us for the multi-weekly band marketing meetings, and rehearsals, currently held in band member, Chad's recording space & home in Coquitlam.
Sharon

Response from Gene:

Guys, you seem to ignore "the process."
1. I won't call you. Not because of any rudeness on my part. (See #2)
2. The only way we will accept submissions is if you click on the BOX (on the left of our front cover) that says SUBMIT YOUR DEMO HERE. I don't know how to make it clearer, or simpler.

Letters...

Not sure if this email will get to Gene.
If not, thank you for all your efforts. If yes, I just want to say what a million people have said already....
...if it's meant to be then it is, if not then it ain't.
If it's Canadian Talent you're looking for, I bow down to you and always will for what you are doing for us here in Canada as many others (mostly females I bet) are doing right now.
I am one of them (not female) but musician: If you like it then you like it, if not, at least I can say that I gave you a good laugh.
Osgoode Lift
"Only Heaven Knows" Youtube video

May 9th-

Hey World. Whats up?
Its Cyzon!
You may remember me from MTV.. you may not be familiar with my music..(gasps in disbelief!) but thats ok.. I haven't really been birthed to the world as an artist yet!.. ;)
I'm currently in studio working on my record.
We just cut a video for "Young Boy".. It look sooo Raaadd..
Check out these song clips, and stay tuned!
Sooon.....
x, Anna
Click here to listen to Young Boy
Click here to listen to Reputation

myspace.com/annacyzon

Hello, everyone

My name is Kristy, and I'm the Webmistress here at SimmonsRecords.com....