SimmonsRecords.com

Mar 9th-

Shaun Frank and VØID from The Envy just got back from LA, where they were working with Desmond Child and Andreas Carlsson.
Gene Simmons introduced the guys to these amazing musicians who have written some of the biggest songs with some of the biggest Artists of all time including KISS, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, and Katy Perry to name a few.

Jan 24th-

THE ENVY

Here is a shot of THE ENVY doing their stuff. This is a hot band we are crazy about.
You'll be hearing a lot more about them... soon.

I saw a band the other night THE ENVY ( formally crowned king ) awesome show, great frontman, when can we expect a release from these great Canadian boys?
John Benincasa

Response from Gene:

Soon. Soon.

Letters...

Here is a well intentioned person, who wants to protect his vision. And you have to respect that. But, my suggestion is, USE US. Use every opportunity to FURTHER YOUR IMAGE. Get in there and FIGHT. Get a record deal with Simmons/Universal, or any other entity and then fight for your vision... be it Indie, or Rock... whatever.
Point is, better to have more people working with and for you, then trying to move the ball all on your own.
We certainly would fight to have a say with our bands. After all, they'd be using our money (and never have to pay back a penny if and when it fails -- statistically, new bands usually do fail).
But that doesn't mean you shouldn't take advantage of the Universal distribution system.
And if you believe in your vision and band, for God's sake, give yourself every opportunity to maximize your potential -- i.e. take your music to the WORLD, instead of limiting it to Sudbury (one of my favorite Mom and Pop Restaurants is in Sudbury, by the way).
So all you Indie bands -- don't listen to this well intentioned, but highly misguided individual.
Remember, he doesn't have a band... and my guess is, has never written a song, or been on stage.
So, he doesn't speak for YOU.
Only you do.
And how did Grunge happen?
Well, it started on Sub Pop out of Seattle.. but soon thereafter went on Geffen and other major labels, and that's the way the world found out about Nirvana, Soundgarden, Alice In Chains and yes, even the Melvins.
And trust me -- every one of those bands fought the big, bad corporate heads to remain true to their vision.
Fine.
But, don't go through life with your hands tied behind your back.
Doesn't work.
Now, read what he has to say.
I'm sure he's a nice guy.
Hi SIMMONS RECORDS,
Alan here at INDIE LOVE RADIO. WE also promote Canadian music, but rather than adhere to to mindset that music must become a shaped product to fit into the music industry, we are embracing what is out there for different reasons.
FIRSTLY, YOU DON'T KNOW ME AND DON'T KNOW WHAT I LIKE OR DON'T LIKE. SOUNDS LIKE YOU'RE JUDGING THE BOOK BY THE COVER. YOU'RE BIGGER THAN THAT.
YES. I DISCOVERED VAN HALEN, BUT I ALSO MANAGED LIZA MINELLI...YOU HAVE NO CLUE WHAT I LIKE OR DON'T LIKE.
TRY AGAIN.
Like you guys, we agree that something huge and cultural is happening here. It is the result of a reaction to your mindset unfortunately. You will have a hard time convincing bands that they are almost good enough for you, and if they jump a little higher they will reach the big bag of money you have.
TRUE ENOUGH.
WE DON'T INTEND ON GIVING A NEW BAND FREE MONEY TO DO WITH AS THEY PLEASE.
WE INTEND ON HAVING A DISCOURSE AND FINDING OUT WHAT A BAND'S VISION IS AND THEN FIGHTING FOR WHAT WE BELIEVE AND SEEING HOW PASSIONATE A BAND IS ABOUT THEIR VISION.
AND, IT'S TERRIFIC THAT CANADA HAS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY, SUCH AS YOURS.
ALL AVENUES SHOULD BE EXPLORED.
YOURS.
OURS.
THEN IT'S UP TO THE BANDS TO DECIDE.
NOT YOU.
I respectfully enjoy your concept as it is propelling Canadian music forward, but for none of the reasons you intend.
YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT I INTEND.
YOU DON'T KNOW ME.
You are the anti-indie movement.
RESPECTFULLY, YOU ARE MISINFORMED AND IN EITHER CASE, IT'S NOT FOR YOU TO DETERMINE WHO AND WHAT I AM.
TRY AGAIN.
Maybe a little ahead of your time. As everything is cyclical you are definitely missing the ball now.
ACTUALLY, I'M NOT.
I'M RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE. I MAKE A GOOD LIVING BY NOT BEING AHEAD OF THE BALL, BUT BEING RIGHT IN SYNC WITH WHAT WORKS... .AND WHAT I BELIEVE IN (FOR US).... NOT FOR YOU. EVERY BAND IS DIFFERENT.
OH, I FORGOT... MY GUESS IS, YOU DON'T HAVE A BAND AND HAVE NEVER BEEN IN ONE.
PLEASE CORRECT ME, IF I'M WRONG.
The bands you seek don't want or need their songs shaped by you and are not impressed by your artistry.
YOU DON'T KNOW WHICH BANDS I WANT, AND YOU CAN'T SPEAK FOR THEM.
SPEAK FOR YOURSELF.
AND, AGAIN...YOU DON'T KNOW ME.
Maybe your business savvy as you & Belinda are respected as business people.
THANK YOU.
The bands don't need to open for KISS to be successful; that would kill them.
TRUE ENOUGH.
AN INDIE BAND MAY NOT BE A GOOD OPENER FOR KISS... OR JAY Z, FOR THAT MATTER.
Maybe you should have them paint dollar signs on their foreheads and dance like little trained dogs. That might work.
DON'T BE JEALOUS.
IT DOESN'T BECOME YOU.
Please continue what you are doing. We find it entertaining.
THANK YOU, GOD.

Letters...

Hi there,
We're doing a documentary about Down with Webster up here in Toronto, and essentially it is our understanding that it was in some way with the help of Gene Simmons that the band was discovered and picked up by a major record label. They've just put out their first album and are about to tour the U.S. We are focusing the documentary on the challenges of succeeding as a musician from Toronto (or anywhere) and we would love to be able to include a comment from Mr. Simmons - possibly we could arrange something on Skype or on the telephone.
Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you,
Ryan Gentile

Response from Gene:

Not exactly correct.
While it IS true we are crazy about DWW, we did not "discover" them...we simply tried to sign them to our Simmons/Universal Music label.
We are rooting for them to succeed.
They have the songs, the vibe and the charisma.
Fingers crossed...

Letters...

Sept 11th-

HEY OCEAN MAKES A BIG SPLASH

By Derek Spalding
Thurs, Sept 11th, 2009

If you've never heard the funky rhythms of the Vancouver trio Hey Ocean, I predict most of you will get a chance to soon. The band caught the attention of rock icon and reality television face Gene Simmons, who is looking to sign three up-and-coming Canadian acts to his new record label.
The Kiss front man has aggressively sought out bands and has scratched a few off his list, but so far has kept a working relationship with Hey Ocean, who are tirelessly working from a Vancouver studio, making a demo for Simmons Records. It appears the funky sounds of this energetic band could lead to the label's first signing.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL STORY!

August 30th-

HEY OCEAN is a band we're really jazzed about.
Ashley, who sings lead in the band, just did a killer vocal on a new song...blew us away. Can't divulge name of the song just yet...but what we CAN tell you is that she did it with BAG....who lives in Vancouver and has a home studio where he writes, sings, plays all the instruments, engineers...and makes a mean sandwich.
Stay tuned.

August 22nd-

HEY OCEAN, the terrific Vancouver based band we recently flew up to see play live, is developing nicely. They are currently working on a toon with BAG at his home studio.
THE ENVY was deep in the development phase, when we simply decided to pull the trigger and offer them a recording deal. Legal teams are huddling and we hope all this can be sorted out quickly, so the band and I can get back to work.
As for the rest of you, we are still looking for new, fresh Canadian talent.
Do you have what it takes?
Look over on the left hand margin, and you'll see a box that's an easy way for you to electronically send us your DEMO PACKAGE...or direct us to where we can see and hear what you've got. Good luck.

August 18th-

Lots of news here at our little label.

By way of introduction, BAG was on Simmons Records when we had our joint venture with Sanctuary Records a few years back. Bag is a one man band. Plays all the instruments. Writes his own toons. And records the stuff in his guest bedroom.

We also wrote a few toons together and among other things -- Bag engineered, recorded and played keys as well as bass on "Waiting For The Morning Light", which I wrote with BOB DYLAN and I used Bag's song, DOG... both of which were on my solo album, ASSHOLE.

Bag also co-wrote the INDYCAR anthem with me, I AM INDY. It's still being played on TV broadcasts and IndyCar races.

When I went up to Vancouver recently to see HEY OCEAN play for us, I asked Bag to come down and see em, since he also lives there. I was trying something to see if it worked organically.
As a result of that, Bag is currently doing a demo with HEY OCEAN. Do not want to reveal title just yet, but we are certainly anxious to hear results. HEY OCEAN has an entire catalog of terrific toons. And, we are big fans of the band. Hopefully in the near future, we may be able to announce a signing.
We will see.

THE ENVY is a Toronto based band we have already talked about (scroll down to see story, folks). We've been discussing their song catalog and addressing certain arrangements and points of view. All of which is intended on shining the apple. Not growing an apple tree. The band has a terrific lead singer in Shaun Frank and the instrumentation and playing ability of the band ranks right up there.
We are currently trying to make a deal.
No secrets here at Simmons Records.

WAKESTOCK 2009

So I trudged through weekend traffic into the depths of northern Ontario... Collingwood to be exact, for Wakestock’s triumphant return to the Wasaga Beach area from the island in downtown Toronto. I can't believe they let them back into safe and tranquil cottage country. Although smaller than most years, I must say the vibe was better. It didn’t feel like a giant circus on the island, but more an action sports/music festival. Who the crap woulda thought, eh? Quainter, quieter, a little less frantic, but just as many frosted tipped shell necklace bros and beach bikini babes (which only one of the two I can stomach). Even though I had ulterior motives to be there, my old band Closet Monster was playing our first show in three and a half years for shits and giggles, it was cool to check out the other bands and the vibe of this year.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL BLOG

August 5th-

Here we are at Supermarket in Toronto checking out THE ENVY. You can also spot CYZON (who we are no longer working with, and of course, we wish her the best).

CUTTING EDGE
MUSIC FESTIVAL REPORT

So I spent two days in a two person tent in Kitchener, Ontario at Cutting Edge Music Festival. I watched bands and band-related programmed events all weekend, while living off Advil, sunshine, waterslides, and mostly mediocre music. The main highlight for me was definitely Ill Scarlet’s set: as the sun went down and they jammed out their new tunes, you could really tell it's the beginning of the new day for them, with their new record on the horizon. Street Pharmacy, who I saw two SceneFests ago, was my surprise of the day then. So I have been keeping an eye on them for some time. But as of late they just seem to be doing everything right. Protest The Hero slayed it with a killer headlining set on the Saturday night, which ended with an encore never to be forgotten... Andrew W K came out with the band and sang I Love New York City. Artist Life and Stereos that day both nailed it too. And Kingdoms from Kitchener, probably played the best set I have seen for a band like them in eons. The Roots- well, what do I have to say, they had a giant shiny tuba that I couldn’t take my eyes off of. Dinosaur Bones was said to be the band to check out unfortunately I missed them cause I got hooped into hosting the 420 games at the UO tent. But I only heard good things about Dino Bones, and to be honest after seeing Serb Supurbs freestyle set at the UO tent, anything he does im sure is golden. Other tent highlights include Dean Lickyer's sick awesome accoustic jam, Chad Michael Stewart's three new acoustic songs, and Jesse Colburn's improv accoustic set.

In all, the festival was fun times, except for sleeping in a tent and having to listen all night while people on acid light their hair on fire for kicks. I'm pissed that I missed Mix Master Mic and Lady Sovereign at 4 a.m. But god dang, I needed to be asleep at that point.

Summer Festival fun times.

Mark Spicoluk over and out

Hi Gene,
It’s Karina Es, and I am “and others” that is mentioned on the website simmonsrecords.com regarding The Super Market gig that you attended. I wanted to let you know that it was a thrill to perform for you and meet you and the gang at The Super Market. I have attached a few pics and I have asked my producer to add this great event to my promo and EPK. I will send you my EPK in the next email.
I have visited your websites and I am impressed with your down to earth approach and criteria in your search for new bands. I am looking for feedback on my first EP called “Make It Real” that I gave to you and to Mark as well. It is urban dance pop styles and I think that we have found a strong style that is unique. Mark asked to be on hiss TV show and I hope that we will meet up for that.
Thanks so much for coming early to see us perform, it means so much to me personally and professionally too! I am looking forward to your reply.
Karina xo

Letters...

July 31st-

Well, it doesn't look as if Miss CYZON and SIMMONS RECORDS is going to work out.
We are not going to sign her.
And, we certainly wish her well in her career.
Good luck!!!

We are perusing and working with THE ENVY on their songs....and from all indications, it's working out terrifically.
We are all big fans of the band and intend on making sure they have all the firepower they need.

July 26th-

Here is CYZON and yours truly, checking out new talent in Toronto's Supermarket club on July 22nd.
Needless to say, we are head over heels crazy about Cyzon's talent. But whether Cyzon signs with us or not is something we will all have to wait and see.

July 24th-

HEY OCEAN

Here's a foto of yours truly, with Universal Music's Mark Spicoluk at the HEY OCEAN gig they set up for us in Vancouver.

From left to right is: ASHLEIGH BALL/Hey Ocean, Mark/Universal Music, Yours Truly and BAG(!!!) who came by to check things out
Hey Ocean and Bag may be working on a demo even as we speak.
We will see where this goes.

We video a lot of what we do and where we do it. Here's a shot of the filming.

We also spend a lot of time with artists talking philosophy, approach, marketing, positioning, songwriting and so on. Here is a shot of Mark/Universal Music and Ashleigh/Hey Ocean, as they listen to Windbag Simmons expounding on life in the music business.

And here we are -- Mark/Universal Music on the bottom, far left....me in the middle and HEY OCEAN ...

MORE FOTOS!!!

HITTING THE CLUBS

KISS just finished big outdoor shows in Canada (Wanna see fotos of KISS audiences as large as 90,000 in Quebec City from last week? Go to KISSONLINE.COM or GENESIMMONS.COM).

I'm right outside of Toronto...driving into the city to see some new live talent in the clubs.

We are going to take a gander at THE ENVY- http://www.myspace.com/theenvymusic, ALYSHA BRILLINGER, and others.

Both Universal's Mark Spicoluk and I flew up to Vancouver about two weeks ago to catch HEY OCEAN- http://www.myspace.com/heyocean, a new band we are seriously taking a look at. The band and management couldn't have been nicer. They arranged a special club appearance just for us.

In the patois of the street -- they rocked it.

The SOUND of Hey Ocean is difficult to pin down. It's an ecclectic and exciting mix of great pop melodies, interesting and unique instrumentation (one guitar, one bass and drums and sometimes, flute!!!)...Stylistically, a mix of pop, jazz, ska, samba and....well, unique.

And that's what we're looking for.

The world already has a U2. And they do what they do better than the next guy who thinks he only needs to cop some of the Edge's guitar licks to form a band. Hey Ocean has a unique "voice" and when you hear and see them, you'll understand what I mean.

This is a band we are currently working with and hope to sign. We are sifting through material and having discussions with management and band re: our future together.

On a side note, BAG, who co-wrote the INDYCAR SERIES anthem "I AM INDY" with me, attended and was likewise blown away. After the gig, we all sat around a local restaurant and discussed all sorts of things, including writing, touring and the "business of music."

Bag, it's worth noting, can write, sing, arrange, engineer, produce, and play all the instruments -- a one man band. He was signed to our SIMMONS RECORDS/Sanctuary label, and released one self titled album. Worth checking out.

Right now, Bag and Hey Ocean are demo-ing a song. How or if this relationship will develop really depends on the chemistry between them.

We will see.

But all of us at SIMMONS RECORDS and UNIVERSAL MUSIC are big fans of the band, and you WILL be hearing and seeing more of them soon.

Hey Gene,
My band is not made up of perfect people. We try really hard to make music that we will enjoy, and in this, we know that our audiences can enjoy it as well. We are comprised of 6 individuals who come from different musical backgrounds. Although this made sound like a difficult endenvour, at the height of our creative works, things really "click", although things can easily change when the industry is thrown into the mix.
I applaud your efforts to find a group of musicians who can hold their own, and I hope that you can find a group that hasn't yet been tainted by the music industry and is still involved for the real reasons.
RESPECTFULLY, BANDS MIGHT WANT TO PAY MORE ATTENTION TO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY, INSTEAD OF IGNORING IT. "TAINTED"" NOT SURE WHAT THAT MEANS. NO ONE CAN FORCE YOU TO DO SOMETHING YOU DON'T WANT TO DO. BUT, IT'S A GOOD IDEA TO KEEP TRACK OF WHAT'S GOING ON OUT THERE AND BE AWARE. SOMETIMES THAT MEANS YOU ADD OR SUBTRACT AN ELEMENT OF WHO AND WHAT YOU ARE. SOMETIMES, THAT MEANS YOU COMPLETELY IGNORE IT.
GOOD LUCK.
Thanks for paying attention to us,
Mike

Hey gene,
I play in a rock band from the UK called population four, i have filled out your submission form, but wasn't sure if you are interested in working with any bands from the UK!
Would you ever sign a UK band or are you just focusing on Canadian bands?
Cheers dude!
Daff

Response from Gene:

Good question.
Initially, our first signings are going to be Canadian. And, we intend on taking them around the world. That is our mandate. And, there's no reason why it can't happen in Canada. As a resident of the UK, you may know that before the early 60's, England meant nothing musically in the International marketplace. Then everything changed with the Beatles, the Stones, the Kinds, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Herman's Hermits and tons more...and it continued with Led Zep, Queen and on and on. And that had to do with a mindset by the entire UK musical community, as well as (of course) the enormous talent and drive of the bands themselves.
I believe this feeling is just starting to brew in Canada.
And, it's going to take work. But then, what doesn't.
One last thought, perhaps you'd consider putting your band's name in all capitals, so it pops in an email...or at least capitalize.
Good luck.

Letters...

June 18th-

GENE SIMMONS & SHANNON TWEED
RING IN THE TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE

Gene Simmons, co-founder of the rock band, KISS and star of the reality show "Gene Simmons Family Jewels", along with his life-mate Shannon Tweed, opened the TSX market today.
The reporter for the news story commented on the fact that he has never seen so many people trying to peek into the TSX building to catch a glimpse of a celebrity ringing the opening bell.

Hi!
I read a news report saying that you were looking to sign 3 bands to your new label (but it's from last fall?!). I wanted to know if you've found what you are looking for or if you're still accepting demos? I'm trying to explain to an amazing independent band I know that they should send you a demo and I wouldn't want you to miss out on them because your quota has been met.
I know you have a demo submission form but I don't have all their info and I guess they should be submitting their own things. I know that they have a new album and a new video coming out soon (I saw it at their album launch and my mouth dropped. Really good single!) and no one I talk to isn't convinced these guys are going to make it big (I should be charging them for this plug! Damn!)
Anyways, their name is eleveneighty, they're from Montreal and they truly are sick. Their music is pop, rock, r&b and hip hop mixed in together and it's incredible. It's the first CD I've bought in 4 years (i wanted their actual album and not just mp3!)
www.eleveneighty.org is their website, i just saw that they have a couple videos on there...
Anyways, I hope you're still accepting demos, because you'd be missing out without these guys!
Annie

Response from Gene:

All the news is going to be posted right here, on SIMMONS RECORDS.COM.
We have yet to announce our first signing, though we are closing in on two new artists we are excited about.

Letters...

July 5th-

MESSAGE FROM GENE SIMMONS

We are leaving shortly to fly up to Vancouver, BC to see a terrific new band we're excited about. They are based in BC and we are flying up to see how they handle themselves in front of a crowd -- always the deciding factor for us. Coming along from the other end of Canada (Toronto) is Mark Spicoluk from Universal Music. Mark's arranging for a video crew to film our trip. So in a day or so, we'll show you what we saw.

Dear Gene,
First of all I would like to congratulate you for all the success that your many endeavors have brought you. You've worked very hard and as they say, "To the victor goes the spoils." I have no doubt that many more of your future ventures will continue to bring you even further fulfillment.
I paid very close attention during your promotional tour in Toronto in the spring of 2008 with your launch of "Simmons Records Canada". I first caught your radio interview on 102 the Edge FM. Then "The Hour" on CBC Television, & last a newspaper article "The Toronto Sun." All media bases loaded!...

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!

Letters...

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.

Hello, everyone

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