Welcome to MONSTER TRACKS eNOTES, the fast and easy way to get "tuned in" to the latest in original music production at Baker Sound Studios.
May 10, 2000
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
I LOVE KAHUNAVILLE!
MONSTER TRACKS "RESCUES" MATTEL
THE SOUND OF CLEARVISION
ON TOUR WITH DAME SHIRLEY BASSEY
I LOVE KAHUNAVILLE!
Palm trees, tiki statues, jungle sounds, and an exciting watershow---just some of the fun you'll find at the Kahunaville chain of family "theme" restaurants. When The Brownstein Group approached Music Director Chuck Butler about a musical signature, Chuck went right to the source for inspiration. "It's always been important to me to get as much of a feel for a client's product or service as possible. I mean, it's one thing to read bullet points on a marketing strategy sheet---but there's nothing like actually walking into a business and seeing what it's all about." So Chuck packed up the family and drove out to the Oxford Valley restaurant, which (for the uninitiated) has a "tropical island" theme. What resulted is a :60 radio jingle unlike anything MONSTER TRACKS has produced in the past. Built around an "island-groove", layered with Hawaiian and surf-style guitar, and featuring more than 24 tracks of vocals(!), the finished piece reflects the fun, excitement and magic of Kahunaville. "Berny [Browstein, president of The Brownstein Group], was very definite about capturing the "wow" aspect of the place, and really using the radio jingle to transport the listener "inside" of the Kahunaville experience," explains Chuck. "We even added tropical birds and jungle ambience to the jingle to create the type of aural environment you experience in the restaurant." Kahunaville has locations throughout the eastern USA; the jingle is currently airing in New York and Michigan---other markets (including Philadelphia) will be added shortly!
Listen to an mp3 of the Kahunaville jingle now...
MONSTER TRACKS "RESCUES" MATTEL
Before a toy manufacturer rolls out a new product, they need to convince their retail outlets of it's viability. In the past two years, Mattel has tapped Shooters and CCP to create "sizzle films" designed to "wow" potential merchants, and excite them about upcoming new products. MONSTER TRACKS has been a key member of this production team, as many of the films are completely music driven---ranging from rap and hip-hop, to funk and metal. Their latest production, for the new Skyhook rescue action playset, features a techno intro (replete with sirens and EMT radio chatter), transitioning into a "motown meets trip-hop" vocal section featuring singer Yvette Myles. Last fall, Yvette provided the rap for Mattel's "Car Wash" sizzle film, which has since gone on to be used as part of a national advertising campaign!
THE SOUND OF CLEARVISION
MONSTER TRACKS was recently tapped by Dorland Sweeny Jones of Philadelphia to post-score radio spots for Clearvision Laser Centers. The spots feature an "electronica" sound, reflecting the high-tech nature of the laser vision correction procedure. Chuck broke out all of his analog synthesizers for this one, as well as the latest digital gear! Working with producers Michelle Moss and Gordon Torpe, the music was customized to reflect timing and content differences for each spot in the campaign. These spots are currently on the air in Florida.
ON TOUR WITH DAME SHIRLEY BASSEY
Finally, MONSTER TRACKS Music Director Chuck Butler was tapped to fill the keyboard chair on the recent Shirley Bassey northeast "mini-tour" in March. After several dates at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, the troupe went on to perform at Lincoln Center in New York, Symphony Hall in Boston, and the new Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut. All of the performances played to enthusiastic, sold-out audiences---Ms. Bassey was in top form, singing hits such as "Goldfinger", "I Am What I Am", and "History Repeating" (you'll remember this last from the recent Jaguar TV campaign). "It's always fun to get out of the studio for the live experience," relates Chuck, "there's nothing like the immediate feedback you get from a live audience." Chuck will be performing next with Don Rickles at Caesars in Atlantic City the last weekend in July.