Toronto-Your Daddy Don't Know (featuring Holly Woods)
HMTV Canada Tina: 1. Hi Brad, how are you doing? I understand its been a busy year so far for Cyclone Records.
Brad: This has been by far the busiest year for Cyclone Records. In the first year, it was all about establishing our name in the industry and developing a reputation for integrity and hard work.
In our second year, we moved on to build the infrastructure through developing contacts in all aspects of the business and securing distribution agreements for our artists here, abroad and online. Now, in our third year, we can be more selective about the artists we work with.
Through the reputation we are building, we are attracting more and more internationally known artists that are interested in working with us. This is the greatest accomplishment, the greatest compliment and the greatest reward for everything we have put into the label thus far.
www.cyclonerecords.ca
HMTV Canada Tina: 2. Brad can you elaborate about Cyclone Records a brief history of the your record company?
Brad: Cyclone Records was founded in 1986 but truly began in early 2005 as a means for unsigned artists to be heard through regionally specific compilation CDs. Our first several releases covered compilations of artists in the folk/country, rock and metal genres. Then, having worked with about 40 or so of those artists, we began to see which ones truly shone and had the type of business sense and vision that we were looking for. From that came bands such as Wormbox and Creature Republic. The music business being what it is today, required us to don many hats so we do a wide variety of services for bands in the roster and otherwise such as CD manufacturing, graphic design, web design, record production, photography, distribution, promotion. As the industry changes we will have to continually reinvent ourselves if we want to stay current and provide value added services to our artists.
www.myspace.com/cyclonerecordsca
HMTV Canada Tina: 3. What’s it like running your label?
Brad: Surprisingly, this is the toughest question you’ve asked. I think because there is no specific answer…every day is a totally different one from the day before it. And that’s what makes this job so amazing. Most of what I do is via computer from sourcing artists, communicating with them, producing their records, getting copies pressed, promoting them, etc. I love the variety and am always anxious to check my email every day as it’s a good meter as to how I’m doing. The other upside is I get to rub shoulders with many of the artists whom I’ve idolized over the years and who inspired me to get into the music business initially. Many are now my close friends and have helped me along the way. A great example of this at work is my recent signing of Steve Negus of the prog rock band Saga. I have always respected Steve’s drumming and was inspired by him in the early days when I was learning to drum myself.
HMTV Canada Tina: 4. Cyclone Records is different than any other record company a "Promotion With A Twist". Brad how do promote your Musical Artist and what do you have to offer for new unsigned independent bands?
Brad: Firstly, we don’t focus on geographic boundaries. Most labels tend to work an artist in their own locale and then expand outwards. Our focus is international. Canada represents 2% of the international market and CD sales dropped another 35% last year in Canada. It isn’t practical to expend our efforts on something that isn’t going to give us the largest return. Also, bands will typically be working in their own cities and towns and will support and build their local fan base through live shows. We promote artists through whatever we feel is the best, most effective and most wide reaching means. We always try to stay on the leading edge of trends and technologies and therefore prefer online interviews/features/reviews as opposed to print, podcasts as opposed to terrestrial radio and more and more so, online retailers as opposed to physical CD sales.
HMTV Canada Tina: 5. One Artist's that caught my interest in your list is Holly Woods how did you meet Holly of Holly Woods the former Toronto Band?
Brad: Its an interesting twist how this project came together. I knew Scott Kreyer back in the early 80s when he was keyboardist for the band Toronto and he worked on producing a band I was in at the time. After Toronto disbanded, Scott moved to the US in about 1985 or so and we lost touch. Periodically, I'd try and find Scott to see how things were with him but never had much luck. Then just before Christmas 2006, I found Scott on MySpace.com and we began talking about what we've been up to over the past 20 odd years. When I mentioned that I run Cyclone Records, he mentioned the album that he and Holly Woods had recorded in 1986 after Toronto had split but had never been able to release. So after numerous emails, phone calls and a few meetings in Niagara Falls and upstate New York, we were able to reach an agreement. I was always a big fan of Toronto and am honoured to be part of bringing this part of Holly to the world.
HMTV Canada Tina: 6. Toronto was one of my favourite bands growing up as a kid my friends and I would turn up Q107 Radio when they aired Your Daddy Don't Know Track. What happened to the original band Toronto? Who were the band members and Toronto's record label back then?
Holly: The band broke up in early 1985. Band members were: Brian Allen Allen-lead/rhythm guitar/songwriter, Sheron Alton lead/rhythm guitar/songwriter, Scott Kreyer-keyboards/songwriter, Gary LaLonde-bass guitar, Barry Connors-drums, and ME, Holly Woods-lead vocals/songwriter. The record label was Solid Gold Records.
HMTV Canada Tina: 7. Holly's what were your musical influences with your Toronto band and your musical influences with your new project?
Holly: My influences run the gamut from blues to jazz to rock to fusion.
HMTV Canada Tina: 8. Have these influences changed with the project? Who are the current band members in Holly Woods?
Holly: In the studio, there was Scott Kreyer and a bunch of session musicians. Band members change with each tour. My influences change and broaden every day.
HMTV Canada Tina: 9. Holly I'm curious who had written the songs for your former Toronto Band in the past and the new Holly Woods?
Holly: Brian Allen was the principal songwriter, but Scott Kreyer, Sheron Alton, AND myself wrote many of our songs as well. For our new project, Scott Kreyer and I write the material.
HMTV Canada Tina: 10. What are the main themes or inspiration for most of your songs? Holly do you ever write lyrics based on personal experiences, inspirations, worst experiences while performing or travelling as a band? Holly: My inspirations are from everything I've witnessed, or have lived through, as it is with Scott Kreyer as well.
HMTV Canada Tina: 11. Are you a member of any music organizations? Holly do you have a main website where the fans can access your former band Toronto and your new project?
Holly: : www.myspace.com/therealhollywoods, www.myspace.com/hollywoodstoronto and my label site, www.cyclonerecords.ca. Just Google "TORONTO" or "Holly Woods and Toronto" for any other sites. Both Scott and I are members of SOCAN (the Society of Authors and Composers) that administer our performing rights royalties.
HMTV Canada Tina: 12. Holly according to your bio in 1986 the new album by Holly Woods never saw the light of day can you elaborate on this at that time what were the challenges Holly Woods experienced?
Holly: The record company, Solid Gold Records, had gone bankrupt, so the new project could not get any attention from other record companies, for fear of the bankruptcy red tape that surrounded myself and Scott Kreyer . In 2006, Scott got together with Brad Trew of Cyclone records, and together they put together a plan to release the songs we had in the vault from 1986. Now it's here!
HMTV Canada Tina: 13. Do Holly Woods have any remixes or are working on any at the moment? Compilation experiences good or bad ones?
Holly: Not as this time, but we have plans for the near future to continue our songwriting collaboration. There is also some talk of a karaoke version of the album as a treat for my really dedicated fans.
HMTV Canada Tina: 14. Just curious Holly how did promote your Toronto band through the media back in the day when you started out in your music career?
Holly: That was all handled by the management and the record company in those days. Of course, the internet wasn’t around so everything was done in the traditional sense of sending out albums to radio stations, and sending out press kits to newspapers and magazines. A lot of it was done by our management spending hours upon hours everyday on the phone.
HMTV Canada Tina: 15. Holly what do you think of the Internet today as a means of promoting your band Holly Woods? Does the band find the internet an effective marketing tool?
Holly: The internet is great. I feel closer to the fans because I can catch up with everyone in just a second via e mail or instant message. It has bridged the distance gap for our fans all over the world...IT's GREAT!!
HMTV Canada Tina: 16. Have you performed any live shows or have any upcoming music venues?
Holly: All plans are in the process of getting the proper venues, the best players and the very best tour dates we can possibly bring together for a successful New Year!!! There have been some opportunities so far but we aren’t entertaining any ideas that don’t fit best with the band and what we hope to achieve from the tour.
HMTV Canada Tina: 17. Holly In the past what has been your favourite and least favourite music venues?
Holly: I love them all because the fans are so great, but the older theatres are closest to my heart. The acoustics are great because they were built for live entertainment.
HMTV Canada Tina: 18. Holly what do you like about today’s music scene in Canada and do you have a favourite of music genre you listen to frequently?
Holly: The music scene is always top notch in Canada. Its always encouraging to see local artists continue on and find success internationally. I adore the blues, but I try to keep my mind open and listen to most everything I can.
HMTV Canada Tina: 19. What are some of the highlights of Holly Woods "Live it Up"… where can the fans access the CD?
Holly: I love the entire CD, and you can order it and get info at www.myspace/hollywoodstoronto or www.cyclonerecords.ca. There is also distribution to stores across North America, the UK and Europe and tons of online retail outlets such as iTunes, Napster, eMusic, etc.
HMTV Canada Tina: 20. Can we request Holly Woods music on our local radio station Q 107?(optional)
Holly: Sure!
HMTV Canada Tina: 21. Holly, what are your hopes in the future?
Holly: More recording, songwriting, and touring!
HMTV Canada Tina: 22. How do you like our music site at www.hollywoodmusic.tv?(optional)
Holly: I love it!
HMTV Canada Tina: 23. Holly What advice can provide for young female fronted bands that wish to form their own bands in the Canadian Music Scene today? Holly: STAY FOCUSED. And love what you do… it will come through in your music. The industry has changed so much and is much more accepting of female vocalists so there is no time like the present.
HMTV Canada Tina: 24. Before we close off our online interview. Holly is there any one that you would like to acknowledge or any last words?
Holly: Definitely my fans everywhere. I love you all. Also, Scott and Brad for bringing this album to life after so long. Lastly, have a wonderful Christmas and a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR, and don't forget to LIVE IT UP!!!
Thank you Brad and Holly for taking the time to complete HMTV Canada's Online Ezine Interview. You Rock.
www.hollywoodmusic.tv/tina
