MAKING A SOUND LIVING – Hey, Baby Boomer . . . This Webzine Is Made For You

High school reunions are known for sparking memories and re-connecting with past acquaintances but, an online rock and roll magazine?!!!

For Randy Patterson — Editor, Writer and sole owner of Boomerocity (pronounced like Travelocity, trav-e-loc-i-ty) — that’s pretty much how it happened.

Patterson’s love for music started with Elvis movies. Not only did he see Elvis in concert, but he even met the legendary Colonel Tom Parker (Elvis’s manager).

Technically this was his first interview in 1973 at the age of 13.

Fast-forward to Patterson’s 30 year high school reunion where he took it upon himself to write a newsletter for the upcoming event. Many people commented on his writing and how much they enjoyed it, so he took to the web and combined his love of music and writing to create Boomerocity.com, launched in 2009.

As I scrolled through the interviews and pages on the Boomerocity site I noticed that there were NO advertisers — none! Impressive in this day and age where Boomerocity readership hits 42 countries and is read in just about every state in the U.S.

With over 360 notable interviews and clicks too numerous to mention, he could easily cash in.

The layout reminds me of the old music magazines like Creem and Rolling Stone. (Only a true Boomer will understand the layout of the interview page answer at the end!***)

The name Boomerocity was created by Patterson who said if he could connect Baby Boomers with a song, it would be American Pie by Don McLean.

He goes on to explain: “To me the song American Pie represents the foundation of where Boomerocity starts. I feel it encapsulates the essence of (the generation) Boomers’ music and times.”

His wish is that as the webzine Boomerocity grows, it brings back fond memories, puts a smile on people’s faces and inspires them to continue to support that favourite artist still, as a thank you for all the years of great music and entertainment.

The diversity of artists reminds me of radio in the ‘70s when you would hear Aerosmith, Marvin Gaye and Carly Simon in the same hour. Patterson also goes after behind-the-scenes people like managers and agents such as heavyweight Peter Asher.

Now, who could expound on the full picture of Classic Rock in any capacity if you didn’t include “The Muse” — the women who inspired the music like Bebe Buell and the infamous Angie Bowie!

Patterson’s easy southern style of communication has a wonderful way of disarming his subjects. What unfolds in articles is an artist who reveals their true self where you feel like you’re in the room/the bus or backstage with them.

Recently, I had the chance to speak with Patterson from his Boomerocity headquarters situated in his North Carolina home. Here is a summary of our conversation.

BIZ X: You’ve interviewed Angie Bowie and Bebe Buell to talk about their time in those heady musically creative times. Do you think that explosion of music of the ‘70s will ever happen again?
PATTERSON: One of the first interviews I did was with Dan Andrews of (Janis Joplin’s band) Big Brother and the Holding Company who said: “You know back then we were making this stuff up. Now you have schools that graduate 500 kids a year that can play Jimi Hendrix better than Hendrix! You wonder if there has been anything done that hasn’t been done yet?” Or worth listening to at least I might add! We did have the best music, hands down. If you noticed the Billboard Music Awards this year, best tour was all Classic Rock acts. This means by golly, (told ya he was southern) these are the acts that people are showing up for. It’s transgenerational. I don’t think kids today who love Justin Bieber will be taking their grandkids to his shows.

BIZ X: Do you think this transgenerational love of Classic Rock music translates to numbers in views for Boomerocity?
PATTERSON: Yes, I do. I will say that I think web analytics is an estimation at best, regardless of the tools. I just have a feeling that it’s a wild guess — what makes me think that is the fake bots. When I look at the public “likes” on Boomerocity and the data behind it and I think that’s just little old me. Let’s just say I’m pretty proud of my numbers compared to someone who has sold millions of records.

BIZ X: You are truly a one-man band for over 10 years. You approve the layout, you write, you produce with no advertising, why that is?
PATTERSON: Our demographic is a very eclectic mix moving from one extreme to the other. They are either “Get off my lawn type,” — the millennials like to put us in that box — or what I call “lurkers” that make up a larger demographic who are interested in all kinds of content. I’ll be testing those advertising dollars in the upcoming months to see what if anything I’m interested in pursuing.

BIZ X: Was Boomerocity born from a business plan with marketing or just a labour of love and passion?
PATTERSON: A little of both. The initial plan was what you find in the unplugged section of the magazine. Some musings, some introspective things. I used song titles representative of what I wanted to talk about for articles. When I started I thought it would be up and down in a year. I finished my first year with 25 interviews.

BIZ X: What advice would you give to someone ready to leap into writing?
PATTERSON: Be willing to do it for free, because you will! I read a long time ago that if you have a job, you love and would be willing to do it for free you’re really blessed. Over 360 interviews it’s been a lot of fun. Always do your homework by looking at other interviews and don’t ask those questions! Sometimes you can’t avoid it. I try to ask things that aren’t always asked. It’s so important to be respectful. It’s not about you, it’s about who you’re interviewing. That is part of why I get access to the people that I do. I let them know that Boomerocity is a safe harbour.

***The Interview list reads like the PRINTED playlist (yes many a tree died for your musical information!) of the top 50 singles and albums that you could pick up at any record store. Through the years the paper turned into a two-page fold where you would see which bars your favourite act was playing. It also started to promote concerts. Two names come to mind, Bamboo Productions and Son of Bamboo Productions, now get off my lawn, you hippie!

From working backstage production to the radio airwaves, Lori Baldassi has been involved in the music industry on a number of professional levels for many years. Baldassi has spoken in front of the CRTC, holds a certificate in Adjudication from York University Toronto, and is a graduate of St. Clair College’s Media Convergence program.

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Almost 39 Years And Still . . . “Lovin’ Every Minute Of It.” An Interview with John Beaudin

You know that voice.

It’s the one attached to your alarm in the morning that helps you through your work day or your ride home.

This voice is familiar for listeners from Vancouver to Calgary to Edmonton and at one point across Canada. This voice is that of veteran radio broadcaster, John Beaudin.

Beaudin is in his 39th year on air and as the band Loverboy sings, he is still “Lovin’ Every Minute of It”!

Through the years, he’s experienced a multitude of musical genres, Radio call letters, music fads, and the good, the bad and the ugly of the music broadcast industry.

A self-described music lover, Beaudin’s longevity in radio is a rarity by today’s standards, but it’s the fact that he is still very much an enthusiastic open-minded curious fan that reels you into these interviews.

Off-air Beaudin started two successful YouTube channels — Rock History and Rock History Book

I highly recommend both channels as you will find compelling interviews that no one else has, with bands such as: Scorpions, Chicago, Tower of Power, Rascals, Boston, Supertramp, Eagles, Jethro Tull, Colin James, Triumph, Eddie Money, Elton John Band, Toto, and Genesis.

Have a burning question about a band, an album, an artist? Tune into John Beaudin’s Let’s Talk Rock on Friday Night Live, co-hosted by his wife Shannon Edwards-Beaudin. As I mentioned, he has almost 39 years of answers!

After all these years of interviews its Beaudin’s long-trusted relationships with these artists that bring out the real stories on those channels.

To be clear, these are NOT gossip sites. These musicians are no longer tethered by record labels, lawyers, management or public views and the familiarity and ease, with whichhedrives the entire process, brings out some startling revelations.

One-on-one interviews go deep on sound, producers, musicianship, gear, song writing, changes in direction musically and the business of the music industry from the people who were there.

John Beaudin prides himself on producing “music news” on the channels as it happens from the announcement of tours, re-mastered albums, biographies and deaths.

Recently, I had to chance to catch up with him from his new home in Moncton, New Brunswick, about all things radio.

Biz X: How do you approach an interview with touring Classic Rock acts knowing the audience, while sold out, is coming to hear the hits from 40 years ago, when there is no radio to support their new music?

Beaudin: They all know that radio would not support their new music, yet they’re still creating some. I start the interview by telling the artist you know how this works. For example, if it’s Journey, I say I’m going to talk about the Escape album then we’re going to talk about the tour and then go into the new music. Here’s the thing, they still want to write music. They still have the muse to do it. They survive playing the same songs, by throwing something new in the mix. Bruce Hornsby, for instance, never plays the same song the same way twice. You can go to YouTube and see there are 50 different versions of it. That’s how they keep it fresh.

Biz X: Do you think Rock Radio will come back?

Beaudin: I don’t think Rock could ever die. It’s just a new breed now. Prog Rock for instance is moving a little more “metallish” because Metal will always be around, you’ll always have that. It’s not so sub-culture anymore and has moved more mainstream.

Biz X: How many different genres have you worked through?

Beaudin: AC (Adult Contemporary) was the first one. A K light (Easy Listening) in ‘83. Gold (Oldies) format at CFR (AM), then CKX (AM). It was an A “Beautiful Music” format audience where they discovered the listeners were aging out, meaning they were literally dying. While in Edmonton I turned the show into AC during the day and New Age Music in the evening. I ended up getting better ratings in the evening than the morning show! It was there I found my radio voice. I was getting hundreds of calls. It was like Wolfman Jack (first rock radio DJ) working alone in the ’50s. At 14 CFUN in Vancouver, I worked for a smooth jazz station in Calgary at the same time, different shifts.

I also worked at California 103 out of Calgary. We got a lot of calls about why would you call it California if it was out of Calgary? Of course, to get people talking about it, and later it was abbreviated to CAL 103 which was the plan all along, it worked really well. I also did a music syndicated show across Canada called, The Cross Canada Report, from the mid ’80s to the late 80s.

Biz X: It’s a family affair on your Let’s Talk Rock, Friday Night Live ask-me-anything YouTube show. Your son Chase Edwards-Beaudin has joined you in production and your wife Shannon is co-hosting and also writing shows. Tell us about that?

Beaudin: Look up on the Internet “Chase Toto Rosana” and “Chase Tom Sawyer Rush” (video below) and you’ll see a nine year old kid doing a pretty damn good job on an electric kit. Chase was in the Top 10 for Long & McQuade’s head-to-head contest for Tom Sawyer (Rush song), which Neil Peart saw and that’s how Chase got Neil Peart sticks. He had a taste of YouTube before I did and at 12, he started to get a following, but didn’t like the attention or the pressure of having to put a video up all the time. While he kept drumming and teaching (sometimes teaching kids much older than himself), he developed his skills and then came back to work with me on editing and producing the YouTube channels. As for Shannon it started with helping me out. Then she started writing shows and from there she started to co-host the Friday night live shows. It’s just fun all the way around.

Rock lovers, aficionados and pure rock enthusiasts can rest easy knowing people like John Beaudin are on the job. Like the lyrics in Cheap Trick’s famous song state: “I will be the flame” and John — to quote AC/DC — “We Salute You”!

Find out more about this talented broadcaster on: JohnBeaudin.com.

Lori Baldassi has been involved in the music industry for many years on a number of professional levels from back stage production to being on the air. She has spoken in front of the CRTC a number of times, holds a certificate in Adjudication from York University Toronto, and is a graduate of St. Clair College’s Media Convergence program. Currently she is a teacher/coordinator at the Windsor Centre for Film, Digital Media & the Creative Arts and hosts a Podcast entitled Seniors’ Views.

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The Pivot To A Dream, An Interview with Wendy German

You would have. You should have. You could have . . . Wendy German did! She took the plunge at 47 to pursue her long-held dream to become an actress.

Selling her house here in Windsor and leaving friends/family behind, she bravely forged ahead alone with a BA in English from the University of Windsor that she had earned when she went back to school at age 35. Before this, she did stints as a medical receptionist in the OR of a hospital.

Her love of the stage and screen was ignited as she immersed herself in local theatre (Windsor Light Music Theatre for example) . . . always wondering “what if”.

German made the decision few are brave enough to do — to pivot her entire life and follow her dream that was waiting in Toronto. Armed with a portfolio filled with experience on stage in several local theatre productions and a few good roles in professionally paid commercials, German was on her way.

Here’s her plus. She’s a single mom with grown kids gone. She has professional marketing and office experience, and though jobs in Toronto were aplenty, they had to be flexible enough for acting classes and auditions. German landed at a bridal shop that featured the show Say Yes To The Dress. Although not on camera it fit the schedule she needed.

Once there, and in a downtown apartment, she hit the ground running! Already signed to Fusion Talent Agency in Windsor, she took more acting classes in Toronto and auditioned anywhere she could for open casting calls (no agent needed) in order to meet people to find out who is doing what in the industry.

German also volunteered as a runner on sets. Slowly there were call backs and commercials.
While this all sounds lovely and inspiring, remember she left everything that was familiar here for the unknown.

As her good friend (that’s right, yours truly, the author of this column!) I wholeheartedly encouraged her to go. Telling her: “What’s the worst that could happen — you move back home? Your tribe is there, do you want to live with what if? ”

That was seven years ago.

Fast forward to more recent times, previously only appearing in numerous commercials, German next secured several roles in shows such as Paranormal 911 and Paranormal Nightshift: The Lady In Red. She also appeared in the Sweet Revenge comedy short that won Kevin Hart’s Just For Laughs film competition. In July 2021 — Clash — her first full-length Netflix movie was released worldwide.

Having just signed on to two more projects, which she couldn’t talk about because when you’ve moved into the circles where you are signing NDAs (a Non-Disclosure Agreement that you can’t tell anyone about what you’re working on or with who), I’m pretty sure your road has started to open up.

I was lucky enough to catch up with this single mother of three living the dream at 50, to ask a few questions.

BIZ X: Did you expect to work this much so quickly?
Wendy German (WG): “When I signed on at Fusion Talent Agency, I figured I’d get called once or twice a year and have a fun few days in Toronto. That is not what happened. I was called a lot — way more than I ever imagined.

BIZ X: Were you nervous, as that’s a big jump?
WG: I figured out that I had to overcome my nerves during auditions. I had to show that what I wanted was to act and it was worth investing in myself. Every role I landed and even land now.

BIZ X: Was this luck or hard work?
WG: I’m so grateful that my confidence has grown through hard work and by surrounding myself with like-minded actors. Not because I was “a natural,” but because this dream dominated my thoughts and I learned to get better. You have to put the work in. I still get coaching.

BIZ X: What advice would you give anyone out there thinking about pursuing his/her dream?
WG: Whatever your dream is, invest in yourself and your dream. Take classes, volunteer in the industry you want to explore. Decide that you believe in yourself. Be kind to yourself first, then kind to others. I cannot accept getting to the end of my life without giving acting my absolute best effort, for the rest of my life. I’ll fail again and again until I succeed. It is what I’m meant to do. What are you meant to do?

Both German and I agree on one thing . . . age is mind over matter, if you don’t mind it doesn’t matter!
From working backstage production to the radio airwaves, Lori Baldassi has been involved in the music industry on a number of professional levels for many years. Baldassi has spoken in front of the CRTC, holds a certificate in Adjudication from York University Toronto, and is a graduate of St. Clair College’s Media Convergence program.

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Anything for a Hit, The Music Industry . . . The Madness And The Rules

The biography “Anything for a Hit” is written about surviving the music industry by the first woman A&R Executive in the history of Atlantic Records. However, don’t get too excited! Atlantic Records was founded in 1947 and it wasn’t until well into the ‘90s that Dorothy Carvello held that title.

Born into a middle-class, tough Italian family in Brooklyn, New York, she was the first woman at Atlantic to move in the circles of the most powerful movers and shakers in the music industry

Sounds glamorous, doesn’t it? Read on.

I recently spoke with Carvello from her home in New York where she spoke of her experience chasing the bullet to number one. So let’s reflect now on how her career began.

Carvello started as an assistant to Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun. Imagine sitting in on the most monumental meetings shaping the music and the talent of the label, only to be smacked down, humiliated, overlooked and punished for being female.

A woman who could run the company but, in a room full of men, was subjected to numerous scenarios and situations that today you would be arrested for. Fighting the misogynistic, self-indulgent egomaniacs of all-male executives around her was one thing, but on more than one occasion she had to physically defend herself.

For all her hard work and dedication, she was labelled with the nickname “Bossy Bebe” by her coworkers. Women were seen only as accruements even though she was producing results. The old boys’ thick as thieves network pretended to let her in, but never did.

Proving her team spirit, Carvello brought the attention of the label to a young band that Atlantic signed and out of the gate became multi-platinum selling rock stars.

The male co-worker, whom she worked with on the deal, received a brand-new, high-end car from the label as a bonus for signing the act and her . . . a cheque for $1,200.

Work friendships forged through the years always came to a ‘me or you’ situation that never worked in her favour.

As Carvello puts it: “the betrayal to me was of monumental proportions.”

Make no mistake — Carvello was a sharp female executive producing million-dollar results, but to them, she was invisible and should have known her place.

Holding up her hands for mistakes and lessons learned, she had a few cringe-worthy forgivable moments; however, this was nothing compared to what was done to her by executives and so-called “friends”.

Not to make excuses, but when you’re neck-deep in the rarefied air of rock star egos, testosterone, money entitled, powerful men — mixed in with a lot of free drugs, alcohol and a group you’re marginally part of — well, ya’ make mistakes.

After a particularly ugly incident, Carvello said enough is enough and went to human resources where she was guaranteed she would not lose her job nor be punished for speaking up.
Both happened.

In her book Anything for a Hit she writes how time and time again she was subjected to sexist racists, homophobic and toxic workplaces, no matter what record label she was at.

How brave is she to write this book? She names, names! Many of those people are still prominent in the industry, yet not one has come after her.

“Anything for a Hit” came out at the height of the “Me Too” movement. You would think the general media, especially women’s groups, would be lauding her book, but few have taken an interest. It’s called closing ranks in the executive circles.

To their credit, Atlantic Records, now owned by Time Warner, supported Carvello’s book. They wanted people to know they are not that kind of company anymore.

When the book came out, Carvello did hit a nerve though as she received numerous emails and had a lot of conversations with, not only women, but also men who said they experienced the same situations.

Carvello holds no grudges and pays it forward with simple street-smart guidelines, for a better work-life balance that no one ever told her. Luckily, she shares them with her readers and they are listed here . . .

Carvello’s Rules
1. Don’t be a smart ass unless you’re already a millionaire, as it most likely won’t work in your favour.
2. Always put the max in your 401(k) and pension plans. The bastards can fire you, but that doesn’t mean you have to be out on your butt.
3. Take criticism and don’t be defensive, sometimes people are just trying to help.
4. If you make a mistake own it and move on unless you are very rich. You’ll probably have to pay for your mistakes, but if you do it honourably, people will take note of that.
5. Be loyal to the pay cheque, not the corporation. You don’t have to be a jerk about it, but the corporate bosses are rarely your friends.
6. Don’t gossip, people will hate you.
7. Play golf — all the men do.
8. Be a team player. Don’t be petty or jealous of someone else’s success.
9. Be honest. In a dishonest world people will notice.
10. Deliver bad news immediately.
11. Don’t invite someone to a concert the night before you plan on firing her!
(Read Anything for a Hit, I’m telling you)
12. Don’t %^&* (sleep with), date, or marry anyone you work with. If you do, be prepared for one of you to get fired. If you’re a woman you’ll get the short end of that stick.
13. Never break the girl code. Another woman’s husband is just that!
14. Stay home from work when you’re sick as coming into the office makes everyone sick.
15. Don’t confuse your work family with your real family — only one is tied by blood and love.

Are you intrigued and want to read more?

Find further details about Carvello and how to order her book on: AnythingForAHitBook.com.

From working backstage production to the radio airwaves, Lori Baldassi has been involved in the music industry on a number of professional levels for many years. Baldassi has spoken in front of the CRTC, holds a certificate in Adjudication from York University Toronto, and is a graduate of St. Clair College’s Media Convergence program. If you have any questions for her, please email: editorial@bizxmagazine.com. 

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A Handmade Sign At A Metallica Concert Moves Windsor Musician Into The Choice Of A Lifetime

Some people coast through life, putting dreams and passion aside to pursue the common goal of a good education leading to a great job, leaving behind a hidden passion or talent.

Martin (Marty) Bak is one of the brave who abandoned the conventional road to pursue the rough, unknown path less travelled called “the music industry”.

Make no mistake, Bak, a 2018 Biz X award winner for best recording studio, is a multi-talented man with a musical plan.

I interviewed him in late summer and now . . . drum roll please . . . here is the transcript of what we discussed, reflecting on how he became involved in the music industry to owning SLR Studios (Sound Labs Recording) and what he has planned for the future.

BIZ X: What was your path from musician to sound engineer to global product distribution?
MB: My parents immigrated to Canada from Poland when I was two years old. My dad was a wedding band musician and my brother played drums in a band. Before my dad bought us a drum kit, I remember playing with wooden spoons on pillows. Later we found my dad’s guitar and began practicing for hours daily and became a band. A few years and many bands later, we went into a recording studio, Spectre Sound Studios (SpectreMedia.ca) owned by Glenn Fricker. I was hooked and Glenn gave me a copy of his recording applications for my computer. Whenever I watched recording footage of band documentaries, I tried to absorb their information and techniques. I purchased gear and started to record my band, improving my “sound” over time. Eventually, bands wanted to book with me. It initially was not to start a business, but to make my band sound great. One of the first bands I recorded was Ashes of Soma — almost immediately after the band hit radio they took off. At this time, I was taking Tool & Die Automotive Product Design at St. Clair College, but my affinity towards music excited me more. My defining moment for my career happened three months into the course. My friends took me to a Metallica show and I made a sign reading: “Lars, let me play your drum kit” and I got to play “Seek & Destroy” with Metallica in front of 25,000 people watching. It was incredible. I soon dropped out of school to become a record producer. 

BIZ X: Do you have any advice for young artists, sound engineers or entrepreneurs?
MB: The key to being successful is persistence. The constant pursuit of achieving your desired ultimate goal, or many little ones that eventually will lead to massive success. You don’t have to be the most talented person in the world to be successful, nor have the best product/idea in the world. You just need drive and ambition. With a clear goal, incredible drive and persistence, you can achieve anything you want, but you can’t give up.

BIZ X: What made you decide to stay in Windsor and produce instead of relocating to a music hub like Los Angeles or Nashville?

MB: I almost made the move at one point, but higher overhead, re-location/start-up costs, leaving behind a business with steady clientele and my family and friends changed my plans. The great advantage of living in Windsor is that it doesn’t limit anyone from accomplishing their dreams when the United States is 10 minutes away, and Toronto is only 3½ hours away. Another great part about our city is that one of Canada’s biggest Youtubers, Glenn Fricker lives right here.

BIZ X: What has contributed to your success with SLR Studios? 

MB: Many hours of working late, missing birthday parties, dinners, and girlfriends to serve the artist as best as possible to give them the highest chance of “making it” in the music industry. We’re priced very reasonably considering it’s a world-class recording facility. You go to any major studio in LA or Nashville and see their gear. We have the same or at least the same caliber of gear at a fraction of the cost available for artists right here in Windsor.

Interview continues on Page 58

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