Larry Wilson, President

Willow Wind Productions and Willow Wind Management was founded in 1981 by Larry Wilson in Bartonville, Illinois. The company moved to Nashville in 1988, with a goal of preparing new artists for future stardom.

We evaluate each act on their individual talent. Some of the things we look for include:

(a) voice quality
(b) presentation
(c) personality
(d) outward appearance
(e) confidence
(f) attitude (very important)
(g) drive and determination

The first step for each artist is to submit a demo tape, a photograph and a short bio. If the submission is impressive, and we feel the act has potential, we will set up an interview.

Larry Wilson has been involved in many facets of the music business for over 35 years. He tries to bestow his musical knowledge upon each act so that he/she can reach their fullest potential. His goal is to prepare an artist for presentation to a major record label, and/or to produce the tools each and every artist needs in order to promote themselves to the public.

Willow Wind Productions works with renowned songwriters and publishers. We also have our own publishing companies, and employ writers who have written for major artists. Larry Wilson is the engineer and producer at Willow Wind Productions. He has a private recording studio, offering a 16 track analog or 24 track digital, high-quality demo/mastering facility, as well as access to other digital recording/mastering facilities, if desired. He offers over thirty-five years of expertise in all styles and phases of music.

The musicians hired for the recording session are equally as important as the studio itself. We use A+ musicians, such as Matt McGhee, Larry Knectal, John Hughey, Mike Kennedy, Wayne Killius, Vasser Clemons, Dan Drilling, Jamie Whiting, Bobby Angelo, Steve Thomas, Kerry Marks, Mike Johnson and Travis Tritt's road band. These guys have played for major artists, such as JoDee Messina, LeAnn Womack, Steve Wariner, Randy Travis, Brenda Lee, Razzy Bailey, Vince Gill, Barbara Mandrell, Brooks and Dunn, and Tim McGraw. Their talents will enhance each and every project coming out of our studios. The background singers hired to complete the session sing in many master sessions in Nashville, and are talented artists in their own right. We also hire a well-known photographer for shooting our album and head shot photos. A hair and make-up artist is provided for both the photo and video shoot.

In summary, we will complete the following package:

(1) A digital master recording of 10-12 songs
(2) 1000 CD's and 500 cassettes(minimum order)
(3) Make-up and Hair stylist
(4) A professional biography, photo shoot and promo kit
(5) A video for booking venues

THE RECORDING

The producer will select thirty to forty songs which he thinks fit that particular artist. The songs are given to the artist to review, and when the artist has chosen at least twelve to fifteen songs, we will progress to the next step. We will then have the potential songs for the 10 chosen to complete the album.

The next step is setting the date for the actual studio session. Musicians are booked, songs charted and the proper keys selected. The first day of recording, six songs will be tracked, with the artist singing the scratch vocals. Next, guitar overdubs will be recorded. Then, this process is repeated until all rhythm tracks are finished. A rough mix will be given to the artist to take home and rehearse. Then we finish the instrumentation overdubs. When the act feels confident enough in the songs, we return to the studio to record the final vocal. Once the final vocal is on tape, we bring in the background singers.

The final step is the mixdown of the album. This usually requires about two hours per song. Each instrument is brought into the mix, then the artists, and finally the background vocals. The track is then recorded on a digital audio (DAT) tape. The DAT tape is then used to make cassette/CD copies.

IN SUMMARY

The goal of Willow Wind Productions is to ready the artist with a complete package to present to a major label. This includes the following:

(a) We will select and produce twelve first rate songs. These will be recorded in our own mastering studio, using top studio musicians and background singers.

(b) The artist will receive 1000 CD's and 500 cassettes, UPC bar coded, packaged and shrink-wrapped.

(c) We will compile a promotional package which will include a professional bio and an 8 X 10 photograph. (Video and cassette will be included if provided by artist.)

(d) We will advise the artist on the proper way to present her/himself to others in the music industry.

(e) If the artist meets all our expectations, we will sign the act to WillowWind Management and present him/her to the labels. We will do a showcase if a label requests it, or we deem it necessary. It is to our mutual benefit that the right people attend the showcase. It is the full responsibility of the artist to cover the cost of the showcase. The artist will only be asked to do this if it is deemed to be absolutely necessary.

For more information feel free to email us! We would love to hear from you!