2003 was quite a year for everyone we know and we look forward to seeing the fruits of it in 2004... here's a review along with the latest news and tips, climaxing with some quotes from industry faves to inspire and titillate your creative juices...

SEAN BEAVAN
2003 saw Sean flex his creative muscles and show the world that there is more to him than the brilliance of NIN and MARILYN MANSON. Some highlights included his production of the John Rubeli A&Red KILL HANNA album "For Never And Ever," which received rave reviews, including from BILLY CORGAN, who dubbed them the "future of Chicago Rock." He also took a bow in the Sensuously Cool category through his mixes for PALOALTO, MELLOWDRONE and WAN SANTO CONDO, while he maintained his reputation for the hardside through his mixes for P.O.D., MANMADE GOD and JERK (management tip: JERK are seeking U.S. representation.) He threw everyone a curve ball when he mixed pop artist, ex-Savage Garden's ANNA MARIA LaSPINA to the delight of all ears. And the cherry on the pie was his production and mix of CHRONIC FUTURE's forthcoming album, A&Red by Tony Ferguson, Rich Eagan and none other than Jimmy Iovine himself. A fusion of WEEZER with BLINK 182 and underground hip-hop ala DOS ONE with a splash of EMINEM, the album is fresh, hooky as f**k and fripping brilliant. You heard it here first. He will soon embark on mixing the bodacious and famously talented TOMMY STINSON's debut album for Sanctuary Records.

CHRIS FOGEL
Following up on 2002's success of ALANIS MORISSETTE's #1 "Under Rug Swept," Chris has not only worked with the likes of SEAL this year, but became one of the world's most renown leaders in 5.1 Surround Sound. The film folks love him for his big sexy sonics and 2003 highlights include "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle," "Laws Of Attraction," "Johnny English," "Win A Date With Ted Hamilton," "Starsky And Hutch" (forthcoming 2004) and "Along Came Sally" (forthcoming 2004) Chris would like to do more artist production and mixing in 2004 and embraces credible indie material, so don't be shy if you think your budget is.

ERIC KUPPER
To list the wonderfully eclectic and ever-prolific Eric Kupper's projects this year would fill a book. Those of you who have seen his full discography know what we mean. Highlights included remixing SMASHMOUTH's "You Are My #1," SIMPLY RED's "Fake," and "All That Jazz (with Richie Jones) for the Chicago Soundtrack..... he also graced his additional production and programming skills on remixes for CHRISTINA AGUILERA's "Beautiful," MADONNA's "Nothing Fails," "Into The Groove" and "American Life," and SEAL's "Get It Together." And as a musician, you'll hear his prowess on ANASTACIA and MARC ANTHONY's new albums along with JESSICA SIMPSON's "Sweetest Sin." We are always amazed at the versatility of Eric "Chameleon" Kupper's musical sensibilities - he started off in the NY punk scene and went on to become one of the reigning kings of club. His range as a writer/producer/remixer is remarkable and we are starting to see his west coast profile increase as A&R folks discover his infallible brilliance.

NATARAJ
Roster newbie writer/producer/remixer Nataraj made head roads in showing his versatility outside of his work with Nile Rodgers. His hot grinding Latin beats are attracting the attention of music sups worldwide and his pop sensibilities show that he can combine sex with commercial format with ease. He has been developing Latin hottie Nolita, who sings their hooky numbers with distinct and ear grabbing finesse. She combines english and spanish in her infectious grooves, so crossover is a no-brainer. Check the SOS website (under Recommended Tracks For Licensing) if you fancy a listen. And there's more in the can where that came from.

IN OTHER NEWS, attorney GARY KOHN has returned to private practice. Sharp with the law and ever the diplomat, if you like your lawyer to have punch and tact, check him out. Tel. 310-670-7311.


A SPECIAL THANKS from SOS and the rostahood to those who have rocked our worlds with extra vigor in 2003: Rick Rubin, Dino Parades, Anthony Bland and American Recordings, Jimmy Iovine, Tony Ferguson and Interscope Records, John Rubeli and Atlantic Records, Jason Flom, Kevin Weaver and Lava Records, Michael Taylor and Sony Australia, Tony Berg, Jon Bates, Tom Atencio and Ryan Ayanian, Rich, Alex and Ryan at Hard 8 Management, Steve Hutton and Kevin Spellman, Andrew Leff and Morey Management Group, Tony Ciulla, Steve Collins, Critter, Jonathan Blaufarb, Danny Hayes, Stacey Fass, Mae Ho, Scott Bradford, Gary Kohn, Mark Kaplan, Gersh at Drum Fetish, Jane Scobie of Royaltone Studios, Menton, Sarah and Chandler, Marianne Goode, David Chustz and Lifetime TV, John Anderson and Windswept Pacific, Ellis Sorkin and Studio Referral and Danny Bonaduce.

AND FINALLY, A MOMENT OF INSPIRATION. We asked some of our favorite industry personalities what their 2004 resolutions were. Here's what they had to say (links to more info on the person where underlined):

RON FAIR, President, A&M Records and Producer: "Lessons lessons lessons...piano...spanish...skiing."

ANDY GOULD, Manager, The Firm: "setting up a half way home for former overpaid record executives. reprogram them to understand its not just downloading that's hurting our industry, but 20 YEARS of bad management! then help them understand artist development, sign acts because they are great not because you read about them in a trade mag! do something called r and d lets artists find there voice instead of hiring that months hot producer. sign things the public might like instead of trying to impress your friends in silverlake to make them pay attention! i will show them data like how many cds were released last year and how few sold. how most of the big tours were acts that were established 20 or 30 years ago, and then i will let them back in the biz. sadly this reprogramming will take about 2 years, by which time there will only be the one company left! oh well can always try management..."

LAUREL STEARNS, A&R Goddess, Capitol Records: "Too much drama, not enough rock...'Nuff said."

PETER KATSIS, Manager, The Firm: "In this coming year, sure to be filled with great changes for our industry, my resolution will be to remember to always trust my gut because it's what got me where I am."

PJ BLOOM, Music Supervisor, Neophonic Inc: "My New Year's Resolution is not to license any music from Major labels. However, since that's highly unlikely, I resolve to pay all Major labels their highest possible fees without any expectation of reduction regardless of artist, song or budget."

JON SIDEL, A&R, V2 Records and Cultural Provocateur: "Although my simple and very real wish is "health & happiness to friends" my guilty pleasure wish would be that Brintney & Madonna do a remake of the film "Blues Brothers". Call it Smooch Sisters!

JON PIKUS, A&R, Columbia Records and Engineer/Producer: "Play more drums, engineer & produce more, and fill my 40 gig iPod! "When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro." ( - Raoul Duke)"

VICKY HAMILTON, Local Legend, A&R Consultant, Manager, Promoter: "I've already given up drinking and drugs..last year it was to lose weight..I lost 30 pounds ..still got 40 more to go! So I guess it's to lose weight by giving up sugar, fry and bread and getting more exercise. I signed up for a belly dancing class for more inspiration!"

KEVIN WEAVER, Sr. VP Strategic Marketing and Soundtracks, Lava Records: "My resolution is to break the mold, stir up the waves, squeak louder then the rest and help change the future."

ANTHONY BLAND, A&R, American Recordings: "Goal: Move to Greece, live on a boat, fish and barter for food. How: Embezzle."
"2nd Goal: Appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. How: Hang out at the Sapphire in Vegas a lot."
"3rd Goal: Improve my marriage. How: By not aiming for my 2nd Goal"
"4th Goal: Improve wine tasting skills. How: Tax refund"

JOHN ANDERSON, Sr. VP Film & TV Muisc, Windswept Pacific: "Be persistent and consistent and by all means don't forget to have fun. We work in the Entertainment Industry and are all blessed. Would you prefer a job at the DMV?"

JEFF BLUE, A&R/Producer, Interscope Records: "Take time to enjoy our work & realize although its a tough time, we are so lucky to love what we do."

SHANNON O'SHEA, President, SOS Management: "Facilitate the blossoming of the new aeon."

We at SOS wish you a fruitful and happy 2004 and hope that all of your dreams come true. If we can lend a hand in that, all the better!

Now let's get out there and shake it up!!!