One day you hear an idea; the next you almost have an album!

And it was 23^rd June that Julian Aplin from ‘Angry Badger Records‘ suggested we put together a compilation album.

Julian had become a regular at the Showcase UK nights in the Soul Cellar and decided to put on a few gigs at the venue  to showcase some of his own acts. He asked me to perform a DJ set between the bands following that sent an email with the immortal words: “How do you fancy a Showcase UK/Angry Badger compilation CD?”

There was no need for persuading as I had been thinking for the past two years we needed a follow-up to the previous South Coast collection “The Coming of The Railways” which introduced me to Birdpen and many others.

I would have loved Birdpen to have been on this collection but as they are now signed to a French label this excellent trio are beyond our reach. However we both know many great acts and could easily find 15 for a compilation which we’ve called ‘Showcase Sett’.

Where Julian and I agreed immediately was that it had to be quality through and through, at a very reasonable price.

Showcase Sett by Peter Jaques

So we enlisted the wonderful painter and graphic designer Peter Jaques to create the cover (left). For the design and layout of the inner sleeves Oliver Taylor was recommended by the Soul Cellar.

The music had to have a flow, and each song sound it’s best, so we visited Peter J Croissant at Grand Master Audio to master our first pick of the South Coast’s talent.

We’re expecting this to be the first of many. This area is rich in quality musicians and, as I have been saying in the Daily Echo, there is a ’scene’ on the South Coast and scene is quality song writing.

And here we are, almost a month later and we are sending the elements to be turned into ‘Showcase Sett – Propeller’, a limited edition album (400 commercial copies) which is already receiving pre-orders.

You can see the full track listing and place your order at Iconic Culture. It is released August 1^st 2009 priced £4.99 online and £5 in the flesh.

Order: Showcase Sett – Propeller

You might not be aware of this but some people get paid to listen to music.

Now we’re not talking feet up and humming along. We’re talking people who intently study every note and judge how it sounds.

Their level of commitment is intense. Not only does the room they use have to be ‘tuned’ so that the walls and ceiling don’t cause interference but, according to Peter J Croissant, “We’re supposed to know our speakers inside out.”

Grand Master Audio

Peter’s job is mastering music: in effect putting the final bit of polish to the artist’s recordings so that the songs will sound great wherever they are played: on the radio, as mp3s or even off vinyl.

“We present music to the listener in the best possible way. Some mastering involves just the ordering the tracks so the album has a flow. Other times we’ll be adjusting the songs so that the album’s sound has continuity.”

Much of Peter’s work is constructive criticism of the initial mixes, giving free advice and ideas so that the musicians can return to their studio and make improvements.

Interestingly enough, Peter does have a ‘master’ plan for this region: “I’m trying to help the South’s acts get the best sound so that the area gets an even better reputation.”

You can judge Peter’s work by listening to his own band Sine Star Project or the latest recordings from: Wise Children (Southampton), Owen Tromans (Winchester), Big Num (Bournemouth).

Visit www.grandmasteraudio.com (pictured) for more info