Logo

Indie pop band Colour Academy recently recorded several sessions for their upcoming project in Studio A and Studio B of the Delta Music Institute. Thanks to Cliff and the guys for choosing the DMI studios for their project....they were great to work with and we wish them all the best! Check out the video the band shot in the studios...and check the band out at www.myspace.com/colouracademy. Rock on!

Cloudchase, pop/rock/acoustic band based in Nashville, TN stopped by the Delta Music Institute for a quick tour today after their performance at the Nowell Student Union on the Delta State campus. Zak and Erin Sparks entertained an enthusiastic noontime audience with their original songs from the band's new CD, "That's Love." Check 'em out at www.myspace.com/cloudchase.

Norbert Putnam, former director of the Delta Music Institute and designer of the DMI Studios, was recently recognized at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum as a part of the popular series Nashville Cats: A Celebration of Music City Musicians.

The quarterly series honors Nashville musicians. Taking place in the museum's Ford Theater, the 90-minute program includes a brief performance from Putnam and a one-on-one interview highlighted by vintage recordings, photos and film clips.

"I'm greatly honored to be included with an amazing group of players who have (been a part of Nashville Cats series)," Putnam said.

Putnam's legacy extended beyond playing his bass to also producing songs and albums out of the Quadrafonic Studio he built with friend David Briggs in 1970.

Among the artists and albums he's produced, Jimmy Buffet's "Margaritaville" and Dan Fogelberg and Joan Baez's "The Night They Drove Ole Dixie Down" have combined to sell more than 40 million albums.

Putnam's playing can be heard on recordings by artists ranging from Ray Stephens to Henry Mancini to The Porter Sisters and his favorite - Elvis Presley, "who gave it his all" on every recording.

Over a nearly four-year period, the Cats series has recognized musical legends such as bassist Bob Moore and Don Helms, who played steel guitar for Hank Williams.

Putnam's career is noteworthy because of his impact on the musical scene, from being a studio musician to producing and publishing, said Bill Lloyd, who will host the program that will be kept in archives.

"I enjoy getting to talk shop with these great players like (Putnam)," Lloyd said. "It's a great way to document their stories as well as do a public program. We try to hit almost all the high points of their career and try to make it fun and informative at the time."

(Posted from the Jackson Sun)

Congrats, Norbert!

Members of Delta State's Golden Circle Class of '59 singing the alma mater in Studio B of the Delta Music Institute (formerly Whitfield Gym). They did a great job on the alma mater, and they were all amazed at the transformation of dear ol' Whitfield into two fantastic recording studios...thanks for coming, y'all!

Here's the link to a great interview by award-winning producer Daniel Lanois...insightful...

http://blog.discmakers.com/2009/10/Nothing-Is-Sacred/

Tricia Walker, Director of the Delta Music Institute at Delta State University, attended the 2009 MEIEA conference last spring at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Here's a brief video of highlights from the conference...enjoy!