James Hook (producer)

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James Hook (born 22 April 1969 in Wichita, Kansas, USA) is a musician, sound engineer, and record producer.

[edit] Career

[edit] Musician

Early career was as a percussionist and vocalist - eventual guitarist/vocalist for Shyboy, a late 1980's touring band in the Midwest United States. Spent time in the studio working with and learning from Larry Funk who went on to record and engineer top selling R&B acts such as SWV and Usher, and has engineering/mixing/mastering credits on several gold and platinum records.

[edit] Producer

Owns and operates Skullsessions Studios out of Houston, Texas. (Katy, TX)

Usually referred to as "HOOK", James produces albums (mostly heavy-rock and pop) in Houston area, and has recorded and produced at least one album with national distribution in United States chain stores. Has also done work with bands throughout Texas and other states in the Mid-West.

[edit] Lonestar Pornstar

One of the first to benefit from spotting potential within the band Lonestar Pornstar (Houston rap-rock / now with BRP Records, a division of Houston based Broken Record Productions), he (pro bono) produced, recorded and mixed their first EP demo during the summer of 2004. This EP helped them achieve successes within the Houston music scene, as well as throuout much of Texas and the Gulf Coast. They captured the Houston Music Press' "Best Alternative Band 2005" and again in 2006.

During the summer of 2006, hoping to capitalize on their good working relationship with HOOK and the momentum started with the first EP, Lonestar Pornstar returned to Skullsessions Studios to produce and record their full-length (20+ tracks) freshman album. Since the independant release of that CD, they've brokered national distribution via a deal struck with Broken Record Productions (label) and BCD Music Group (distributor). The Lonestar Pornstar "Protection" CD is slated for release and nationwide distribution December 5, 2006.

BCD Music Group handles distribution for other artists such as Ludacris, Missy Elliot, Chamillionaire, Lil Flip, Mike Jones, Paul Wall, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, Bizzy Bone, Slim Thug, Bun B, Dj Screw, Lloyd Banks and Lil Jon. In 2006, BCD added their rock/metal division and LoneStar PornStar was one of the first few acts to be signed, as well as MARZI (formerly of Superjoint Ritual), another Houston rock act, and national act Paparoach.

[edit] The Houston Band Coalition

While producing albums for paying customers who actively seek his talents, HOOK also continues to scout talent and produce albums pro-bono for acts which he deems viable. Many of the young bands he works with eventually become members of the HBC (Houston Band Coalition). The HBC is a non-profit organization which is put together and run by unsigned bands in the Houston area. The mission - to shed light on the growing and diversely talented rock-music scene in and around the Houston area, and to promote the scene as a whole, rather than as a competition between the bands. Houston Band Coalition.