Mike Varney
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mike Varney is an American hard rock record producer, publisher and impresario. Varney founded record labels Shrapnel Records, Tone Center and Blues Bureau International, in addition to discovering a number of important guitarists in the shred guitar, hard rock, progressive metal and speed metal genres.
Some of his most famous artists were e.g. Yngwie Malmsteen, Richie Kotzen, Paul Gilbert, Tony MacAlpine, Greg Howe, Marty Friedman, Michael Lee Firkins, Vinnie Moore and Jason Becker.
Varney also produced a number of acts, including metal act W.A.S.P., Vicious Rumors, Steeler and Racer X.
During the late 80's Shrapnel Records was focused on guitar orientated Hard Rock and Metal. Many young guitarists got in contact with Varney through his Spotlight Column in Guitar Player Magazine. This article featured many so-called hometown heroes who sent demos to Varney to show off their skills. A number of players who were featured later got opportunities to record for Shrapnel Records. Varney continues to own and operate his various imprints and still has a keen ear for talent 27 years after founding Shrapnel.
