Killer Tracks, a Universal Publishing Production Music company, has partnered with independent record label Wax Ltd. to launch production music label Audio Wax. The Audio Wax label will be led by multi-platinum-selling producers/songwriters and Wax Ltd. founders Wally Gagel and Xandy Barry.
Launching with four albums, Audio Wax’s catalog will span anthemic rock, indie/alternative, motivational and uplifting/atmospheric. For the recordings, Gagel and Barry enlisted musicians and producers associated with Wax Ltd., including from the bands Blondfire, Redlight King, Passion Pit, Best Coast and Family of the Year. Recorded with live musicians, Audio Wax’s albums are available now through the Killer Tracks website. Additional releases are planned throughout 2019.
Since founding Wax Ltd. In 2011, Gagel and Barry have a track record for developing new talent across a range of genres. Successes include indie-produced singer/songwriter Zella Day’s breakout hit "Kicker," as well as Family of the Year’s critically acclaimed 2012 debut "Loma Vista." Recently, Gagel and Barry co-wrote and produced Swedish singer Elliphant’s single "Til the End," featured in the film Spider-Man™: Into the Spider-Verse. Wax Ltd.’s current roster includes up-and-coming artists Blondfire, WORLDS, Nona and Emerson Star.
The creation of Audio Wax builds on an existing, successful relationship between Gagel, Barry and Killer Tracks, and expands for the first time signature production music. Gagel and Barry have previously written and produced numerous songs for Killer Tracks’ library. Past works have been very successful and widely licensed, including promos for HBO and the Golden Globe awards, and commercials for Nokia and other brands.
“Wally and Xandy are rock star composers, fluent in contemporary trends and connected to an array of emerging artists through their label,” said Killer Tracks EP Ryan Perez-Daple. “We are incredibly excited about the launch of Audio Wax, which represents Wally and Xandy’s distinctive sensibilities and their dedication to quality and authenticity.”
“Our aim was to create a separate label for the production music world, focused on our studio and our network of artists and session musicians,” said Gagel. “We want it to be something special, organic and real.”
“Our concept is to deliver work that is a cut above standard production music,” added Barry. “We maximize quality by applying all of our resources, employing the same musicians and recording techniques we would for a massive commercial release with huge budget.”
Wax Ltd.’s studios are located on the site of legendary TTG Studios, which hosted classic sessions by Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, the Velvet Underground, and others. The studios offer state-of-the-art recording technology and vintage gear, including a unique collection of guitars, synthesizers and amps.
Oscar and Emmy-Winning Composer Kris Bowers Joins Barking Owl For Advertising, Branded Content
Music, audio post and sonic branding house Barking Owl has taken on exclusive representation of Oscar and Emmy-winning composer Kris Bowers for advertising and branded content.
Bowers’ recent film scores include The Wild Robot and Bob Marley: One Love, alongside acclaimed past works such as The Color Purple (2023), King Richard and Green Book. His contributions to television are equally impressive, with scores for hit series like Bridgerton, When They See Us, Dear White People, and his Daytime Emmy Award-winning score for The Snowy Day.
In addition to his work as a composer, Bowers is a visionary director. He recently took home the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject for his directorial work on The Last Repair Shop. The emotionally touching short film spotlights four of the people responsible for repairing the musical instruments used by students in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The Last Repair Shop reflects the positive influence that musical instruments have on the youngsters who play them, and the adults in the LAUSD free repair service who keep them working and in tune.
Barking Owl CEO Kirkland Alexander Lynch said of Bowers, “His artistry, diversity of style and depth of storytelling bring an unparalleled edge to the work we create for global brands. His presence on our roster reflects our continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound and music in advertising.”
Johanna Cranitch, creative director, Barking Owl, added, “Kris first caught my attention when he released his record ‘Heroes + Misfits’ where he fused together his jazz sensibility with a deeply ingrained aptitude for melody, so beautifully.... Read More