Epik Productions has been working alongside Supernova for some time, and has been a great support to the local music scene. They share in the belief that supporting complete artist development is the best way to help drive talent forward in the industry. It’s not just about music, but about supporting the musical process and ensuring artists have the best possible experience while they work.


Executive Directors Corey Peck and Ross Hayes Citrullo are not only experienced industry pros, but also seem to have a firm grasp on where the industry is going. “In this day and age new artists can come from anywhere,” explains Corey. “ The traditional business model of the music industry is quickly becoming obsolete now that someone can get famous from a YouTube video or Facebook activity, and for the most part it is the young and Independent artists who are doing this type of thing.”

“The successful new Independent Artists realize that it's about making amazing songs ONLY, and releasing them one at a time as singles,” says Ross of the changing music business. “And the new artists - who are tied into the mobile lifestyle, like the people who are listening to all the music - are going to dictate how things go; at least on the "popular" music level.”

Corey agrees, “It's like we're back in the 50s where singles ruled the charts, and with our fast paced mobile based lifestyle, people generally don't have time to listen to an album with a few good songs and a bunch of filler. “

This clear vision of the current industry has surely contributed to the success of Epik Productions, and the studio’s reputation for giving sound advice & feedback to new artists.



As one of Supernova’s studio prizing sponsors, plenty of our artists have had the chance to work alongside the guys at Epik Productions. One of the most memorable examples would have to be On the Shoulders of Giants, who won a band development deal through Supernova and eventually returned to Epik to cut their first tracks.

“There are so many opportunities out there,” notes Corey, “Supernova's free shows and Epik Productions studio discounts for indie bands (and even bigger ones for Supernova bands) make it easier to succeed in such an over-saturated market. “



Besides excelling in pre and post production services, Epik draws from a wide variety of musical influences; and they definitely seem to appreciate the eclectic nature of new music,“Independent Artists are constantly coming up with new ways to merge different styles of music or have a new take on an existing style.”

Being the approachable guys they are, Epik Productions’ fearless leaders also took a moment to submit to a few questions:

What do you think determines a ‘good’ or 'bad' song?

Corey: We believe that every song has potential. There isn't really bad music, (and since so much of music is subjective, it's hard to even make that claim…) but there can be bad parts in songs that may not be appealing to the audience it is going after. A good song is one that has been well planned before hand and that all parts of the song are the best that they can be.

Ross: When we do pre-production with a band, we look at every piece of the song and determine if every section and every instrument part within that section can be improved...the answer is usually yes.

As an artist, it is important to find people or studios to work with, ones who's opinion you respect and trust, and at the very least consider what you are being told about your song.

Nobody is criticizing your song to make you feel bad, in fact if an engineer or producer is giving suggestions it is because they care about your work just like you do. You should be careful of the people who have absolutely nothing to say during the recording process, because EVERYTHING can be improved!

What do you guys think of Supernova.com?

Corey: Supernova.com is the best place for any band to start their career. There aren't many other places you can be given the opportunity to play live in front of a crowd and at some of the best venues around for FREE!

So many great artists got their start at Supernova (Sum 41, Down With Webster, Hail the Villain, etc) and with their newly updated social networking for bands on Supernova.com there is even more opportunity for bands than ever.

Ross: But like anything else, the bands who are going to grow with a large concert promoter like Supernova, are the ones who put in the time, effort (and even money) to help themselves.

Getting signed is like winning the lottery, there are a bunch of bands a year who win, and way more that don't...but anything you can do to increase your chance of winning is good. Now a days, Labels (especially Indie ones) need to see that you are a low risk investment before they'll even consider you (because they don't have the resources anymore to sign and develop bands,
especially when its all about making singles).

Corey: So ironically enough, when you're at the point when you almost don't need a label (selling out shows, selling merchandise, have recording and are selling music, etc) that's when you'll get picked up by a label...they'll just take what you're doing to the next level. Bands need to realize that they have to work for a career in the music industry, so take advantage of the companies and people who are there to help you and use them to help you climb to the top.

Finally, what is your motto or golden rule when working with a brand new artist or band?

Corey: When ever we work with new artists we feel it is important to see them perform live first, that helps us get a better idea of who their music is geared towards and also gives us a better sense of the direction we should steer the project in order to keep it true to the band.

My advice for any new band is to be open minded about what the professionals have to say about your music, and take it as an opportunity to improve your songs and your band...if you were perfect someone would have signed you long ago. On the production end, it is important to realize that being a professional band takes A LOT of effort and investment.

Ross: You need to constantly be getting yourselves and your music out there for people to experience, both live and online. Now it’s harder than ever because there is Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, website forums, and a constant stream of new content you have to worry about. The bands who succeed are the ones who keep offering new things to their fans, be it new recordings (professional ones!!) videos from their show, band videos of their adventures on tour, new pictures, and constant updates.

I always find it funny when bands record 1 song in their basement, post it to MySpace, play 1 show a month, and just wait to be signed... keep waiting.

Corey: It's going to take time, and it's for sure going to cost money, but if you stick with it something will come out of it; you may not be U2, but opportunities will arises, Maybe you've gotten as far as you can go, but now businesses, promoters, media outlets, or labels want YOU to work for them because you know the ropes; you'll still have a career in the music industry, it just might be a bit different from what you thought.

Ross: So wherever you end up, remember that nobody working in this industry (either a band or on the business end) got there by sitting at home and waiting for the phone calls, they all sacrificed their time, and probably money by doing things for free until they were able to make their own opportunities.

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For more amazing advice, guidance, and complete end-to-end music services from Epik Productions, contact them here.

PLUS, all Supernova artists get studio discounts – just for being on Supernova.com!