Hi Wheel Entertainment

Lord have mercy, the Lonesome LA Cowboy has left the building. Listening to JIM LADD Freeform Rock DJ on KLOS 95.5 was a fundamental part of my musical experience when I first moved to LA. I called in request now and then, things that fit themes he was looking for, and he answered the phone himself.
I was lucky enough to meet him at this event at Guitar Center (pictured here) that I was production-managing where he interviewed Alan Parsons about his box set DVD release.

He was very kind, and yet commanding. And I admit I was a bit nervous.

And I didn’t have to think twice or do any research the first time I heard Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Last DJ - it was immediately clear who the song was about.

I have thought a lot lately about how to help combat despair through music, and have been wanting to donate some studio time to those needing to express themselves musically post Oct 7.

And then I saw a post last week from about a new endeavor raising awareness and funds through an online auction.

So I wrote asking if I could contribute and she said yes. I had no clue I’d be among some absolute legends like and also contributing to this cause. This is a huge new community.

So please do check this and all these amazing auctions out and help spread awareness. So many unique items and cool experiences available! Mine is at https://event.auctria.com/3ca68405-b8dc-41f5-94d1-d809ed39ead7/a780d600ec2e11e9ae081db830846aa5?2bd25550ec3411e98fdeb3a273cf08d8%2Fq=Russell&2bd25550ec3411e98fdeb3a273cf08d8%2FcurrentPage=0&2bd25550ec3411e98fdeb3a273cf08d8%2FselectedItem=2b43943b-830f-4691-9633-803d391af483 or link in bio

I met this exceptionally talented singer-songwriter-pianist at Camp Ben Frankel several years back. After she went in to cut some demos at a Chicago studio recently, she felt she needed a producer to guide things to completion, and called me up!

And I’m so glad she did, it’s very cool to be a part of someone’s first official release. Please do head to https://helenhuff.bandcamp.com/track/change-of-heart and check out Change of Heart - which has, I think, the cleverest opening line of a song I’ve heard in years, and totally matches her whole vibe.

I provided lead guitar, bass, some percussion, and mixing.

Bandcamp

Change Of Heart, by Helen Huff track by Helen Huff

I am Russell Mark of Hi Wheel, and I am a small business working out of Pasadena - I would love to offer my services to those seeking a producer or co-producer for their music-songs-albums; or for those needing a guitarist for recordings/live situations.

I always offer a complimentary first meeting and recording session to new prospective artists to make sure we feel like a good fit for each other before we really dive in.

I have done significant work long-distance; so artists with even a very modest home studio - we can work together without being together.

My website is a little out of date and in fact may disappear at any time as I switch from the current site to a whole different platform. But my website has probably never gotten me work. Professional connections, personal referrals, and at venues and music events are where I meet the people I work with.

As for what I choose to work on musically- the latest releases I’ve produced include punk, Americana, blues, indie rock, singer-songwriter… in other words- genre doesn’t matter. It’s the craft of the artist that matters.

I’ve also done quite a bit of music composition for TV and film, and am open to that type of work as well.

I do what I can to work within artist’s budgets. Sometimes that means creative solutions to getting things done within their means (most artists I work with don’t have label money behind them.) But I’m happy to consult on home recording setups to help artists record themselves.

Please reach out here, or via email at [email protected] and let me know how I can help you with your musical goals.

You can still take a peek at my site, good stuff there, but if it's not there... it will be again soon! https://www.hiwheelentertainment.com

Good day to crank some guitar through this baby in honor of the Lads from Liverpool! Tech21 Tech 21 NYC The Beatles

Two weeks ago I learned that my friend, and an artist I produce, JC Gafford had died. We were... are... in the middle of making a double album. Like so many artists with a day job, JC was more passionate and driven than many who are artists by profession. He brought together such a vast array of talented musicians who loved him, as evidenced by how many of them have told me to count them in for a future celebration of life concert.

If you knew him and hadn't heard... now you have.

His music ranged from funk, to blues, rock, and gospel. But I thought I'd share a fun one - his music never really ventured into politics... except for this song, in a light-hearted way - which we recorded over COVID - me on guitars/bass/keys, JC's vocals recorded in my back yard pre-vaccine, drums long-distance by Edo Tancredi, and a host of JC's friends doing chorus backups on their cell phones.

JC was not afraid to don a fairly ridiculous American Flag suit and parade around Venice, Hollywood, and beyond to make a point. His other recorded music isn't quite so silly and I do suggest you check it out.

Meanwhile reach out if you want to be kept in the loop about Celebration of Life plans... and one of these days I (along with his fellow musicians and friends he left) will figure out what to do with the album in progress. We will make ya proud JC.

JC Gafford - Yes Vote Yes! Vote! 2020 is an updated version of the version I recorded a number of years ago. New sound, new lyrics designed for the times we're living in right now!

Needed some unique sounds for a unique artist. Am I the first to plug a into one of these pedals into a petros 1? I mean… probably? Then out to a padded speaker box so as not to drive the neighbors crazy, with vintage beta 57.

How’s it sound? You’ll have to wait a bit to find out.

4 days of sessions at the one and only , for with engineering, and I helping it all happen- orchestra, drums, guitars, pianos, and more. Quite the experience! First time across the pond together for David and myself!

When Danny Thompson asked if he could record some drums for a project at my studio, I couldn't have known I'd end up co-producing, mixing, and playing guitar/bass/keys/BGV's on this incredible record from Alex Bortnichak's band Eating Club. There are so many layers, musically and sonically, and every song takes you to unexpected places.

I strongly encourage you to check out this album on your favorite platform. Info in the post below.

Oh and the drums are, of course, fantastic - Danny can do no wrong!

eatingclub - Listen on YouTube, Spotify - Linktree View eatingclub’s Linktree. Listen to their music on YouTube, Spotify here.

HEY CHICAGO! This Friday May 5 and I play Chi City for the first time as The Nextdoors. I would love to see y’all out there, esp looking the direction of my friends. Oh and Beber alums and (current exec dir!) will be joining on stage, and maybe others too!

Free show, 21+, and while we will play original from our new record we will also get some good drinkin’ songs in there too ;) is the place to rock. to check out music and other show details.

Also it’s Deb Weissman’s birthday so for those who know her… come out for that too!

Playing tomorrow April 29, 6:30 sharp at the stage with - it’s a free community fest, family friendly, lotta fun. All kicks off 3pm, all around downtown

Unearthed from my brother’s basement these 20 years. Just being in the same room with The Church as a 22-year-old new to LA was beyond, no less them signing my guitar. I asked Marty Willson-Piper to play something on this Ibanez 12-string and he handed it back and asked ME to play Under the Milky Way for HIM.

And Steve Kilbey's brother is named Russell and he signed referencing the name of the classic Cosby record he used to play for his brother… and that my brother used to play for me.

All still surreal looking back. They were such a big influence on me at the outset of my music making.
Peter Koppes

It’s a good night in the studio if you happen to have these two peeps in the studio. Funky times with JC Gafford and Michael Leasure Drummer Mayer Bros. Drums SABIAN Shure

Some days (ok fine weeks) and just kinda lazy and you use the same mic for every instrument and voice, cuz I mean, it’s already on the stand and plugged in and everything. And ya know… it works out just fine.

The of music… hey I’ll take it! Thanks and for the great article on our show with making the official declaration!

Workin’ the faders volunteering yesterday at on LA’s Skid Row for their annual Messiah Project holiday music event featuring and a host of incredible talent. Combo in-person and virtual show.

Hi Wheel Entertainment updated their information in their About section.

I always work with each individual artist/client on a customized plan to achieve goals and stay within budget. One size fits all doesn't work in the creative arts. So there's no sales or deals necessary.

This year I've served clients as producer, mixer, engineer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, programmer, instructor, and more, in addition to my own releases and concerts. What are your needs?

But what the heck. If you contact me this week about a new project, when you come into the studio I'll upgrade you from Arrowhead to Smart Water! You won't find that offer anywhere else.

Let's talk about your project.

Russell

We not only filmed the video for this song in our living room, it's recorded in the living room too - on the grand piano (slightly out of tune and all) and in fact the vocal for the first part of the song was sung into the lid of the piano and recorded by the piano mics. Love how this came out, the perfect ending song to our The Nextdoors record Linda Vista.

Honest Mechanic Gone Bad - The Nextdoors - Official Video The Nextdoors present the first in our Nextdoor.com Musical Tribute Series: Honest Mechanic Gone Bad. A dramatic tale of woe as only the members of our own c...

A lovely sight, recognizable the world over, and you’re always lucky to be there. A hell of a lot luckier if you are seeing the world’s greatest rock and roll band though.

Sometimes I feel that I’m like… supposed to post stuff. Like… music stuff? So yep cool, here ya go, rig du jour for some recording I’m doing for an artist I’m producing. Yes of course it sounds good. What kind of question is that??

A show I can really get behind.

I had the pleasure of recording Mika Larson's cello, featured at the top of this great new song by Alan Parsons, thanks to my friend and mentor David Pack, who sings the song.

Alan Parsons - "I Won't Be Led Astray" ft. David Pack, Joe Bonamassa - Official Music Video From the album FROM THE NEW WORLD. Buy or Stream: https://orcd.co/parsons | Subscribe to Frontiers Music Srl: http://radi.al/SubscribeFrontiers Video Directe...

Recording the annual . Stereo and multitrack. Down here all day, if ya love and live near Torrance cmon down!

On the air now at 88.5 LA spinning tunes I’ve written and/or produced! Check it out on the air or at the URL in this picture!

I'm on the air tomorrow night, talking and spinning everything from The Nextdoors, The Title Trackers and Pillow Of Wrongness to Loki's Folly, Danny Thompson, an all-star The Beatles song I helped create, and more! Deets below, and thank you Barry Funkhouser and 88.5 FM Radio!!

Listen You Deserve Better Radio - 88.5 FM Southern California

When an artist’s guitar isn’t quite playing in tune, ya hand em this, and it’s all good from there.

Please consider following the IG and FB page of my new music project with my wife, The Nextdoors, . Our website is up now with music, videos, and more.

After a year gap, back at the Midnight Mission working the Messiah Project, even if semi-virtual this year.