Wild Oak Records

infobox record label
founded = 1997
genre = rock,punk,reggae, metal, hip-hop music,classic
country = United States
url = [http://www.wildoakrecords.com/ Official website of Wild Oak Records]

Wild Oak Records (WOR), founded in the fall of 1997, is an independent record label based in the Music Industry program at California State University, Chico. The Wild Oak name comes from its surrounding environment—Chico’s boisterous and edgy music scene paired with the historic oaks of magnificent Bidwell Park. WOR parent company, Wild Oak Music Group, also includes Wild Oak: Songwriter’s Guild, Concert Productions, Artist Management and Duplication Services

Mission statement

Since its inception over a decade ago, Wild Oak Records’ mission has been to “support and promote local and regional popular music.” To this end WOR has released ten CDs, produced over 100 concerts, partnered with local businesses and organizations to raise money for worthy causes, managed local artists and assisted a generation of local songwriters to improve their craft and live performance skills.

History

Wild Oak Records’ first CD release was the spoken word "Music Industry 2000, A Symposium on the Future of the Music Delivery and the Web" (1998) featuring industry leaders speaking about the major issues facing the music business. Participants included: Jim McDermott (Polygram Records), Mike Farrace (Tower Records), David Pakman (eMusic CEO), Andrew Frances (management consultant for David Bowie and Garth Brooks) and David Sanjek (BMI). A year later, they issued "Chico Symphony Orchestra (1999)" performing a program of Beethoven and Mozart under the baton of maestro David Colson.

The first rock release came in 2001 with "Four Corners, A Compilation of Chico Music" featuring cuts from Chico stalwarts Electric Circus and Indecisive Youth and newer artists the Craze and El Diablo. Wild Oak reached out to regional artists next with their popular "Bands Gone Wild", a Northern California Compilation (2002),” showcasing Fresno’s 40 Watt Hype (who had just graced the "Adventures of Pluto Nash" movie soundtrack), Simplistic (who went on to sign to Linkin Park’s Machine Shop Recordings), Thirst (whose cut “In My Eyes” would gain significant Northstate radio airplay) and other artists.

In 2003, Wild Oak celebrated indie music with "All Things Rock", highlighting local favorites Idle Discourse, Machine Green, Bear Hunter and others. This was followed by the 2004 "Chico State of Mind: A Party-Hop Compilation", featuring the hip-hop/dance sounds of Chico alums Mystic Roots (currently touring with reggae legend Pato Banton), Pyrx, Derivative and many more.

Wild Oak Songwriter’s Guild got into the spirit with their "Volume I" (2005), a release of performances by members including Erin Lizardo, David Harris, Corey Nitchke and John Paul Guttierrez. A follow-up "Volume II" (2006), "Songwriters", contained performances from the Shimmies, Jonathan Leroy, JP and Dr. Lacubrious. WOR went back to the ‘hood in 2006 with "The Mix Tape ‘06" and beats from the Dirt Merchants, the Hooliganz, Doctor Proper, Dusted Phoniks, Bugzy and others

When Wild Oak Records promotes its featured artists and others, Wild Oak Concert Productions presents shows in venues like: intimate coffee shops (Has Beans and Moxies); clubs such as La Salles, the Brickworks and Off Limits; 1000 seat theatres (the Senator) and ballrooms (the EMU); and major outdoor celebrations on the Chico State campus such as the Warped Tour’s Ernie Ball Stage, Katrina Benefit (featuring Sublime Revisited) and New Orleans Benefit (featuring The Expendables). Chico Indie Fest I and II (2005, 2006) featured national artists Maxeen, Communique, Division Day and Narwhal at multiple venues throughout Chico. Throw in bi-annual high school Battles of the Bands and Chico rocks to the sound of Wild Oak Music Group.

Fulfilling their mission to support local music and its creation, Wild Oak Songwriter’s Guild has met weekly since 2001. Singer/songwriters share new material and receive much praise and many constructive suggestions. Songwriters are offered open mic performances, competitions and showcase concerts throughout the year culminating in the annual Spring Songwriter Showcase at the Sierra Nevada Brewery Pub.

2007 was a banner year for Wild Oak Music Group. They added a new EP duplication package to their professional quality duplication services they already offer. They began Wild Oak Artist Management to assist local artists in professionalizing their business practices, learn more about music marketing and conduct valuable career planning. Finally, they began WOR Business Soundtracks, a service pairing customized CD compilations of Chico regional music with local businesses.

Notable releases

"Bands Gone Wild", the label’s 2002 release, featuring local and regional artists, Thirst, 40 Watt Hype, Simplistic, Pyre, Silence, and Nomy 5, has seen its bands touch success. Simplistic has been signed by Machine Shop Recordings, the label formed by Linkin Park. 40 Watt Hype has graced the silver screen in "The Adventures of Pluto Nash", staring Eddie Murphy. Chico local band, Thirst, is making a name for themselves and is becoming a well known regional act.

The 2001 release of "4 Corners", Wild Oak Records' first compilation, featured local bands Indecisive Youth, Electric Circus, the Craze, and El Diablo. Wild Oak Records second release in 1999 was a symphony album featuring the Chico State Symphony Orchestra. This has been Wild Oak’s top selling release, appealing to students, parents, staff members, and community members. In 1998, a spoken word album was Wild Oak Records first release. "Music Industry 2000", featured speeches of top music industry professionals recorded during a conference at CSU, Chico.

In addition to CD releases, Wild Oak Records has provided a forum for musicians to showcase their work and network with other musicians with the creation of the Wild Oak Records Song Writer Guild. Regular performances at local coffee shops and other intimate venues allows artists to master their craft while being exposed to an audience in a less threating environment.

External links

* [http://www.wildoakrecords.com Official website]
* [http://www.myspace.com/wildoak MySpace]