Apart from the never ending and it must be said thoroughly absorbing Rock Candy activity I’ve been working behind the scenes (or should that be Screens?) on another interesting project. Somehow, and don’t ask me how, I’ve managed to insert my tubby torso into the formation of a new label called Powerage formed by distribution company Plastic Head in association with Classic Rock magazine.

The idea was mooted some time ago during one of many conversations with CR’s publisher Chris Ingham, a solid hard rock fan and someone who, thank god, is always on the side of the artist – struggling or otherwise. The problem with the recording industry we felt is that most major record labels aren’t interested in signing or developing young artists who play in a style influenced by what we lovingly term classic rock.

There are exceptions of course, and these are few and far between, such as retro-stoners like Wolfmother, AC/DC misfits Airbourne and Allman Brothers lookalikes Black Stone Cherry but overall the labels tend to steer clear of anything that doesn’t have a funny haircut, singers that, er, can sing and bands that are actually proficient at their instruments.

So, wheels were set in motion to right this wrong and Powerage was born. Its no coincidence that the chosen name was taken from AC/DC’s monumental 1978 album – the hidden jewel in their vastly impressive crown. We all felt that with such a regal pedigree moniker would send out the right message: Rock Hard. Rock Loud. Rock Free. I’m sure Bon Scott would endorse such a concept and it is with that firm belief we got down to brass tacks and actually did some work to form the label.

My mission then is to scout for bands. We’re looking to sign and release records by acts that may not, under normal circumstances, get a chance to air their wears to Joe public in such salubrious company. So far we’ve gathered together a particularly attractive selection of acts to kick off proceedings spearheaded by retro grunge kings Lethargy. The Welsh boys first caused a rumpus around CR towers a couple of years back when senior citizen Deaf Barton was sent a copy of their self financed debut album – he nearly had a coronary listening to it and rightly announced that were definitely a band to watch. In fact it was Geoff who personally called me up and sang their praises – he was dead right, they were great. Dream Theater producer David Prater was also enamoured and flew to Wales to produce the new album at an enchanting residential facility in Pembrokeshire (all stone walls, hills, vales and rustic charm) – the results are truly terrific and incredibly powerful.

Also out at the same time as Lethargy is the debut album from a simply brilliant Canadian band called Pride Tiger. They sound like a cross between the White Stripes and Thin Lizzy with twin lead guitar gone wild. Its amazing to me that these guys have captured the Thin Lizzy vibe so brilliantly and yet do not come across as some cheap knock-off or tribute act. Log onto their MySpace page and have a listen – you’ll hear exactly what I mean. Then there’s Endeverafter from California, a Tip-Top melodic hard rock band cut from the same cloth as late eighties Aerosmith and, dare I say it, the CULT. It’s good. Make that VERY good. Finally we’ve the latest album by Viking Skull. Sure, the name evokes memories of dodgy mid eighties German thrash metal but the reality is astoundingly different – these guys are primo British hard rockers with built in NWOBHM influences from Maiden to MORE (remember them?) and all points in between including a doff of the cap to Judas Priest and AC/DC. Good solid dependable hard rock with an edge.

And there’s more… working on some new signings as we speak. Stay tuned.

Today marks the first instalment of, hopefully, a regular diary entry. It may not be every day but it will be at least once a week. The aim is to supply a time sensitive stream of noteworthy Rock Candy activity together with any other topics that might be deemed interesting enough to parade to all who care to read. So, if you are sitting comfortably, then we will begin…

Upcoming Rock Candy reissues are coming down the pipeline thick and fast. Believe me when I tell you that putting these records together isn’t exactly a breeze. No Sir. In fact, it’s a miracle that they actually appear what with all the shenanigans that go on behind the scenes mainly concerning the licensing rights. When you write to us and happily suggest long lists of titles for reissue I think it’s safe to assume that whatever you have requested has already been thought of (yes even the most obscure titles) and the reason you don’t see those albums appearing is simply because we can’t, for whatever reason, secure the licences. Yes, I know it’s frustrating but those are the parameters that we must work within. Still, the next batch of releases confirmed and ready to roll are all quite exceptional.

Early November will see two Rick Springfield classics in ‘Living In Oz’ and, my personal favourite, ‘Tao’. No bonus tracks but Rick himself was kind enough to get involved and agreed to detailed interviews about each album to journalist Malcolm Dome. In addition we dug up some marvellous period photos and memorabilia. The remastering was undertaken by Jon Astley, overseen by moi, and I think you’ll be most satisfied – they are certainly way better than the previous versions of these records.

Also due in November is Autograph’s debut ‘Sign In Please’ and Cobra ‘First Strike’. The latter is of course a first time on CD if I’m not mistaken. Lead vocalist Jimi Jamison got stuck in with the sleeve notes written by Sir David Cockett, a regular Rock Candy freelancer who is as we speak completing fabulous essays on Barry Goudreau and Orion The Hunter for two further RC releases early next year. You should pay particular attention to the Cobra album, not to denigrate the Autograph CD in any way, as its one of those (so many) overlooked and underrated early eighties hard rock classics. My friend ‘Colonel’ Tom Allom produced the Cobra album and was extremely pleased to receive the news that it was being given the royal RC treatment.

Tom and I met up not so long ago in Notting Hill Gate, London where he lives for a catch up. He’s not actively producing anymore – he’s in property project management these days - but thought it might be fun to twiddle the knobs again. I too thought it sounded like a jolly good idea and will continue to encourage him to do so if the right act can be found. Let’s face it, his track record is impeccable – everything from engineering the first three Black Sabbath albums (great stories about those sessions folks) to Judas Priests entire catalogue from ‘Unleashed In The East’ onwards and lots of great obscurities including Doc Holliday, Nantucket, Urgent and Cobra to name but a few. Wot-a-bloke!

Tomorrow: A special announcement.