Soundcheque, a unique global company that pays musicians without retaining any rights, has today announced that it is a 'bi-pondal company’, adding Los Angeles to its home base of London.  

With effusive plaudits from the likes of Chris Martin and Richard Curtis,  Soundcheque provides original and custom-made music for media, film and TV and has engaged independent music industry consultant Gemma Dempsey to oversee the development of its LA office,  which will act as a hub for all its activities in the United States. 

Laura Westcott, former PR Manager and Music Critic of The Times, will work closely with Gemma to develop activities in the UK and USA, to continue Soundcheque’s mission of ‘Helping Music Makers Make It’ as all artists are fully remunerated while retaining all their royalties. 

Soundcheque's LA launch  will take place today, June 4, at the British Consulate's Garden Party as part of  BPI/UKTI's Sync Mission week.  Soundcheque are providing  all of the music for this event, and have invited LA based composer and producer Oliver Kraus to perform his latest cello soundscapes during the party.  Mr Kraus is known for his work with a number of artists including Sia,  Beth Orton, Christina Aguilera, Jake Bugg  and Josh Radin. 

Already in partnership with The Prince’s Trust, Gibson Guitars, The BFI Future Film Festival and Film Aid International, the new LA hub will be on the look out to discover and develop new talent to add to the company’s books and to develop relationships with key partners and music supervisors in the industry.

Laura Westcott said: “This is a really exciting phase for Soundcheque, bringing Gemma on board, launching in LA this week, and we have artists performing on the third biggest stage at the Isle of Wight festival next week.  And we’re just getting started!

“I wanted to create a platform where real music can be used, and musicians can be paid.  We offer thousands of tracks and revel in introducing composers to emerging film-makers and other producers in search of quality music for every budget”.

Gemma Dempsey, Business Development Manager added:  “Laura and I met at London's Sundance Film Festival where she gave a presentation on Soundcheque.  Her deep understanding of the music industry and passion is to be admired and her business model was fantastic.  Given my 20 years in the music industry - many of which were working as a producer at KCRW Radio in Los Angeles, I felt I was well placed to offer Soundcheque  great contacts and advice for this new phase in its exciting evolution.

“Laura and her team at Soundcheque represent what is right about the music industry, they represent thousands of talented artists many of whom are starting to make waves in film, TV and ads.  I’m delighted Laura has asked me to be a part of this new phase of the company."

ENDS

‘Helping Music Makers Make It’

For more information, profile and interview requests please contact rosanna@headpr.co.uk / 00 +44 7714 308 614

What is Soundcheque?

Soundcheque is a unique global company that unites composers/songwriters with film and media makers. Founded by classically trained musician and former PR Manager and music critic of The Times, Laura Westcott, Soundcheque’s mission statement is ‘Helping Music Makers Make It’, as all artists are rewarded with 100% of their royalties and Soundcheque claims no rights over their music.  We provide music for ALL genres and EVERY budget, so first-time film-makers can now afford quality music.

www.soundcheque.com

Chris Martin, Coldplay: “Soundcheque is a genuinely brilliant idea”.

Edgar Wright: "Soundcheque is cool".Lauren Laverne: "It's exactly what this industry needs".

The Prince's Trust: "Thank you Soundcheque for all your support and wonderful music."

Richard Curtis: "I hope it's a great success”.

Soundcheque - Website of the Week - BBC Radio 6 Music "It's exactly what the industry needs.  There's nothing like it, it's unrivalled".  Nemone, Presenter 

Soundcheque - Website of the Day - Pocketlint “This is one of the best ideas we’ve seen in quite a while."

The Times - Soundcheque: helping aspiring music-makers find success -http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/arts/article3934738.ece

About Gemma Dempsey

Having graduated in Book Publishing in the late eighties, Gemma went into the film biz! Utilizing her publishing knowledge for the role of Music Supervisor, she began working with Ray Williams on 'Absolute Beginners', 'The Last Emperor', 'Stormy Monday' and 'When the Wind Blows' to name a few. 

She moved to Los Angeles in 1994 & Music Supervised 'Leaving Las Vegas' for Mike Figgis then became Producer of 'Morning Becomes Eclectic' at KCRW Radio in Los Angeles.  This was the first of several roles at KCRW including Producer of 'The Treatment with Elvis Mitchell', Managing Editor of Eclectic24, host of 'Gemma's Global Gig Guide' and Producer/ Music Supervisor of KCRW's Audio Guide for 'Glow' - an all night art event on Santa Monica Beach.

Gemma was on the board of 'Hollywood HEART' for 15 years - fundraising and event planning for this charity for at-risk youth both in Los Angeles and Cape Town. As a voice over artist she is repped by WME.  Returning to the UK in 2012, Gemma had three roles on the Mike Figgis feature film 'Suspension of Disbelief' as Production Coordinator, Music Supervisor & Sales Strategist.  As MusicElensa.com (in beta stage) she curates additional music content for films in production.  Currently she is Programme Director for the indie internet radio station Kilburn to Kensal Radio (KtoKradio.com) and host of her own music based show 'Park & Rise’. Gemma is also Music Consultant for the new Italian feature film 'No Mercy' by Michele Alhaique.