Al Gomes Is A Name That Will Go Down In Music History
March 5, 2011Musicians around the world are more than familiar with the name Al Gomes. This man has played a major role in the industry for more than 30 years. He and A. Michelle, his partner, set up an innovative business in 1990 called Big Noise. The purpose was to discover new artists in all parts of the world and to help them launch their careers.
Since then, the company has released well over 250 recordings. These incorporate all genres of music. Michelle and Gomes involve themselves personally in every aspect of a project, from the time it starts to its completion. They help artists to choose the best material, they negotiate with recording studios, and they supervise the final pressing of the CDs. In addition, all distribution and marketing is handled by them.
Al has been a catalyst in launching the careers of several superstars, one of which is Christina Aguilera. Steve Kurtz, his long-time buddy, was the first person to realize that Aguilera had talent. It didn’t take long before she was a household name. She was so impressed with Gomes that she employed him to manage her marketing. In addition to implementing innovative campaigns for her, he also acted as her biographer, her archivist, her publicist, and her webmaster.
More importantly, two of her hits (What a Valentine Wants/Holiday with Christina) were produced by him. He then produced the pulsating What a Girl Wants disco remix that had people on the dance floor at clubs throughout the world. Another of his notable productions was A Gift to You for Katharine McPhee.
Al has worked with a long and impressive list of internationally successful artists. Just some of these include the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Andrew McCarthy, Paul Doucette, Chicago, Tiffani Thiessen, and Stephen Collins. He and Michelle also turned their hands to producing CD collections.
One that was particularly noteworthy featured Anthrax, Luscious Jackson, Mazzy Star, R. E. M., Primus, Eve’s Plum, Cracker, and Henry Rollins. This disc was specifically made for the Association of College Broadcasters. Over the years, numerous awards from the music industry have been given to Big Noise, and Al serves as a voting member of the Grammys.
Al Gomes is also a humanitarian. After seeing the impact that Bob Geldof’s Band Aid campaign made, he pioneered a similar initiative, the Bandwagon Project. This was to bring attention to the predicament of New England’s destitute communities and make the public aware of their terrible living conditions. To this end, two huge live concerts were held and the proceeds were donated to the cause. He and Michelle still continue to the efforts to promote new talent.
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