HMW Buys Itchy Metal, Signs New Artist & Launches Label

“We confirm a full buy-out of Las Vegas based, Itchy Metal Entertainment after a year of close evaluation,” states Harley Cantrell, Chief Marketing Officer for Heavy Metal-World.

Heavy Metal-World is a new media agency based in Los Angeles, CA comprised of industry experts and developed in early 2008 as an innovative way to market, manage, promote and distribute new media and independent music by leveraging emerging platforms and partners. HMW set out to find a “secret recipe for success” amongst indie outfits. After much exploration within traditional record label marketing environments, the company took an interest in Itchy Metal Entertainment after a recommendation to investigate the increasing success of the band “Control the Chaos” by an industry tastemaker.

“What we found was a fascinating story. Itchy Metal was able to take four teenagers from obscurity to notoriety in less than 48 months.  Their team made a sudden impact and the industry took notice. They’ve accomplished some very unique things as an independent and we became very intrigued by their formula,” added HMW’s company rep. “We felt this aligned with the new models we’ve been researching and considered IME a very solid investment.”

Established in 2008, Vegas-based Itchy Metal Entertainment is led by Ed Fassio, a tech veteran with over 20 years of professional experience helping break service and revenue records at companies like Adobe Systems, Microsoft Corporation and Apple Computer. “It started out with the simple, self-realization that if I could contribute to the massive success of some of the largest companies in the world, then I should be able to do the same for my own projects. The next day, IME was born,” explains Fassio.

Initially a PR company, Fassio began expanding the capabilities of Itchy Metal Entertainment to support and accelerate the growth of the family music project “Control the Chaos” a young, heavy metal band with notable momentum across the west coast indie music scene.

“Everyone knows that CTC is a literal family. They are all brothers and we all live together. Angie and I spend all of our time with the boys and along with a ton of blessings, that’s some of the magic that makes it all work,” says Fassio.

But Itchy Metal Entertainment quickly became more than just a promo resource. As the band grew, so did the possibilities for IME. “We needed things, we needed more. With big dreams and limited resources, we learned to do everything ourselves. All the artist dev, promoting, booking and merchandising, even the recording and internet strategy, and the tour – it was all from our own resources and relationships. We have an incredible team,” said Angelica Hyder, co-manager of Control the Chaos.

“The terms are confidential, but I can say that we’re extremely pleased with the proposal,” says Fassio. 

He continues: “My intention is to remain in an executive capacity post-acquisition and transition the primary management duties of CTC. There are a lot of moving parts. IME will extend the capabilities of a traditional record label by leveraging new, developing platforms allowing us to take full advantage of the digital marketplace. I’m also extremely proud to announce that “Control the Chaos” will be the first heavy metal artist signed to HMW. Right now, we are actively scouting unique talent for new projects – and not just metal. Heavy Metal World will concentrate on a more aggressive catalog, while Itchy Metal will re-brand into IME Records, serving all genres.”

IME plans to concentrate on the artist development, artist relations, talent scouting and management aspects of the business. HMW will focus attention on promotion, marketing, distribution and merchandising channels. The combined entity will continue to explore new product and service models along with seeking out additional partnerships to enhance and expand resources and offerings.

Working with the Pros, "Control the Chaos" Records at The Village!

There are a few times in a band's history that stand out as those major experiences that change everything. Most bands would agree that one of those moments is when you finally get into the recording studio to commit your tracks to a final piece of work to be proud of.

Although 'Control the Chaos' has been recording and releasing their own music since initial formation, they've always imagined setting foot in a major recording studio with engineering staff and a production team to oversee the project. That's why the guys were totally psyched when veteran producer/engineer, Dave Hampton presented the opportunity to record and mix their latest project at the legendary "Village" studios in Los Angeles, CA.

"We've recorded in the past. Mostly out of our Vegas place, on our own. Then we got the opportunity to work in the studio with Pat Kearney (from Henry Hanks and Lords of the North) up in Seattle. That was our first time working in a more structured production environment under someone else's direction. It was really cool to have Pat's insight and guidance, which readied the band for this opportunity at the Village," states Hector Gomez, drummer.

"You look at who's been at the Village, the projects that have come out of that studio and you get a little overwhelmed at first," added bassist CJ Hulet. "Every generation of hits is represented on those walls. Every legend, every genre. Just being in the hallways is inspirational."

As it states on the studio website:
In every decade since its founding, The Village has produced the favorite songs of that era, and as the look and sound of music changes, so does The Village. These days, you will find a diverse roster, with names like Lady Gaga, The Raconteurs, Weezer, B. B. King, The Pussycat Dolls and The Foo Fighters.


In addition to creating chart topping albums, The Village is well known for its impressive list of movie soundtracks. From The Bodyguard and Shawshank Redemption, to Wall-E and Walk The Line, we are equipped to handle any and all situations while also solving each and every need of our clients. Music is everywhere, but it sounds better in The Village.

Recording in the big room, "Studio D" - CTC will finally get to unleash their "Molten-Metal" style into an environment that has produced hit after hit, with aspirations of doing the same.

"This came together sooner than expected, so everyone's understandably excited. We're especially grateful to Dave Hampton and the folks at the Village including Jeff Greenberg and Tina Morris for helping us coordinate the session," said Ed Fassio, band Manager.

"This is new material, so it's gonna be intense...and a lot of fun," added Zach Fassio and Cody Davis.

Since 2008, Control the Chaos has been developing their unique blend of Heavy Metal into their own creation dubbed "Vegas Molten Metal". Acknowledged by the People's Choice for Best Teen Metal band in 2009 and Best Teen Band, All genres in 2010 by Vegas Rocks! Magazine, CTC embarked on their first self-managed, multi-state tour in June 2010 with performances across the west coast including opening for national headliners: Devil Driver, Kittie and Kataklysm during the six month excursion. Securing endorsements and sponsorships along the way, the band's homecoming show features a Charity event at Las Vegas metal shop, the Cheyenne Saloon with Century Media recording artists Warbringer on November 20, 2010.

The session at the Village will be the band's fourth recording project.

For additional information on "Control the Chaos" - visit them at:
www.myspace.com/controlthechaos7744
www.reverbnation.com/controlthechaos

For more info on "The Village" recording studios, visit:
www.villagestudios.com
(Studio images from The Village Studios official website)

For information on Dave Hampton, visit:
www.davehampton.com