Southern Artist "The Best In New Blues"

September 14, 2007 This is Chris Wick, owner of Southern Artist Production, I want to announce to all my present, past, and future friends & clients that starting january 2008, I will focus on providing only Music Producer services and depart from Music Mgt, with one exception I will continue representing Watermelon Slim for Mgt in 2008. The Mgt side of my business, was not exactly a planned event but was born out of necessity and desire to help some of my friends achieve their goals in the music business. My first love has always been creating, performing and producing music. My first music producer job was in 1980, at my studio (Chautauqua Studios) in Norman, Ok. Since that time, I have had the pleasure to work with many many talented and creative artists. One of my most rewarding experience has been with Watermelon Slim aka Bill Homans. In 2003, Slim asked me to produce, along with his old friend Stovall Brown, Slim's comeback release "Big Shoes To Fill". Out of that session another release was also born, the acoustic solo cd " Up Close & Personal ". The latter release helped Slim to receive a nomination for "Best New Artist" at the 2004 Blues Music Awards ( formerly the W C Handy Awards ) sponsored by The Blues Foundation in Memphis, TN. I produced two more successful cds for Slim, "Watermelon Slim & The Workers" in 2006 and the recent release in 2007, "The Wheel Man". The 2006 release was nominated for a near record 6 Blues Music Awards. The 2007 release is well on its way to also be a Watermelon Slim classic with similar critical acclaim and very good sales on soundcan. Slim has asked me to produce his 3rd release for Northern Blues Music. Production begins in November 2007. Slim and I have asked several well known artists to join in on this project, so check back for news and I will let you know how it turned out. If you need to reach me, see the contact link above. I am looking for producer work in 2008, so please spread the news to your artist and music industry friends. Go to the "Friends" page for web links past and present clients.
May 27, 2007 Congratulations to Watermelon Slim for being inducted into the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame on May 26th, 2007.
January 12, 2007 Watermelon Slim and The Workers receive 6 Blues Music Award nominations. Join us on May 10th, 2007 in Memphis, TN for Blues Foundation sponsored annual awards show. Slim and the band will perform during the show. go to www.blues.org, join the blues foundation and cast your vote. Also - Look for the new Watermelon Slim & The Workers 2007 cd release in April. This is Slim's 2nd release with Northernblues Music. www.watermelonslim.com
January 12, 2007 The Rounders will release their first cd on the infamous label Blind Pig label on Jan 30, 2007. Look for The Rounders as they tour all of USA over the next 12 mths in support of this great cd. Its Roots n Rock n Blues at its best. This 20 something age band is the future of Roots n Blues music. Go see their show, you won't be disappointed. For Bookings contact: Chris Wick at tel 405-447-4329 or email at chris@southernartist.net www.the-rounders.com
September 3, 2006 Big News!, Both "Watermelon Slim & The Workers" and "The Rounders" will have national cd releases in early 2007. Slim is going into the studio in Sept 2006. Check back for news on a very special guest to appear on Slim's next cd. Big thanks to Fred Litwin, owner of Northernblues Music for all his support on this 2nd release. The Rounders just signed a deal with Blind Pig! The cd had been recorded and is now in final stages of production. This is huge news for the Roots-Blues band out of OKC. The Rounders self-released two previous cds in past 4 yrs and the reviews from fans, radio and media has been great. Go to XM Radio on the Internet for a sample listen & sign up. XM Radio ch #74 Bluesville, hosted by our friend Bill Wax, often features songs by Slim and The Rounders. More news coming as it happens. Look for a link below each artist photo on this home page for links to artist tour dates and how to buy cds.
May 15, 2006 Congrats to Janiva Magness for wining her first BMA on May 12, 2006. "Contemporary Blues Female Artist of The Year" awarded at the 2006 Blues Music Awards in Memphis, TN
January 22, 2006 Southern Records Group & Mgt is changing it's name to Southern Arist Mgt. Southern Artist Mgt. is owned and operated by Chris "Wick" Hardwick. So why the name change? The new name will better reflect what I do, which is: Represent Artists for management and Record Producer in the Roots & Blues genre. See my client list for past and present artists. If you are looking for an artist that was previously listed on Southern Records and is not listed here please go to the Links page. If you are looking to order CD's go directly to the artists website.
December 9, 2005 Pre-order your copy of Slim's next cd, "Watermelon Slim & The Workers". 14 news songs recorded by Watermelon Slim and his hot touring band, "The Workers". Go to watermelonslim.com, check out the full song download for Track 1, "Hard Times". Then listen to the sound samples for each song, and be the first to order your copy. In addition to the new cd you can also find new videos and pictures of Slim and his band "The Workers."
August 29, 2005 We are very pleased to annouce that Watermelon Slim has just signed with Intrepid Artists for all bookings. Please email Intrepid at staff@intrepidartists.com or call 704-358-4777 and visit their website at intrepidartists.com for more info.
August 26, 2005 Slim and his band The Workers are "Always On Tour" for 2005 & 2006, in support of the upcoming release, titled "Watermelon Slim & The Workers". Release date is Feb 14, 2006 on the Northern Blues label. northernblues.com
	Watermelon Slim Nominated "Best New Artist" received a standing ovation following his solo set during the 26th Annual WC Handy Blues Awards program on May 5, 2005 in Memphis, TN. Comments after the show: "He is the real deal.", Kenny Neal. Slim and his band The Workers, simply tore up The Blues Hall on friday night May 6th on Beal St in Memphis, TN. Look for big news on Slim regarding his next cd release soon. The next cd will be Watermelon Slim & The Workers, a collection of Slim original songs with his great band The Workers backing him up. Watermelon Slim is currently on tour in the United Kingdom!!! Slim returns to the USA on May 30th to begin touring with his band and doing solo shows everywhere in 2005. Click here for tour dates and location.