Sounds Write Productions History

Founded in 1988 by Randee Friedman, Sounds Write Productions, Inc. has evolved into one of the most important voices in contemporary Jewish music today. Our multi faceted company is involved in all phases of the music business as a Record Label , a Publisher , a Retail Vendor , a Wholesale Distributor , a Publishing Company , and a Jewish Music Resource Specialist .

Our goal since inception continues to be the promotion of the highest quality Jewish music with attention paid to educational content, Jewish values, entertainment, sound quality, and professional packaging and printing. We encourage composers, vocalists and musicians to strive for the top level of professionalism in their writing, recording and production. We support their efforts and work avidly toward achieving for them the recognition, appropriate credit, and financial remuneration that is their due.

Record Label

Our first recording project under the Sounds Write label, released in the fall of 1988, was SOUNDS OF CREATION: GENESIS IN SONG. This unique cassette recording, featuring an upbeat contemporary song to go with each Torah portion in the biblical book of Genesis, was the first in a series of cassettes, compact discs, and songbooks designed to make the first five books of the Bible come alive.

Since that early foray into the world of recording studios, Sounds Write has produced over 50 cassette, CD or video recordings in numerous studios throughout California (San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles) and New York. Two of these were live recordings made with recording artist Debbie Friedman at the landmark Hotel del Coronado in San Diego and historic Carnegie Hall.

Publisher

Our first songbook, Blessings by Debbie Friedman, had its first printing in the fall of 1990. Because there was such a huge demand for printed sheet music by Debbie we were encouraged to become a publisher to meet that need.

Since then we have gone on to publish a total of 12 songbooks and 6 choral arrangements. It gives us great satisfaction to know that this important music is now accessible to cantors, rabbis, religious school teachers, choirs, camp and youth group song leaders, amateur guitar players, and fans of all ages because of our publishing efforts.

Retail Vendor

In addition to all of our Sounds Write Record Label productions, our catalog showcases the work of over 200 artists who offer a wide variety of contemporary Jewish music from traditional to folk, rock, jazz, classical, new age, reggae and klezmer. We offer selections in English, Hebrew, Ladino, Yiddish, or any combination thereof, as well as instrumental variations. Recordings geared toward children, teens, or adults for holiday celebrations, life cycle events, women's issues, spiritual awareness, or for pure entertainment are available. We have discovered that diversity is the key    there is something special for everyone. Our aim is to match what we offer with the interests and musical passions of our customers.

The explosion of Jewish music in the last decade has meant that we review and consider hundreds of recordings each year. Only the top 5 percent are accepted for inclusion in our catalog . Our goal is not to have every title on the market, but to select only the very best for our listeners. If you are looking for a title that is beyond the scope of North American contemporary Jewish music, or is a selection we do not carry, our staff will be happy to refer you to an

Wholesale Distributor

All of the products offered in our retail catalog , including the complete Sounds Write Record Label product line plus the work of over 200 North American contemporary artists are available for distribution. We sell directly to stores of any size (no minimum order required), ship within two business days, and as a wholesale customer you will only be charged wholesale prices plus shipping and a small handling charge, as long as the sale does not conflict with our existing distribution networks.

Over the years Sounds Write has been fortunate to associate with some top notch companies who have helped us distribute our line of Jewish music to a diverse selection of consumers. We applaud the efforts of Tara Publications and SISU Home Entertainment who have distributed successfully in the Jewish market. Goldenrod has helped us reach the alternative and special markets.

Publishing Company

Besides being a Publisher of printed music, Sounds Write serves as the publisher for Julie Silver and Rabbi Joe Black administering the copyrights for their compositions. We grant permission for the use of their music and enter into license agreements with individuals, organizations or companies who wish to record, publish, print, duplicate, transcribe or manufacture original music or lyrics by these composers. We collect any royalties due, make sure appropriate credit is given, and retain copies of any products where the composer's work appears.

We work diligently on behalf of Julie and Joe and all those involved in the field of Jewish music to promote artist recognition and credit, copyright protection of their creative material, and monetary compensation for use of their work. In 1988 when Sounds Write was just beginning, contemporary North American Jewish composers rarely received royalties for the use of their songs. We have tried to elevate the perceived worth and value of these talented individuals while raising the standard of professionalism in the field of Jewish music.

Jewish Music Resource Specialist

Looking for music for that special life cycle event? Trying to find the recording that has your favorite summer camp song on it? Need a fun holiday CD for your preschool age niece? The staff at Sounds Write is ready to listen carefully to your Jewish music questions. We try our hardest to provide informative answers. If you are seeking a product we do not carry, we are happy to make referrals to other resources within the Jewish community. Making Jewish musical connections is our contribution towards Jewish continuity.