Arlington Heights, IL 60005
(847) 483-5052 (708) 643-2971

January 2006 Studiophile

From the January 2006 Illinois Entertainer:
"At ENERGY COMMAND STUDIOS in Arlington Heights, singer-songwriter Manny Capozzi, a native Chicagoan now residing in Rome, worked on core vocals and acoustic guitars for his first full-length CD, which is being produced by studio owner Dave Banks and will be released in the U.S. and Italy upon completion in early 2006 . . . Simmering tracked most of the music and drums for nine new songs to be included on their new full length, which is due in early 2006. Guitarists Johnny Haines and Chris Heintz along with singer Ryan Stagg, joined forces with bassist Jim Olson and drummer Gineson Speich. This is their second CD at Energy Command . . . Main Street Minority started work on their three-song CD with full production from Amery “Amo” Schmeisser. Additional recording and mixing is being done at Strudelface in Chicago . . . Chicago band Swizzletree did some pre-production for their new record . . . Punk rockers (and Grayslake natives) I.O.W.A. enlisted Banks to produce their first three-song CD. Members Neil Tobey, Jim Sepanik, and Lenny Phillips cranked out three songs, including their signature song co-written with Banks called “Memorial Day” . . . Tanisha Brewer recorded a track . . . Hip-hop/R&B producer Daniel Wolf recorded some demos recently for an indie label . . . Lovejelly worked on a few music and vocal tracks for their new CD, due in 2006 . . . Gwendolyn Greer recorded three new tracks for her six-song CD . . . Singer Maulik Shukla recorded three songs as a preview for his first release . . . Maria Nitti recorded a two-song vocal demo . . . R&B singer Cherisa began work on tracks with Schmeisser. Session players Don Carlsson (guitars) and Banks (bass) contributed."

Below is an archived web page for Energy Command Studios.
For the latest information about the studio, please click here.

2004 Built new studio.

March 4, 2003 Studiophile

Here's what's been happening at Energy Command Studios in Arlington Heights, IL:

Los Angeles Producer Marvin Etzioni (Counting Crows, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Peter Case) came in to work with singer/songwriter Adam Wyle in preparation for Adam’s latest CD release party: “Proof”. Live-take tracks were recorded at the studio - musicians from LA flew in including studio bassist Sheldon Gomberg (Ryan Adams, Warren Zevon, Five For Fighting) and local drummer Amery Schmeisser played with the ensemble. Dave Banks engineered the session. The record release party was at the Beat Kitchen on Wednesday February 19th.
Seris Poncho, has started mixing their album at Energy Command Studios with Amery “Amo” Schmeisser at the board controls.

February 2, 2003

Surefire, an energetic band from Park Ridge, recorded a 4 song demo produced by Amery "Amo" Schmeisser.
Rappers Tony & Johnny of CHI-13 recorded their first track, "Dreams", at Energy Command Studios.
Naughty Boy Jack signed on with producer Dave Banks.
Amery "Amo" Schmeisser has been working on solo project tracks - Amo has been laying down drums, beats, guitars, and bass on several songs.
Spark is working on tracks for his solo project. Spark, a multi-instrumentalist, primarily bassist / guitarist, has laid some beats at another south side studio and is doing tracking at Energy Command Studios in Arlington Heights, IL.

January 2003

Lovejelly is working on a track, "Beside You", for their CD - Amo Schmeisser is the lead producer on the track.
Amery "Amo" Schmeisser began working on solo project tracks.

November 2002

Surefire is in the studio recording with producer/engineer Amo Schmeisser.

September 1, 2002 Studiophile

Lemondrop has been mixing their 10 song CD and doing vocal overdubs at Energy Command Studios in August & July. Amery Schmeisser mixed all the tracks which is being mastered by Blaise Barton at Scientific Mastering. Lemondrop is: David Hoffheimer - guitars, vocals / Randy Mickey - guitar / Brian Shrago - drums / Jonny Volk - bass guitar. Be sure to check out Lempondrop at their CD Release show at the Elbow Room on Friday September 27th, 2002. www.lemondrop.net
Gwendolyn Greer completed her first CD - a 3 song acoustic demo. Her sweet melodies are complemented by her smooth acoustic guitar.
Manny Capozzi wrapped up a 3-song demo he's is currently shopping. Manny's signature song "Three Simple Words" is the CD title. True Men was produced by David Banks & Amery Schmeisser to give it a full band sound to comlement the acoustic guitar tracks and strong melodies.
Lovejelly is working on tracks for a full length CD - being produced Dave Banks with Amery Schmeisser engineering on several cuts. The project has found a great groove! New to the team are Spark on bass and Don Carlson doing lead guitars. Other players on the forthcoming CD include Tom Bishop, Grant Niebergall, Bill Corasis, and Paul Barajas. The teamwork and collaboration of everyone is making a great sound. Call or email if you'd like a sneak preview of the CD which is due later in 2002.

Other stuff happening:

Gravey wrapped up their third CD "Tozer" which was released in August. This is their 2nd CD recorded at Energy Command Studios produced by Amery Schmeisser. They had a big gig for Mobfest at the Lyon's Den June 22 which was great! Be sure to check 'em out when they play out around Chicago!
Adam Wyle recorded several songs to demo for record guru's. Adam has been checking in between his New York and Nashville showcases. Amery Schmeisser has been at the controls sculpting the sound on Adam's tracks. "Breath" is a promising cut that could make Adam's next album.

This summer, Energy Command Studios put a compilation CD together and sponsored a benefit for the annual breast cancer 3-day walk. The performance was on Friday June 7, 2002 at the Parkway Tavern in Lincoln Park.

Songwriter Andrew Ripp played a great acoustic set with Jessica Sillicorn on violin and back-up vocals. Amery Schmeisser did percussion on 2 tracks and also played live at the show. Songs: "Broken" & "The End". Andrew & Jessica will be in working on a duet later in 2002 at the studio, too.
Newcomer Gwendolyn Greer recorded the first song "Compelled" as prelude to her forthcoming demo. She did a nice smooth acoustic set that night.
Manny Capozzi is fresh on the Chicago music scene was with a huge stage voice. His track "True Men" was recorded in May at the studio and highlighted on the CD. He performed several songs live at the benefit show.
Dave, Bill, and Paul of Lovejelly performed 2 tracks on the CD: "Path" & "My Reality" and performed several songs live that night.
Barajas Band - Pablo, Mike, and Steve - made their live debut with a great sound. Barajas Band's "360" is highlighted on the compilation CD..
Sara Sara (Sara Hollister) recorded a fantastic tune on the CD, "Do You Wish", featuring her piano playing, sweet melody, and strong vocals. Her performance wrapped up a great night of music.
All the tunes on the 9 song CD were produced by David Banks with the engineering help of Amery "Amo" Schmeisser. Recording time and gear for the show was donated by the studio.
The event raised several hundred dollars for the annual 3-day breast cancer walk which took place on father's day weekend June 14-16, 2002.

Other bands of note that have checked into record CD's at Energy Command Studios include Simmering and Wishlist. Simmering recorded a solid CD and did several demo tracks at Energy Command Studios in preparation for their work on their latest release.

Energy Command Studios is a multi-room, comfortable 56 track studio that's been growing since 1992 and is located in downtown Arlington Heights. For more information, contact

Energy Command Studios
David Banks - Owner, Producer
Amery Schmeisser - Engineer, Producer
Arlington Heights, IL

For more info or a studio tour contact: 708-643-2971