The “Red Jumpsuit” Apparatus
How We Discovered Them and Why Vision Sound Decided to Sign Them

What makes a band worth signing? The only thing I can say to that is it’s
a feeling you have about the artists because you’re feeling them and their
sound in a very personal way. I never set out to sign a band just because of
their large fan base, modest CD sales or a long resume of accomplishments.
Would it have been nice to have all that?

Sure, but it didn’t happen that way in the case of us signing....
the “Red Jumpsuit” apparatus...

One day while I was at Vision Sound handling the daily business, two young
gentlemen walk in and say they want to record a demo with us. I say "great,
lets talk about what you’re trying to accomplish and your budget." They then
state before we book studio time and record we want someone with experience
to come and listen to us to tell us if were ready to record and further more
think if “I thought felt they were any good”. (don’t put me on the spot here
or anything guys….geeezzz)

I tell them that I never do that without hearing some recordings first and
that there are producers I can connect them with that can help them bring
out the best in what they are prior to recording. They stated they rehearse
in Middleburg (where I live) and come to find out they were a skip away from
my house so I said "I’ll stop by on the way home and check you out a bit."

While driving to the outer skirts of.... where the heck am I? (I thought I
lived in the sticks people..whew…) I finally found the rehearsal spot. While
inviting me to see them perform, each member categorically forgot to mention
that their rehearsal spot was a double wide trailer off a dirt road in the
middle of cow tippin’ ville…

I walk in and it looks like a keg party has been going on consistently here
since 1997 (aaah… that took me back). But from the ceiling to the floor was
top notch gear and I was like “we’ll at least they got their priorities in
order”. No furniture anywhere but Mesa’s and Les Paul’s scented the house
with sweet perfume.

So I sit on their only piece of furniture they have, the removable seat from
their mini van. They had removed it so they could stick more gear in the van
while hauling it from where ever they were going that day.

I said "ok guys lets see what you got"…. From the first note the 'angels
started singing' in my head. I thought to myself "I've listened to like 2000
bands and demos in my quest to find the act I wanted to sign and this is how
it’s going to be huh?" God and I have always had a small relationship, but
since that day it has gotten better. I learned that day to never over look
any band or any situation. I’m glad my roots are still with me after all
this time.

They performed two songs for me and I said I’ve seen "enough guys, thank you
all for inviting me." (I’m positive when I said that they thought, you suck,
keep rehearsing and call me when you’re 20 year old selves are “really
ready” to do this).

I sat in silence for a few minutes after the second song and the sound of a
pin falling would’ve shattered the room. Silence from both me and the band.
Then I finally spoke and said…

"I want you to know one thing guys."

"Not only are you good, you’re phenomenal. You are the best unsigned band I
have ever heard or seen in my life." At that point the tension left their
faces and a sigh of relief chattered that trailer. With a pop punk sound,
great look, phenomenal stage show, and an alter ego dark side I was hooked
and remain that way till this day. I state again, I only wanted a band that
I felt could reach the heights of success and with all the members heads in
perfect check.

This is all of the ingredients I have ever looked for in this magical stew
Vision Sound signed called.. the “Red Jumpsuit” apparatus...

I strongly feel I made the right choice here. I hope at least “some of you”
agree.

Check them out at: www.redjumpsuit.com

Scott Fravala
Owner
www.visionsounds.com