Q and A about New Talent

Please Note: Questions may be edited and please be patient if your question requires a direct answer from Pete Waterman as these will take a little more time.

Q: Can Pete give me some career advice?

A: As you will appreciate, Pete Waterman is a world-famous record producer and hence has very little time to answer personal emails such as these. Individual circumstances require individual consideration and hence it is not possible to give them the attention that they require. Pete is one of the first men to admit that he has been a very lucky to get where he is today, and the old adage 'if you want it hard enough, you will get it' seems to ring true every time. PWE wishes each and every person who contacts them with requests such as these the best of luck. We are also flattered that you took the time to write in. Sadly we are unable to offer any other advice.

Q: I know Pete has appeared as a judge on Pop Idol and Popstars The Rivals and I know that he is interested in new talent. I want to send him a demo tape of me singing. I know you don't normally accept demo material, but will you make just one exception for me?

A: Our position at PWE on demo tapes and auditions remains the same. Although the nature of the shows make it seem as though Pete does hold auditions, it cannot be stressed enough that this is arranged for TV by the production companies involved and has nothing to do with Pete himself. Please do not send us any requests for an address to send demo material to as we will not reply. We apologise if this sounds harsh, but we receive countless requests like this each day and cannot cope with the deluge of mail.

Q: If PWE does not accept demo material, how on earth does Pete hear about new artists? Surely there must be exceptions to this rule?

A: Pete learns about new artists from record companies, managers or sometimes other producers. PWE is not being awkward here - we honestly just don't have the time to listen to demos or to do auditions. Hence generally new artists are brought to us by record companies who would like to sign the artist on the basis that Pete will do the production.

Q: What does Pete feel about the producers today who try and copy the S/A/W formula?

A: "You know, many people said that what I did as part of Stock Aitken Waterman was easy; however if it was so easy how come nobody has yet managed to re-create our success? We were very disciplined; all three of us had a total respect, love and understanding of over 40 years of songwriting...we didn't just love one particular style or try to write in one particular genre. The only way you'll get a new Stock Aitken Waterman song today is to go to Stock and Aitken, or myself, and get us to write it (laugh)!"

Q: "How can I get Pete Waterman to listen to my singing voice? It's fantastic and I'm sure that he'd want to sign me up!"

A: Although we have already answered a question similar to this in the past (scroll up the screen for further details), we still receive many, many e-mails similar to the question posted above. PWE does not have the staffing resources to listen to demo tapes that are sent to their studio - so please do not send them. Likewise, we are unable to help anyone who sends sound files to us via e-mail.

Q: "Does PWE offer publishing deals for new songwriters?"

A: Afraid that this is a bit of a yes and no answer! In the past, Pete's publishing company; All Boys Music, was more than happy to look at any new compositions. If the material submitted was appropriate and would have made a good addition to PWE's already comprehensive catalogue of titles, someone from All Boys Music would have contacted you. In recent months however, with increased work load etc, PWE has had to put a stop to this and now solely relies on in-house compositions. If the situation changes we'll let you know via this page.

Q: "Does PWE have any merchandise (caps, t-shirts etc.) on offer?"

A: This is one part of the Empire that has never been exploited. Although we have in the past given away free promotional material (nightshirts, t-shirts and DJ slipmats spring to mind) to people on its mailing list, it has never set out to commercially benefit from selling any items with the PWL/PWE logo on it. Probably the most sought-after pieces of PWL clothing were the leather bomber jackets that were made back in 1989 - these had a bright yellow PWL diamond on the back of them and had the familiar 'Kylie' logo on the front right hand side.

Q: "How do I get Pete Waterman to sign me up to his record label?"

A: It was only natural that this site would receive questions like this; however we were not expecting quite so many! Pete Waterman receives countless letters and demo tapes from artists who are interested in working with him. Sad though it is, the majority of these acts do not have their wishes fulfilled. PWE has a policy not to open any unsolicited mail that is sent to them. In the past Pete Waterman has either discovered his new acts himself or had managers bring people to him. If you are determined, and believe that you have what it takes to work in the busy entertainment business, you need to get a CV together (complete with photograph and demo tape/CD) and a manager. If your manager does what they are supposed to do, they should get a recording deal for you. Otherwise look out for adverts and auditions for new acts or pop groups and try your luck at these. Unfortunately very few acts get signed up solely on the strength of a demo tape sent to a studio. Finally, please don't send your demos directly to PWE! We hope that this helps!

Q: "Can I visit the PWE studios?"

A: In the past PWE has been proud to show fans around its studios, however due to limited resources (both in terms of time and staff) it is no longer possible to arrange a personal visit to our studios. We greatly regret this current situation but would kindly ask you not to contact us regarding this matter as refusal often upsets or offends. We hope that you understand and respect our wishes. Many thanks.

You can SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO questions@pwl-empire.com NOW!