About Us

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DIEGO NEGRETE

FOUNDER, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, STAGING & HOST

Veteran stagehand, lighting tech & follow spot operator - Stadium Events, Arena Tours, American Idol/The Voice/Dancing With the Stars/JKL & more. 40+ years of Entertainment Production, Live Events, Prime Time Television, Rigging, Stage Management, Member I.A.T.S.E. Diego Negrete grew up in the notorious Los Angeles neighborhood of El Sereno. In 1979/80 his childhood friends led him to the N.W.O.B.H.M. acronym for the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal. In '86 Diego formed LA thrash band MX Machine. After selling out shows with anthems like "Kick You In The Face" and "Fuck The Neighbors!" They gained attention, signed to major label Restless/Enigma Records & released Manic Panic. Now available thru Rhino Records. CandlePower was born in Y2K to promote underground artistry & music to the masses. Diego is a proud humble team member and recipient of 3 PrimeTime Emmy Award Certificates.

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BILL METOYER

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, MASTER OF AUDIO & ARTIST RELATIONS

“Metal” as we know it today, was built upon the foundation that Bill Metoyer has laid. The roots of Black Metal, Death Metal, Doom Metal, Hard Core, and Metal Core. Bill started his production career in 1983 and is best known for his production of Slayer, Trouble, D.R.I., Corrosion of Conformity, WASP, Hirax, Fates Warning, Flotsam and Jetsam + more. In the mid 1980’s this rising scene was known as the New Wave of American Heavy Metal and was due largely in part to Metal Blade Records and staff producer Bill Metoyer. In 1995 he founded Skull Seven Productions. For the past 28 years Bill has produced, engineered and mixed countless numbers of records for Metal Blade, Elektra, Capitol, Hollywood, Earache, and Roadrunner Records.

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SEAN DEVER

ARTIST RELATIONS

Sean Dever is a Los Angeles–based producer and mix engineer specializing in modern rock and metal. With over 20 years in the industry, he has worked in world-class studios, served as an educator and mentor, and operated as COO of a startup music licensing company. Sean is currently the owner and operator of The Forge Recording. At Candlepower Records, he serves as an A&R representative and production partner for rock and metal, helping develop artists and shape releases with a clear, competitive direction.

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ANTHONY LOVE

ARTIST RELATIONS

Anthony Love, also known as Skum Love, is a veteran music industry professional whose work spans A&R, marketing, promotion, and artist development. A key figure in shaping the nu metal movement of the late ’90s and early 2000s, he played an instrumental role in bridging underground culture with mainstream success. He has worked with influential labels including Epitaph Records, Roadrunner Records, and Interscope, and has collaborated with iconic artists such as Danzig, Fear Factory, Coal Chamber, Korn, NOFX, Offspring and Rancid —helping drive strategy, visibility, and artist growth during a pivotal era in heavy music. Currently serving in artist relations for Schecter Guitars, Skum Love continues to connect brands with artists while developing emerging talent. Known for his instinct for authenticity and his ability to build lasting industry relationships, he remains a respected force behind the scenes—shaping sound, image, and career trajectory.

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NATHAN CASTANEDA

ARTIST RELATIONS

Nathan Castaneda is a musician/producer/songwriter based from the Central Valley, where he's been in the Fresno Music Scene for the past 17 years learning about performing, producing, as well as learning the process of promoting shows and assisting booking local talent. Nathan is the lead vocalist/guitarist of the post-hardcore band HillBlocksView, and he also assists bands with songwriting, band development, and giving upcoming artists advice on how to discuss and take action in regarding to the business side of the music industry. At CandlePower Records, he serves as an A&R Representative as well as a producer to help bands/artists find their true sound and strengthen their songwriting capabilities.

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