For the past nine years, Doughmain Records has been the focus of Josh Wright's professional life. But, motivated by his knowledge and passion for independent music, the record label's CEO decided to broaden his horizons and take over Harmony Sweet, a successful Simi Valley nightclub.

"It will provide . . . good music, not just local acts but touring as well," Wright said. "I see it being a place for people who want to hang out on a regular basis-not just a place to go to see a show."

Doughmain Records represents "an eclectic array of bands with different styles of rock," Wright said. Groups currently signed with Doughmain Records include InMemory, Ferona Vei, Fermata, Pensativa, Blue Root and Stinkaholic.

Wright said he'll make the venue-soon to be renamed Carpe DM-a forum for both local and touring musicians. He anticipates Carpe DM will give musicians not only good exposure but networking opportunities as well.

Elizabeth MacDougal, who's owned Harmony Sweet for the past four years, plans to move to the Caribbean to open a healing center. She said her passion for music and art made Harmony Sweet successful.

"We created an atmosphere of positive energy where people could come and play their music and were welcomed," MacDougal said. "A lot of different people could express themselves with their art and their music."

Although she's sad to leave Harmony Sweet, MacDougal is optimistic about the future of the venue and its continued support of music and art.

Wright's already made upgrades to the venue, including a new coat of paint, a new sound system, flat-screen televisions and an upgraded bar.

"It won't be overrun with all hardcore punk shows," Wright said. "We try to provide a little bit for everyone as opposed to one specific market."

To appeal to a large audience, Wright said a wide variety of music genres will be featured, including his own label's bands.

Fermata, an alternative hardcore rock band signed on Doughmain Records, will be playing at the grand opening. Fermata guitarist Steve Augustyn said the club will be the first of its kind in the area.

"It'll be a club that has the opportunity to have a name for itself," Augustyn said. "(Wright) cares about everything that he does, so I know that he's put his heart and soul into this."

As for the future, Wright said, Doughmain Records and Carpe DM have nowhere to go but up. "You have a big vision, and then you work and work to get it together and then once it's done, there's the payoff of people coming to enjoy the place. It's tremendous when your efforts go to something."

The grand opening party for Carpe DM will be at 8 p.m. Sat., July 15 and will feature the group Pensativa as well as Fermata, deejays and free giveaways.

Carpe DM is at 5710 East Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley. For more information, call (805) 5817167.