As Epic Records commitment to artist development continued to flourish in 2001, Epic will bring an entirely new group of exciting artists to the stage in 2002. The Epic team will work as one cohesive unit towards our common goal: helping our artists rise to the top of the marketplace.
EPIC RECORDS 2001 RECAP
Flickerstick – Winners of the breakthrough VH1 series Bands on the Run released their major label debut Welcoming Home The Astronauts. The album was re-mixed by Tom Lord Alge (Weezer, Blink-182, Marilyn Manson) and includes two new songs, “Execution By X-mas Lights” and “Smile.” Flickerstick will continue to tour the U.S. in the new year and release their haunting sing-along “Coke” in January.
Fuel – Garnering 1.1 million in sales in the U.S. with their sophomore release Something Like Human. Fuel continues to lead the rock pack in sales and chart success.
Ginuwine – This R&B superstar’s 2001 album release The Life has hit sales of 1.5 million worldwide. Ginuwine’s first single “Differences” was a genuine smash, and his second single “Tribute to a Woman” looks to be even bigger.
Incubus – With worldwide sales approaching 2 million, Morning View’s immediate success proves the global potential for Incubus is limitless. This is Epic’s artist development story of the year.
Jennifer Lopez – Jennifer’s debut album On the 6 exploded her onto the music scene. Her sophomore album, J Lo has sold over 3.2 million domestically and 7 million worldwide solidifying her place as worldwide cultural icon and reigning queen of movies, music, and fashion.
Jill Scott – Jill’s Grammy nominated debut Who Is Jill Scott? Words & Sounds: Volume 1 was a break through success with worldwide sales totaling 2.2 million. Jill is a true artist in the purest sense of the word.
Macy Gray – Macy’s release the id was halted by the tragic events of Sept 11th. Look for the continued success of “Sweet Baby” and her new single “Sexual Revolution” to heat up in the new year. The album is gold in the U.S. and has sold over 1.7 million worldwide.
Michael Jackson – With sales in excess of 5.2 million worldwide, Michael surprised the critics with the immediate success of Invincible. “Butterflies,” Michael’s second single is climbing the charts and will continue charting well into 2002. In addition, his CBS primetime special was one of the most watched programs of the year and CBS’s highest rated primetime special in a decade. The special re-airs on CBS January 9th.
Mudvayne – With their certified Gold debut release L.D. 50, this math metal foursome also won the first ever MTV2 Video Award at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards. The award represented the culmination of Mudvayne’s fan appreciation and success for their first single, “Dig.”
NOW 6 – With worldwide sales at 3.5 million, this all HITS compilation remains in the Billboard Top 200 after 36 weeks.
Ozzy Osbourne – With the release of his first solo album in six years, Down To Earth Ozzy enters his fourth decade as one of the premiere rock musicians of our time. Down To Earth has sold over one million albums, was produced by Tim Palmer, and features Zakk Wylde (guitar), Robert Trujillo (bass), and Mike Bordin (drums).
Sade – After a 8 year hiatus, Sade has returned with Lovers Rock selling over 3 million U.S. albums and 5.6 million worldwide. This was one of the most critically acclaimed albums and tours of 2001.
Shakira – Laundry Service marks this Grammy winner’s English speaking debut. With tremendous support from MTV, Laundry Service made an impressive Billboard Top 200 debut at #3 and is already platinum in the U.S. and boasting worldwide sales of 2.7 million.
Tenacious D – The D’s self-titled debut album has taken America by storm by selling over 200,000 copies since its release. Tenacious D was produced by The Dust Brothers and includes special appearances by Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), Page Mcconnell (Phish), Warren Fitzgerald (the Vandals), and Steve McDonald (Redd Kross).
3LW – Adrienne, Kiely, and Naturi – collectively known as 3LW – made a massive impact on the scene when their self titled debut went platinum in the U.S. 3LW are working on their sophomore album to be released in 2002.
January
A Walk To Remember Soundtrack – Mandy Moore co-stars with Shane West (Once and Again) in this Warner Bros. love story based on the best selling novel by Nicolas Sparks (Message in a Bottle). The soundtrack features four songs from Mandy Moore including her next single “Cry” and a duet with John Foreman of Switchfoot “Someday We’ll Know.”
Fieldy’s Dream – Rock n Roll Gangster marks the first solo album to be released by a member of KORN. The debut, equal parts: Cypress Hill, Afroman, and Cheech & Chong, is the result of Korn bassman, Fieldy’s downtime since the band’s last tour. The first single and video are for the herb-inspired track, “Are You Talkin To Me.” Other guests appearing include Korn frontman Jonathan “Just For Now,” Pharcydes’s Tre, Snoop Dogg’s sidekick, RBX, and Sun Doobie (Funkdoobiest).
February
Incubus – Morning View Sessions DVD – This DVD/video will include footage from the Malibu house where the band wrote and recorded “Morning View” as well as the complete “Morning View Sessions” which were recorded live in front of a studio audience. It will also include both versions of the video for “Wish You Were Here.”
Indigo Girls – The Indigo Girls’ eighth studio release Become You was co- produced by Peter Collins (Jewel, Shawn Mullins), mixed by Bob Clearmountain and mastered by Bob Ludwig. The album harks back to the simplicity of their early acoustic albums. Over a period of ten years of inspiring recordings and an unabashedly honest point of view, the Indigos have created an instantly recognizable sound and earned a singular place in American music.
Jennifer Lopez: Live In Puerto Rico DVD – In September of 2001, multi-platinum recording artist Jennifer Lopez showcased her musical talents in her first concert performances ever – two sold out nights at Roberto Clemente Stadium in Puerto Rico. Jennifer’s fans can see the entire 80-minute program, live and un-cut, plus a 20-minute behind-the-scenes documentary. In addition to all of her hits, Jennifer also performs the Selena track “I Could Fall In Love.”
New Guy Soundtrack – Epic Records and Sony Music Soundtrax proudly present music from the upcoming Revolution Studios/Columbia Pictures release The New Guy, a hilarious teen comedy about wiping the slate clean and reinventing yourself. The 14-song soundtrack features a stellar line-up of artists such as Mystikal (“The New Guy”), Juvenile (“Keep The Party Goin”‘), Green Day (“Outsider”), Eve 6 (“You Really Got Me”) and Nine Days (“I Love You”).
Phantom Planet – Epic Records debut, The Guest is a collision of youth and melody set to guitars and atmospheric samplers produced by Mitchell Froom (Tom Waits, Crowded House, Cibo Matto, Elvis Costello, Paul McCartney) and Tchad Blake (Pearl Jam, Peter Gabriel, and Sheryl Crow). The pairing of these veteran producers with the energy and youth of Phantom Planet surpassed the expectations of everyone involved which is immediately evident on the album’s undeniably contagious opening track and first single “California.”
SADE Live CD/DVD – After an eight-year hiatus, Sade made a triumphant 2001 return both with her triple platinum album and sold-out American tour of the same name-Lovers Rock. LOVERS LIVE, a live album and accompanying DVD which features highlights from this years tour and includes new songs as well as classic hits such as “Is It A Crime,” “Sweetest Taboo,” and “Smooth Operator.”
SHEKINAH 13 ARTISTS – Berklee College of Music & Epic Records Compilation The thirteen track, all-female compilation features students from the internationally acclaimed college of music. The compilation hosts an array of original songs from all genres of music including rock, hip-hop, folk, and metal; the album’s music reflects the breadth of artistry at Berklee as well as Epic’s commitment to talent and excellence in popular music. This marks the first commercial recording to be jointly released by a major record company and a college label.
March
3LW – Platinum selling artists Adrienne, Kiely, and Naturi – collectively known as 3LW – are currently finishing recording and mixing their sophomore album, a distinctive blend of pop, r&b and hip-hop.
B2K – They’re already gracing the covers of teen pop magazines. The band’s debut album B2K is Hot! was produced by Jermaine Dupri, Aristopher, French, and Platinum Status.
Chill Out Compilation – 16-track ambient music collection features Dido, Maxwell, Moby, Sade, and Jill Scott. The compilation also includes underground favorites Craig Armstrong w/Elisabeth Fraser, Deep Forest, Massive Attack, among others.
Glenn Lewis – Glenn’s highly anticipated debut, World Outside My Window, already has a hit with his current single “Don’t You Forget It.”
MSM – Famed producer and composer Emilo Estefan Jr. (Gloria Estefan, Ricky Martin, Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez, Jon Secada, and Shakira) has reconceptualized the Miami Sound Machine by refreshing its sound and presentation to reflect the vibe of the 21st century – while adding new twists that are designed to break new musical ground – simply called MSM. This new trio Sohanny Gross, Lorena Pinot, and Carla Ramirez are bound to shake the world.
April
Highway 9 – Their self-titled debut by New Jersey Shore quintet mystically embrace the sumptuous harmonies and melodically-rich intelligence of the Eagles. Highway 9 was produced by Peter Collins (Indigo Girls, Shawn Mullins, Jewel), the band’s 5-song EP is out now.
My Vitriol – London based My Vitriol have already garnered extensive raves from the London music press. Their indie record, Finelines, was released on Infectious, in 1999. Often compared to the Foo Fighters, The Pixies, and Bob Mould. My Vitriol is fronted by Sri Lanka born Som Wardner, also includes Carolyn Bannister, Seth Taylor and Ravi Kesavaram. The band is currently re-mastering Finelines.
SPRING 2002
Anastacia – burst onto the music scene in 1999 with her debut album Not That Kind, and secured her place as an International superstar with worldwide sales exceeding 5 million copies. Add to that a long list of awards, including Best New International Artist at the 2001 World Music Awards and Best Pop Artist at the 2001 MTV Europe Music Awards. Her new album, Freak of Nature, has already been released overseas, where it is currently the #2 selling album in Europe. Look for a domestic release in the Spring of 2002.
Chevelle – Their first release for Squint (1999) was produced by fellow Chicagoan Steve Albini. The video for the track “Mia” was aired in rotation on MTV and M2 and was nominated in the Billboard Music Awards for “Best New Artist Clip of The Year” in both the Modern and Rock categories. Chevelle is Pete, Sam and Joe: three brothers from Chicago. Their new album was produced by GGGarth (Rage Against The Machine, Mudvayne, Kittie) and is currently being mixed by Andy Wallace. It will be released in Spring 2002.
Jennifer Lopez Remix Album – Following on the heels of her triple-platinum-plus album, J.Lo, Jennifer Lopez now brings you a Remix album that includes English and Spanish club mixes of her hits from both On The 6 and J.Lo. This album features the Jennifer Lopez/Ja Rule “I’m Real” remix.
Korn – Are in the studio with legendary producer, Michael Beinhorn (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Hole, Smashing Pumpkins) finishing their new album. A spring release is expected.
David Poe – David Poe’s sophomore release, The Late Album, was made before and after the turn of the century. The album was produced by Brad Jones with Steve Rosenthal, Dan Wise, and David Poe. Due Spring 2002.
LATE SPRING/SUMMER
Good Charlotte, Mudvayne, Oasis