TORONTO – As music lovers approach a new decade in this still-young century, a recording technology once considered old and obsolete — vinyl — has been making a strong comeback.
On this summer’s Warped Tour, Yellowcard guitarist Ben Harper and his label, Takeover Records, will be looking for a talented unsigned band to take under their wing. Not only will this band be guaranteed at least one spot opening for Yellowcard on their 2005 tour, but they’ll also score an album release from Takeover. Working in conjunction with PureVolume.com and AbsolutePunk.net, Takeover Records will be gathering demos for their nationwide “Sign My Band” contest at the tent they share with Yellowcard on the Warped Tour. “This contest is just a great way to directly connect with kids everywhere and show… Read more »
The unclassifiable rock band Coheed and Cambria has signed with Columbia Records, who, in conjunction with Equal Vision Records, will re-issue the group’s watershed album, In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3, on Tuesday, June 29. One of the biggest indie band breakout stories of the year, Coheed and Cambria, already legendary for delivering incandescent live performances, will be among the headliners on this year’s Vans Warped Tour. Coheed and Cambria is: Claudio Sanchez (lead vocals, guitar), Michael Todd (bass, backing vocals), Travis Stever (lead guitar, backing vocals), Josh Eppard (drums, backing vocals). Officially christened Coheed and Cambria in 2001,… Read more »
From Trustkill Record’s Website: It is official, the band that surely needs no introduction… TERROR has joined the Trustkill Family. We couldn’t be more stoked to have these guys on the label, as they are one of the hardest working hardcore bands ever. Their new album “One With The Underdogs” will be out in August and contains 14 of the most powerful, raw, and energetic Terror songs yet. Their good friends Freddy Madball, Jamey Hatebreed, and Lord Ezac even helped out with some guest vocals. Make sure to catch the band on the ‘Made Tour’ starting May 11 with Stretch… Read more »
The Island Def Jam Music Group has signed multi-platinum recording artist, Everlast, it was announced today. Everlast is currently in the studio working on his third studio album (Title: TBD) tentatively set for an early 2004 release. The album, which is being recorded in L.A. and NYC, features Everlast co-executive producing with longtime friend and collaborator Dante Ross. “I am excited to be part of the Island Def Jam family,” says Everlast. “I look forward to a long lasting relationship with Island Def Jam that will result in much success over the years to come.” “Everlast is an incredible artist… Read more »
The Island Def Jam Music Group (IDJ) continues to make history this week with the highest debut of a first-time female artist as Ashanti sells 502,524 copies of her self-titled debut album to be the #1 sellingalbum in the country, on both the Top 200 and R&B charts, while her single, “Foolish,” tops the nation’s Hot 100 Singles and R&B Singles & Tracks charts. Moreover, The Island Def Jam Group scored four records in the Top 10, achieving one of the biggest market shares of current new albums by any record label so far with 14.3% for the week ending… Read more »
Jim Caparro, the man who helped build the Island Def Jam Music Group into the third-biggest record label in the U.S. through aggressive consolidation and savvy A&R, has decided to resign as chairman of the Universal Music division after three years on the job. Caparro, whose duties will be taken up by his longtime colleague, IDJ president Lyor Cohen, said the timing was perfect for his departure, with the label group at its peak performance and a strong cadre of execs to take up the reins. “People in this position normally leave because they get fired,” Caparro told Daily Variety.… Read more »
Spring Aspers has been named vice president of soundtracks and supervision for the Island Def Jam Music Group. This newly created position is intended to enhance Island Def Jam’s soundtrack activities after the establishment of Universal’s Film Music Division under Kathy Nelson. That Division created new opportunities for all of Universal Music Group’s record labels by Universal Music and Universal Pictures soundtrack album activities. Based in Los Angeles, Aspers’ responsibilities will encompass A&R for all Island Def Jam soundtrack albums, in addition to increasing the awareness of the label’s artists and its music catalog to the film and television communities.… Read more »
Island Def Jam/Def Soul yesterday announced four new executive appointments. Carol Corless has been named Senior Director of Production; Chonita L. Floyd named Senior Director of International Marketing; Karen Wiessen has been named Senior Director of Media & Artist Relations; and Daniel Kruchkow has been named Manager, Online Grassroots Marketing for Def Jam/Def Soul Records. All four new executives will be based in New York. Corless’ main focus will be to oversee the scheduling and production of commercial and promotional releases for Island Def Jam, and will involve interaction with the creative, distribution, promotion, sales, and A&R departments. Previously, Corless… Read more »
Less than one month after being released from prison, Keith Murray, pioneering rapper and one of the most recognizable stars of hip-hop, has entered into an exclusive recording deal with Def Jam Records. This announcement was made by Lyor Cohen, President of Island Def Jam Music Group and co-founder of Def Jam Records. A Long Island, New York native, Keith Murray quickly rose to prominence in 1994 with the release of his debut single, “The Most Beautifullest Thing in This World,” which shot directly to the top of the charts. In 1995, he released his first album, titled after his… Read more »
