Search Results for: rise records

SANTA MONICA, Calif. – The evolution of digital downloads marks another milestone on November 23, 2004, with the debut of UMe Digital, the world’s first all-digital download label from a major music company. UMe Digital product – individual songs, EPs, and full-length albums – will be distributed exclusively online. With its unparalleled music and video marketing capabilities and the power and scope of UMe to place songs in films and TV shows and commercials, UMe Digital offers unprecedented access and exposure for artists. The releases on UMe Digital will be consistent with UMe’s philosophy of marketing established acts and acts… Read more »

New York – Jerry Wexler is the classic record business guy. For more than three decades, Wexler, as co-owner of Atlantic Records and later senior VP at Warner Bros. Records, signed and worked with scores of vocalists and instrumentalists, and produced some of the greatest rock and soul records ever made. Now 86 and long retired, Wexler is still applauded as an insightful producer, crafty deal-maker and promoter, divining rod of hit songs and occasional writer of songs and liner notes. “He is one of my greatest heroes,” Sire Records founder Seymour Stein says. “Jerry is a consummate record man… Read more »

Los Angeles – A judge ruled Wednesday that transcripts of grand jury hearings in the Phil Spector murder case should be made public, brushing aside vehement arguments by the defense that the documents are “full of lies.” Judge Larry Paul Fidler said lawyers for the rock music producer failed to show how releasing the documents would prevent a fair jury from being chosen for the trial. The judge gave the defense 10 days to decide if they want to appeal. The documents would then be released if no appeal is filed. Spector, 64, who created rock ‘n’ roll’s “wall of… Read more »

BURBANK, Calif. – Walt Disney Records honors one of the most celebrated and successful soundtracks of all time with the 40th anniversary release of the Mary Poppins 2-Disc Special Edition Soundtrack on November 16, 2004. The Mary Poppins collection features over 2 1/2 hours of content, including 13 never-before-released tracks, bonus interviews and commentary, a collectible 40-page booklet and a link to a sneak peek into the making of the new Mary Poppins stage musical. This must-have CD set compliments the fully restored and remastered Mary Poppins 40th Anniversary Edition DVD, available just in time for the holiday season on… Read more »

New York – Multi-platinum, Grammy nominated 3 Doors Down will host a dinner and auction for their new charity- The Better Life Foundation (TBLF). The event takes place Saturday, December 18th at the Grand Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi and along with 3 Doors Down, will feature performances by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Tracy Lawrence, Shinedown and a few surprise guests.. Floor seats and tables have been selling fast at $100 per person and include dinner, drinks, and the concert. Balcony seats for the concert only are $50 and can be purchased through ticket master or the Grand Casino. Booths for VIP sponsors… Read more »

Bill Frohlich and Jordan Katz have been named co-presidents of Sony BMG Sales Enterprise, the new entity comprising the distribution operations of Sony Music Distribution (including its independent arm RED Distribution) and BMG Distribution. Frohlich and Katz will be based in New York and report to Michael Smellie, chief operating officer at Sony BMG Music Entertainment. Frolich most recently was executive vp sales at Sony Music Distribution. Before that, he was senior vp sales at Sony’s Epic Records Group. The veteran executive joined the company, then known as CBS Records, in 1978. Katz was executive vp and general manager of… Read more »

Music visionary, Prince unveiled his next discovery in front of 20,000 fans on September 4th in Portland, Oregon – the hypnotic singer/songwriter Toby Lightman. The Lava Records recording artist was handpicked by the mysterious legend to open a select night on his national tour. Lightman comments on the experience: “When Prince asked me to open up for him, I felt like I was dreaming, and I still do! I cannot put into words how gratifying it is to know that the ultimate musician appreciates my music. Prince and his crew went out of their way to make sure we were… Read more »

The trophy is a silly Moonman. Treasured memories include girl-on-girl kisses, a flying Fartman and the bobbling of a pasty-covered breast. Where other shows confer honors and respect, this one relishes gaffes, guffaws and giggles. Forget “The envelope, please.” It’s time to push the envelope. MTV’s Video Music Awards is among the most irreverent of awards shows. Which may be precisely why it matters. “It’s pop music; how seriously can you take it?” said MTV news correspondent Kurt Loder. “It’s not Martin Heidegger or something. There’s a lot of empty pomp associated with other shows, like the Oscars and even… Read more »

JUST days after the European launch of Apple Computers’ online music store, a chorus of customers are voicing their complaints. The lack of songs from artists on independent record labels – which account for a quarter of the UK market – has left iTunes looking like a poorly-stocked American import store, lacking local talent such as Travis and Franz Ferdinand. “Most Scottish acts are on independent labels,” says Alison Wenham, chairman and chief executive of the Association of Independent Music (AIM), which represents the majority of the UK’s indie labels. “Celtic acts typically start off very strong in their home… Read more »

The Van Halen reunion is looking to be one of the biggest tours of the summer. It marks the first time in almost a decade that Eddie Van Halen, Alex Van Halen, Michael Anthony and Sammy Hagar have graced the same stage. “It just felt right,” drummer Alex Van Halen says. “Sammy and I got together, and it was like we hadn’t missed a beat. The moment we hit the studio and started making music, that was it. Making music is what is the center of this band – that and the friendship.” The tour, which kicks off Friday in… Read more »