The Buzz On: Lori Lieberman

The Band: Lori Lieberman

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Genre: Pop, Folk

About Lori Lieberman:

Best known for the inspiration behind the hit song, “Killing Me Softly”, Lori Lieberman has just released her newest CD, “Gun Metal Sky” which marks her thirteenth recording.

You see it in the distance
It was always in your mind
And it beckons like a beacon
Through the bitter taste of night
And you want to travel to it
But the madness keeps you blind
He says he needs you…

Lori Lieberman has remained in the spotlight since the early seventies, quietly gleaning the respect of an industry and a devoted base of fans. As the one responsible for such hits as “Killing Me Softly With His Song” she consistently recorded album after album for Capitol Records, RCA, EMI, Pope Music, and currently, Drive On Records.

Throughout the years of ever-changing styles and fads, one thing has remained constant in Lieberman’s music– her honest and heartfelt lyrics, coupled with her haunting, and beautiful melodies, always cutting right through to the heart of the listener.
Born in California, but raised in Switzerland, Lieberman felt the isolation and loneliness of growing up a foreigner early on, and as a young girl, turned to her writing as a form of connection, expressing her feelings in journals and in songs. One of three sisters, and the daughter of a chemical engineer and a homemaker, Lori Lieberman’s earliest influences came through her older sister, Susan, who, from her college in Maine, sent Lieberman her greatest and most life-changing gift of all, then current music from the states: Joni Mitchell, Judy Collins, Leonard Cohen, Jefferson Airplane and Tom Rush. Their music and sensibilities inspired her writing even more.

Landing her first record deal with Capitol Records, amongst the collection of songs was a simple folk song, detailing Lieberman’s experience of sitting in the back of a nightclub, transfixed by the musician onstage who seemed to sing right through her. The album, simply titled, “Lori Lieberman”, garnered both critical and audience appeal, and as it crept up the charts, it was Roberta Flack who heard Lieberman’s version featured on an American Airlines music channel, immediately contacted her producer, Joel Dorn, and recorded the now classic, Grammy award winning song,”Killing Me Softly”.

Lori Lieberman went on to record four more albums (”Becoming”, “A Piece Of Time”, “Straw Colored Girl”, and “The Best Of Lori Lieberman”), touring extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe. It was, however, a little known New York based record label, Millennium,where Lieberman was most encouraged to step away from the mainstream. Under Jimmy Ienner’s guidance, she wrote one of her most candid collections of songs, entitled, “Letting Go”.

As the styles of the music industry changed from James Taylor to disco, Lieberman retreated from the spotlight, becoming the mother of three children, and living a settled country existence in the hills of California. For many years, her music took a back seat to her busy day to day life, and it wasn’t to come forward again, until producer Joseph Cali coaxed a reluctant Lieberman out of the shadows, and got her singing again. In the time spent away from the music business, Cali was surprised to see that she had continued writing, consistently putting her thoughts and music hidden in her treasure trove. Together they released her first of three CDs on the Pope Music label.

“A Thousand Dreams”, marked Lieberman’s return to the music industry. A two mic live recording, engineered by Mark Levinson of Red Rose Music, captured her performance which was nominated for The Golden Note Award for the best original recording of the year. The featured performances by Amanda McBroom, Paulinho da Costa, Chuck Delmonico, The Gay Men’s Chorus Of Los Angeles, and Dean Parks, to name a few, further enhanced an intricate musical experience. Followed by two more CDs on the Pope Music Label, (”Home Of Whispers”, and “Gone Is The Girl”), Lieberman established herself amongst a devoted following in the Audiofile community, and re-united herself with her large fan base once again.

Lieberman returned to performing, playing to sold out crowds with “An Evening With Lori Lieberman”, at Pepperdine’s Smothers Theatre, playing to sold out crowds. She was the featured artist on WFMT’s Midnight Special with Rich Warren in Chicago, a staple of John Platt’s WFUV playlist, and a favorite of recording artist Christine Lavin, who rated Lieberman’s two CDs, “A Thousand Dreams” and “Home Of Whispers” among her top ten recommended favorites.

“Monterey”, her first release for Drive On Records,holds particular importance for Lieberman, the artist, whose compositions and arrangements embrace Lieberman’s signature subtle, beautiful vocals. With co-producer Joseph Cali, and featuring the talents of such superior musicians as Greg Liesz, John Leftwich, Stefanie Fife and Timothy Drury, “Monterey” is another exquisite work from one of our most enduring talents.

Lori Lieberman’s latest release, “Gun Metal Sky”, is the definitive Lori Lieberman recording. Four years in the making, this CD reflects Lieberman’s growth as a vocalist, writer, producer and arranger. With eight songs penned by Lieberman, it also includes four songs by some of our most beloved songwriters and interpreted by her unique sensitivity and style.

Comparisons: Tori Amos, Joni Mitchell

Influences: Nick Drake, Joni Mitchell, Shawn Colvin, Sheryl Crow

Website: http://www.lorilieberman.com

MP3′S

Lori Lieberman - Killing Me Softly -Lori Lieberman - Killing Me Softly

Lori Lieberman - He Needs You (Speaks to the events around Chris Brown and Rihanna) -Lori Lieberman - He Needs You

Lori Lieberman - New York Mining Disaster -Lori Lieberman - New York Mining Disaster

Lori Lieberman - Gun Metal Sky -Lori Lieberman - Gun Metal Sky

Lori Lieberman - Bus Stop -Lori Lieberman - Bus Stop

Quotes:

“Lori Lieberman possesses one of the most attractive and unusual voices in music” New York Times

“In a world of burlap, Lieberman is pure silk” Rich Warren, Midnight Special, WFMT Radio, Sing Out Magazine

“Chilling. Pure sound wrapped around pure music” Hi Fi News

Lieberman’s songs are miniatures — portraits of love gained and lost. But if they’re drawn from her life, they don’t seem autobiographical. They’re less about what’s seen than what’s felt. They shine a little light on lives that never make the headlines. And about ideas that are very familiar and rarely celebrated… Jesse Kornbluth, of Headbutler.com

…a CD that sounds in part like a Joni Mitchell or Laura Nyro masterpiece…. Jesse Kornbluth, of Headbutler.com

According to the Gospel of the Internet, a CD like this just might get Lori Lieberman …discovered for the simplest of reasons: authenticity Jesse Kornbluth, of Headbutler.com

“Album Of The Month” - While her own works are achingly beautiful, the title track alone being a breathy Nyro-esque treasure worth the price of admission, it’s a brace of British covers that makes this set so dazzling. Hi Fi News

Videos:

Another Galaxy (Live) - Lori Lieberman

New York Mining Disaster (Live) - Lori Lieberman

Album - Lori Lieberman - Love Changes Thing

Film Producer Brandon Yankowitz Throws Party for ‘Trophy Kids’ Stars

Film Producer Brandon Yankowitz Throws Party for ‘Trophy Kids’ Stars

The “Trophy Kids” of Generation Y Prove They Know How to Party!

New York, NY (Billboard Publicity Wire) July 3, 2009 — After several weeks of filming all over New York City, the talented cast of “Trophy Kids” is heading to NYC hotspot Kiss ‘n’ Fly at 8 pm on July 2, 2009 to celebrate their hard work with an official film wrap party! The venue is fitting, as several scenes were actually filmed at the amazing Kiss ‘n’ Fly location. Guests will include cast members Ryan Eggold (90210), David Gallagher (7th Heaven), Tahyna Tozzi (X-Men Origins: Wolverine), Nathan Lee Graham (Zoolander), David Thornton (The Notebook) and Tibor Feldman (The Devil Wears Prada), along with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Jessica Hart, who has a small cameo in the film.

“Trophy Kids” is the first feature film from YaSu Media, including Josh Sugarman (writer/director), Brandon Yankowitz (writer/producer), and Marc Elliot Littman (co-producer). A story about the members of over-indulged Generation Y, “Trophy Kids” is loosely based on the writers’ personal experiences. The film depicts a self-righteous twenty something named Max (Ryan Eggold) in his search for wealth and fame. He decides the best way to achieve this is by documenting his own fortunate life. Max enlists the help of Reid (David Gallagher) to ghost write the script, and two embark on a bumpy journey of self-discovery that includes falling for the same girl, Quinn (Tahnya Tozzi).

Filming of “Trophy Kids” took place all over New York, from Long Island to Brooklyn to the heart of Manhattan. The cast and crew tirelessly worked long hours and late nights, pouring their hearts into this special film. The admirable effort of everyone involved paid off, as the smooth production promises to result in an outstanding film.

The wrap party is the culmination of the creators’ long-awaited dream and the cast and crew members unrelenting hard work. Other Gen Y stars in attendance included: Alex Bodnar (Guitarist Scott Stapp Project), Lucky and JUS (Making the Band/JUS Evolution), Corey Golden (Pop Star), Philly Chase (Steppin) , HOM (Skateboarder), Lacie Mangini (Model), Orlando Strozier (Actor), Rock Band Always Searching, Kumikazi (UK Rocker), and Ashley Hollister (American Idol). It is a well-deserved celebration that is not to be missed!

(Grubman PR) (Stars Confidential) www.starsconfidential.com

Listen To The New Eye Alaska Album Exclusively On Absolute Punk!

Listen To The New Eye Alaska Album Exclusively On Absolute Punk!

Take a listen to Genesis Underground, the stunning new album by Orange County, CA’s Eye Alaska, streaming in full exclusively on Absolute Punk right now!

Genesis Underground is in stores on Tuesday July 7th, and to celebrate the band will be doing an AP Chat on Monday July 6th from 7pm ET/4pm PT, so be sure to tune in. Eye Alaska is currently touring the U.S. with The Cab, get the full dates here.

Alesana Announce Fall U.S. Headlining Tour

Alesana Announce Fall U.S. Headlining Tour

Raleigh, NC’s Alesana has just announced a U.S. headlining tour for Fall 2009, in support of current hit album Where Myth Fades To Legend. The tour, sponsored by Rockstar Energy Drink, will head across the States this September, with support from The Bled, Enter Shikari, Asking Alexandria, Broadway and Madina Lake on select dates.

Full dates are as below:

SEPTEMBER
4 - Rockettown, Nashville, TN
5 - New Daisy Theatre, Memphis, TN
6 - The Marquee, Tulsa, OK
7 - Blue Note, Columbia, MO
8 - The Waiting Room, Omaha, NE
9 - Peoples, Des Moines, IA
10 - Nuttys, Sioux Falls, SD
11 - Aquarium, Fargo, ND
12 - Rave, Milwaukee, WI
13 - Jaguar Club, Lemont, IL
14 - The Intersection, Grand Rapids, MI
15 - Emerson Theatre, Indianapolis, IN
16 - Headliners, Louisville, KY
17 - The Attic, Kettering. OH
18 - Headliners, Louisville, KY
19 - Forward Hall, Erie, PA
20 - Eldolyn Terrace, Altoona, PA
21 - Lost Horizon, Syracuse, NY
22 - Higher Ground, Winooski, VT
23 - The Chance, Poughkeepsie, NY
24 - School Of Rock, Hackensack, NJ*
25 - Webster Theatre, Hartford, CT*
26 - Crocodile Club, Allentown, PA*
27 - Chameleon Club, Lancaster, PA*
28 - Hangar 84, Vineland, NJ*
29 - Greene Street Club, Greensboro, NC*
30 - The Soapbox, Wilmington, NC*
Madina Lake will replace Enter Shikari on * dates

Tickets are available on fanclub presale from this Monday July 6 at www.alesanaofficial.com, with tickets on sale to the public from Saturday July 11th at 10am.

Alesana will be heading into Interlace Studios in Portland, OR next week with producer Kris Crummet (Dance Gavin Dance, Drop Dead Gorgeous, Emarosa) to begin recording their as-yet-untitled new album, set for release in January 2010.

Fearless Records Kicks off Summer and Launches Free Downloadable Sampler

Fearless Records Kicks off Summer and Launches Free Downloadable Sample

Looking for the soundtrack to your summer? We have it! Fearless Records’ FREE Summer Sampler 2009 features seven tracks from our hot new releases.

Head over to Fearless Records’ revamped MySpace page to download your free sampler now, and get an exclusive first listen to Breathe Carolina’s pumping new track “Welcome To Savannah” taken from upcoming album Hello Fascination which hits stores on August 18th, 2009. The sampler also features brand new tracks from the upcoming releases by The Word Alive (Empire EP in stores July 21st), Let’s Get It (Digital Spaces EP in stores August 4th) and Eye Alaska (new album Genesis Underground in stores July 7th). Plus, check out the sizzling new singles from Sparks The Rescue, Artist Vs Poet and A Skylit Drive - the full tracklisting is as below:

1. Sparks The Rescue - “Autumn”
2. Breathe Carolina - “Welcome To Savannah”  (previously unreleased)
3. The Word Alive - “Quit While You’re Ahead”  (previously unreleased)
4. Artist Vs Poet - “Assurance Closure”
5. Eye Alaska - “Walk Like A Gentleman”
6. A Skylit Drive - “Those Cannons Could Sink A Ship”
7. Let’s Get It - “Do Not Disturb”  (previously unreleased)

You can catch The Maine, A Skylit Drive and Breathe Carolina in a town near you this summer on Vans Warped Tour! The bands have already been killing on the tour since its kickoff this Friday in Pomona, CA - check out this photo from Breathe Carolina’s set HERE. And don’t forget to keep checking myspace.com/fearlessrecords for exclusive news, contests, interviews and video reports from Warped Tour all summer long.

Trail of Dead Headline McCarren Pool Party, Play All Points West and Austin City Limits and Headline US Tour!!!

Trail of Dead Headline McCarren Pool Party, Play All Points West and Austin City Limits and Headline US Tour!!!

And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead Headline North American Tour;

Kicks Off July 26th at Jelly NYC’s Summer Pool Party Series in Brooklyn, NY and Features Performances at
All Points West and Austin City Limits

New York, NY – …And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead announce a headlining North American tour kicking off July 26th at Jelly NYC’s Summer Pool Party Series in Brooklyn, NY at the newly located 5,000 capacity Williamsburg Waterfront music venue. The tour also features performances at two major US music festivals: All Points West on August 1st and Austin City Limits on October 3rd. This announcement comes on the heels of the bands’ triumphant return from their wildly successful tour through Europe, Asia and Australia supporting the release of their new album The Century of Self, out now on Richter Scale/Justice Records.

The critically acclaimed album The Century of Self was released in February of 2009 on the band’s imprint Richter Scale Records and quickly became what many in the press have praised as the band’s return to form. SPIN awarded the album with a four star review, The New Yorker raved “…ferocious…a new brand of progressive rock infused with anarchic execution…” and Billboard proclaimed Trail of Dead “…has once again found its footing.” Following the album’s release, the band unleashed the music live on a coast to coast tour and The Washington Post described their set as “…glistening guitar arpeggios, epic dynamic shifts and yearning upward vocals.” The band wowed the masses each night of the tour which came to a close at the annual SXSW Music Festival in their hometown of Austin, TX. Trail of Dead ruled the week, playing show after show to rooms of packed fans and ended the festival headlining the SPIN Magazine Party in true …Trail of Dead raucous fashion with a set which many are still talking about today.

Don’t miss …Trail of Dead when they play in a city near you. For the most up to date info and to learn about newly added shows, head over to http://www.myspace.com/trailofdead or www.trailofdead.org.

Confirmed US Tour Dates:

July     26th        McCarren Pool Party                           Brooklyn, NY
27th        Daniel Street                                          Milford, CT
29th        Ottobar                                                  Baltimore, MD
30th        Chameleon                                             Lancaster, PA
31st        Jerky’s Live Music Hall                         Providence, RI
Aug     1st          All Points West                                        New York City, NY
Oct      3rd         Austin City Limits                                   Austin, TX
And more to come…

The Buzz On: Ju-Taun

The Band: Ju-Taun

Location: Southern New Jersey

Genre: Pop, R&B, Soul

About Ju-Taun:

Ju-Taun ( Pronounced zha –táwn)

Pronounced zha –tawn, their name derives from each member’s name: Jake and James (J-Nyce) Evans, Peter (NVS) Garcia, and Samoeun Cheng. Inspired by the black velveteen voice of Marvin Gaye and the Motown sound of Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson, the young members of Ju-Taun began performing in local venues and on their high school stage while still teens. “We would be performing for the same people at night that were teaching us during the day. We were singing grown folk’s music when we were still kids,” reminisces J-Nyce.

Beginning in 2000, with four young friends from South Jersey, Ju-Taun is making an everlasting mark on the music scene. Most notable for their exuberant, richly orchestrated, fusion of vintage soul and rhythm and blues, their upcoming album “Love Changes Things,” exemplifies how they’ve mastered this authentic style that cannot be duplicated. Anyone familiar with the rhythmic repertoire of Ju-Taun, including classic tracks like “Let Me In”, “Beautiful”, their remake of Enchantment’s “Sunshine” and now “Go Slow”, brand these artists as true R&B royalty.

After a seemingly unending round of tours and promotional appearances with the Pantene Total You, Crest Latin and Ebony Family Reunion tours in 2006, Ju-Taun has racked up a resume of performances with music’s legendary and top artists. Possessing a repertoire of lyrical and musical talent far beyond their years, Ju-Taun has toured with the likes of noteworthy musical icons. Opening for legendary bands such as Bloodstone, Enchantment, Instant Funk, Rose Royce, SOS Band, and the world renowned Temptations, are such examples. Ju-Taun has also performed live along with Ashanti, Avant, Jagged Edge, Mary Mary, 112, Tyrese and fellow New Jersey native, Jaheim. The hip-hop community has also extended their listening ears to Ju-Taun when they witnessed the group grace the same stages as the infamous LL Cool J, Ruff Endz and Roc-A-Fella’s own, Young Gunz.

These are artists who know and love the history of R&B music, of which they have been a part. On the ultra-romantic and gentle “Go Slow,” they sing, “Can we go slow baby/Cause I love you so much/and I don’t want to rush… a good thing.” With this enchanting song as the lead single on the exclusively written and produced album “Love Changes Things”, the promise to convey what true R&B fans have been yearning for will surely be fulfilled. “This is what you call real music to soothe the soul”, says one fan. “Real music with that real R&B sound, the future of r & b…” as put by another.

In the liner notes for “Love Changes Things,” the members of Ju-Taun thank God, each believing “He always has a plan for us and we trust in it.” It’s this sense of hope and strength, which gives the album its core. Set for release in November 2007, “Love Changes Things” is a new beginning on a new level, a new step for deeply talented musicians who will certainly be on the International radio waves for many years to come.

As best put by one reveler, “Not your average boy band! I’ve been waiting so long for something like this 2 come around. This song gives me hope that music is not dead”.

Comparisons: Maxwell, Shai, John Mayer, Usher

Influences: 112, Peter Gabriel, Sade, Boyz II Men, Marvin Gaye

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jutaun

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ju-Taun/62015582845

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jutaun

MP3′S

Ju-Taun - Get @ Me -Ju-Taun - Get @ Me

Ju-Taun - Let Me In -Ju-Taun - Let Me In

Ju-Taun - Is It Love -Ju-Taun - Is It Love

Ju-Taun - Go Slow -Ju-Taun - Go Slow

Ju-Taun - Es Amor -Ju-Taun - Es Amor

Quotes:

The thing I love about this group is the make-up, so diverse, reminds me of the Black Eyed Peas…You got an old school vibe with a 2008 flare. Taboo (Black Eyed Peas)

Yall come off so strong, the vocals and harmonies blend together so well…I can see girls everywhere buying your music. Michelle Williams (Destiny’s Child)

Ju-taun is the perfect example of a self-made indie artist. Rainsong Artist Development

Videos:

Album Image- Ju-Taun - Love Changes Thing

Official Album Art & Track Listing: David Guetta - One Love

Official Album Art & Track Listing: David Guetta - One Love

“One Love” the fourth studio album by French DJ David Guetta, scheduled for release on August 24th. Solely produced by David himself, it features guest appearances from Kelly Rowland, Wynter Gordon, Estelle, Black Eyed Peas and Akon amongst others. Here’s the official album art and track listing for the project…

David Guetta - One Love

1. When Love Takes Over (feat. Kelly Rowland)
2. Gettin’ Over (feat. Chris Willis)
3. Memory (feat. Black Eyed Peas)
4. Missing You Anymore (feat. Novel)
5. Sexy Bitch (feat. Akon)
6. One Love (feat. Estelle)
7. On The Dancefloor (feat. Will.I.Am & APL)
8. It’s The Way You Love Me (feat. Kelly Rowland)
9. Sound of Letting Go (feat. Chris Willis)
10. I Wanna Be Crazy (feat. Will.I.Am)
11. Toy Friend (feat. Wynter Gordon)
12. If We Ever

SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT AND IODA PARTNER TO CREATE LEADING DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICES NETWORK FOR INDEPENDENT RIGHTS HOLDERS

SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT AND IODA PARTNER TO CREATE LEADING DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICES NETWORK FOR INDEPENDENT RIGHTS HOLDERS

Partnership to Leverage Combined Global Online Retail Distribution Network And Complementary Technologies

New York, New York — July 1, 2009 — Sony Music Entertainment (SME) today announced that it has entered into a global partnership with IODA to create a new leading distribution and services network for independent rights holders. As part of the partnership, Sony Music has made a strategic investment in IODA, a leader in digital distribution, marketing, and technology solutions for the independent music industry. Additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.

This agreement underscores Sony Music’s commitment to expanding its service capabilities to the independent label community. With its independent distribution subsidiary RED, Sony Music currently provides award winning sales and marketing services to independent labels and artists. IODA now brings its proven digital distribution platform for the independent sector into the Sony Music network. With distinct areas of expertise and market focus, RED and IODA will build on their complementary technologies and increase the scope of sales and promotional opportunities that each currently offers its existing and growing customer base worldwide. Both companies will also leverage the global marketing and financial strength of Sony Music to continue expanding their businesses and providing best in class service.

“Sony Music is committed to offering independent labels and distributors the most compelling package of distribution services in the industry,” said Thomas Hesse, President, Global Digital Business, U.S. Sales and Corporate Strategy, Sony Music Entertainment. “IODA has proven it has the expertise and ability to lead the independent market with groundbreaking digital solutions. We look forward to collaborating with Kevin and his team on this strategic partnership to develop new and innovative ways to help our respective clients grow their businesses.”

In just six years, IODA has emerged as a leader in digital distribution for the independent music and video community. With a catalog of almost two million tracks from thousands of labels from over 50 countries, IODA represents a diverse catalog of music spanning all styles, including rock, electronic, hip-hop, metal, punk, indie, world, latin, jazz and classical. IODA’s robust systems for managing the technical complexities of digital distribution and marketing continue to set the standard for the way independent rights holders do business in the digital age.

“Sony really impressed us with their respect for, and understanding of the needs of the independent community,” said Kevin Arnold, Founder and CEO of IODA. “We remain, as we always have, fully dedicated to helping independent content owners succeed in the digital world. This alliance will greatly enhance IODA’s ability to continue delivering effective solutions for Independents.”

About IODA

IODA, the Independent Online Distribution Alliance, is the industry-leading digital distribution company for the global independent music community. IODA provides comprehensive services to record labels, physical distributors, and artists, including license negotiations; media encoding and metadata management; and royalty payment administration and reporting. The company also offers promotional support through a dedicated marketing division and through IODA Promonet (www.iodapromonet.com). A promotional distribution network, IODA Promonet provides qualified podcasts, blogs, and other music sites with access to pre-cleared, legal music and other promotional assets from IODA’s labels. Founded in 2003, IODA represents a rapidly expanding roster of nearly two million tracks that is licensed to more than 400 digital storefronts worldwide. IODA also distributes independent film and video content for over 2000 titles. IODA’s retail partner network includes all major digital music services like iTunes®, Amazon MP3 and MySpace Music and mobile carriers and outlets such as Verizon Wireless, Sprint and Nokia. The company’s website is www.iodalliance.com.

About Sony Music Entertainment

Sony Music Entertainment is a global recorded music company with a roster of current artists that includes a broad array of both local artists and international superstars. The company boasts a vast catalog that comprises some of the most important recordings in history. It is home to premier record labels representing music from every genre, including American Recordings, Arista Nashville, Arista Records, Aware, Battery Records, Beach Street Records, Black Seal, BNA Records, Cinematic, Columbia Nashville, Columbia Records, Epic Records, Essential Records, Flicker Records, Fo-Yo Soul, GospoCentric, Hitz Committee Entertainment, J Records, Jive Records, LaFace Records, Legacy Recordings, Masterworks, Polo Grounds, RCA Records, RCA Nashville, RCA Red Seal, RCA Victor, Reunion Records, Slightly Dangerous, Sony Classical, Sony Music Latin, Star Time International, Verity Records, and Volcano Entertainment. Sony Music Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America. For more information, visit www.sonymusic.com

Former Three 6 Mafia Member Mr. Del Releases THRILLA

Former Three 6 Mafia Member Mr. Del Releases THRILLA

Mr. Del, former member of the multi-platinum, hardcore rap group Three 6 Mafia, released his third solo album, THRILLA, on June 30th. The highly anticipated project is the first release through Holy South’s new major distribution partnership with Universal Music Christian Group.

Nashville, Tennessee (Billboard Publicity Wire) July 1, 2009 — Mr. Del, former member of the multi-platinum, hardcore rap group Three 6 Mafia, released his third solo album, THRILLA, on June 30th. The highly anticipated project is the first release through Holy South’s new major distribution partnership with Universal Music Christian Group.

The Memphis-based rapper is widely recognized as an innovator in the genre, both as an artist and a producer. Mr. Del’s first solo effort, 2005’s The Future (EMI Gospel), debuted at #15 on Billboard’s Gospel Chart. In 2007, he followed it up with the equally successful Hope Dealer (Holy South), which featured a collaboration with jazz master Kirk Whalum.

In addition to his solo work, Mr. Del put together 2008’s Gumbo Red, an extraordinary collaboration with Canton Jones, Lisa McClendon and newcomer Ramona Jones. He has also worked with multi-platinum artist Salt of Salt-n-Pepa and Dove Award-winning Christian pop group Out of Eden.

THRILLA is Mr. Del’s most musically diverse project to date. The project includes a collaboration with rap mate Mali Music on the reggae-infused “Spread the Gospel,” as well as the high energy “Rock it Out,” which features performances by IroCc and Canton Jones.

Mr. Del opens his personal journals on songs like “Don’t Do It” and “My Life Rated ‘R’ (Real),” using his lyrics to tell of life growing up with an abusive stepfather, life in the streets and living with a wounded soul.

“Life motivates and inspires me to write,” says Mr. Del. “My lyrics aren’t just for entertaining, but for piercing the heart of the listener and igniting life-changing actions.”

With THRILLA, Mr. Del hopes to cross borders and break down barriers that still exist within the Christian community.

“I want this industry to not be so segregated,” he stresses. “What we see is that Christian represents Caucasian, and Gospel represents African-American. This isn’t a true representation of the Kingdom.”

The Christian Hip Hop genre is still viewed with skepticism by many in the church, which can affect the promotion and visibility of the genre.

“The biggest misconception is that what we do is not of God,” states Mr. Del. “But I don’t let those small hurdles limit my ministry and mission. I am not bound to the Christian and Gospel box. My orders are from God himself. With Him there is no limit. I didn’t come here to lose.”

Press Release taken with permission from Billboard Publ

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