Archives for 1996

Wilton, CT. With prominent artists like David Bowie and Madonna releasing major recordings on the web, and all the talk of the Internet revolutionizing music distribution, how long could it be before an Internet-only “record” label appeared?

Half seriously calling itself “the next big thing in music,” J-Bird Records is set to open its web outlet officially on November 1. J-Bird was founded by Jay Barbieri, a former executive of EMI Records. The label plans to sign all-comers to non-exclusive deals, and market them entirely through the Internet.

“Over the past two months we have been inundated with materials from bands looking for record deals,” says Barbieri. “Unlike a conventional record label, our vision is to sign any artist and to make them available to a global audience. I guess you could say we are the people’s choice label.”

When J-Bird goes online Nov.1, it will offer 45 newly-signed artists. Each will be featured with an individual web page that will include both RealAudio and Shockwave listening stations, artist biographies, lyrics, tour schedules and chat rooms. J-Bird’s intention is to expose bands to major labels by developing their fanbase and giving them increased bargaining power with the majors.

“We can’t wait to put a banner across the page that says one of J-Bird’s artists has been signed to a major label,” says Barbieri.

The initial artist roster includes Jumani, a hip hop/R&B artist from New Jersey; Bonnie Lee Sanders, an adult contemporary artist; The Living Daylights, a New York power pop band; The Reputations, a rock blues band; and The Water Street Blues Band, who have performed with the likes of Buckwheat Zydeco, Umbrella Heaven and Featherheads. J-Bird will handle the sale of product, as well as manufacturing and distribution of its artists, in house.

J-Bird has a current staff of 18, including A&R representatives in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Atlanta and London. They intend to seek out young talent from all over the world, aiming to market their music to consumers in the 15-24 year old bracket.

“We want to grow up with college students, the ones who currently have the greatest access to the Internet,” explains Barbieri. “Keep in mind that as the retail industry shrinks, record stores close, and as managing time becomes more of a priority for record buyers, the web will become the easiest means of purchasing a product.”

To create its web site, J-Bird is working with San Francisco-based Global Interactive (GI). GI is a multimedia and website developer with a strong base in commercial radio station projects, including work with KISS-FM and KNX in Los Angeles, and KSAN and KITS in the San Francisco Bay area. J-Bird also plans the launch of J-Bird Radio, a 24-hr radio station that will be exclusive to its artists with live RealAudio and Shockwave performances, chats, and interviews.

Editor’s Note: Until the official opening on Nov.1, the J-Bird Store online is giving away free CD’s to visitors (while the supply lasts).

Calgary, Canada. QSound Labs has appointed Joan Vogelesang as Executive V-P, with a mandate to expand QSound’s penetration in the rapidly growing 3D audio marketplace. She will work from the company’s San Jose sales office.

“We are excited that Joan has chosen to lead QSound Labs’ sales team,” said David Gallagher, president and CEO of QSound Labs. “Her proven track record in introducing new products to the marketplace, and her outstanding ability to build relationships with potential customers, are strengths we welcome at QSound Labs.”

Since 1993, Ms. Vogelesang has been VP, Toronto Business Operations, for Hitachi Data Systems. She worked previously at IBM, Hewlett Packard and Philips Electronics, where she became VP, Worldwide OEM sales. At Philips, she was responsible for reducing the development cycle for computer products from 18 to six months, and she also moved the operation aggressively into OEM sales in North America and Europe.

“I believe QSound has the best suite of 3D audio solutions available,” said Ms. Vogelesang of her appointment. “I’m excited to be on the front lines with such an innovative, rapidly growing company. Thanks to QSound Labs extensive technology base, our sales team will continue to lead the way in introducing new products to the marketplace.”

Los Angeles, CA. Record producer Don Was and independent movie producer Lakeshore Entertainment have joined forces to buy Will Records, the Seattle-based independent record label.

Was and Lakeshore plan to use Will Records to supply cutting edge soundtracks for Lakeshore’s film and television projects. At the same time, they plan to build the label’s roster of artists, which currently includes “grandaddy,” whose debut album is due in early ’97; Katies Dimples, a new act already involved with Was as producer; Lucky Me; Hitting Birth; and Sage.

Will Records was founded in 1993 by Skip Williamson. It began as a basement operation, in support of Williamson’s brother’s band, Sage. From there, Williamson branched out and began to sign and record new acts. Will Records became the first non-partner affiliate label distributed by Alternative Distribution Alliance.

Don Was is one of the most successful record producers in the music industry, winner of the Grammy Award for Producer of the Year in 1995. He has worked with the Rolling Stones (“Voodoo Lounge”), Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan and Elton John. He recently signed a multi-year directing and producing deal with Lakeshore Entertainment.

Don Was on the deal: “Skip Williamson has put together an incredible roster of new talent that’s going to accomplish great things. I find it genuinely exciting to be involved in this venture, because I know it’s just a matter of time before Will Records reaches a new plateau. It’s a good feeling to know that I’ll be there when it does.”

Seattle, WA. AEI Music Network has announced a major management reorganization in response to the business music production company’s rapid international expansion.

Michael Malone, AEI Music’s Chairman and CEO, announced the changes yesterday, centred on the appointment of Barry Knittel to the new position of President and COO. “This decision comes after much planning and thought,” commented Malone. “Our steady and continued growth has made this position necessary for some time, and Barry unquestionably has the ability to meet the challenge.”

Knittel joined AEI Music in 1995, most recently serving as Senior V-P of Music and Customer Relations. Before joining AEI, he was Director of Licensing for ASCAP, where he negotiated music licensing and employed music as a marketing tool on a worldwide basis. In his new role, Knittel is responsible for managing all day to day operations of the domestic U.S. corporation.

Malone also announced a number of related moves and new appointments:

Sean Gleason becomes V-P of Marketing and Product Development. He will oversee all aspects of AEI’s corporate and product marketing, including internal and external communications, public and media relations, market research, product and channel marketing and creative services. Gleason comes to AEI Music from Miramar Images, where he was Executive V-P and General Manager, and supervised the release of several Grammy-nominated recordings.

Tim Seaton has been appointed AEI Music’s new V-P of Sales. In this capacity, Seaton is responsible for all sales divisions including national music, national systems, regional and affiliate sales. He was previously AEI’s Director of National Sales.

Don Schlosser has been promoted from Director of Corporate Development to V-P of International Operations and Corporate Development. His new position involves responsibility for the company’s operations in Asia and Latin America. He will continue to direct corporate mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and alliances.

And Mike Matysik has been named AEI’s V-P and CFO. Matysik directs all aspects of AEI Music’s finances on a worldwide basis.

AEI Music is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The company’s music programming is heard by millions of people worldwide every day in businesses, fashion retail, specialty retail, restaurants, hotels and airlines. AEI pioneered the use of original-artist recordings in business music.