Extensive Pact Launches Today With Mobile Fan Club Promotion And Exclusive Online Video Channel
CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & Entertainment 2008
September 10, 2008
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fans of Wu-Tang Clan, and its storied members, will now be able to access the famed hip-hop collective like never before. The Orchard (NASDAQ: ORCD), a global leader in digital music and entertainment, today announced a comprehensive pact with Wu Music Group to distribute and market the label's popular catalogue worldwide. In addition to forthcoming material, the catalogue includes 13 previous releases that have been unavailable digitally, including recordings by Wu Tang Clan, U-God, Wu-Syndicate, Killarmy, Shyheim, West Coast Killa Beez, Black Knights and others, and will be available worldwide beginning on September 23.
"The time is right to bring some older Wu material to the masses digitally," said RZA, de-facto leader of Wu-Tang Clan, also known as "Bobby Digital." "Our fans have been dedicated and patient, and they're hungry to hear the music that has set us apart from so many others. Hip-Hop is alive in Wu Music, and with The Orchard, we've got a solid partner that understands our audience and is committed to doing all they can to help us reach the fans. I'm definitely looking forward to working with them to see what else we all come up with. There's much more to come."
Beginning today, fans can join the Wu Music Mobile Fan Club, powered by Mozes, to gain access to exclusive news updates, release information, contests and more by texting "WuMusic" to 66937. The special Wu Music Tube, a designated Kyte TV online video channel, also launches today as a forum for the artists to communicate directly with their audience, preview exclusive video content and provide a sneak peek into the Wu Music world. Fans are encouraged also to visit the newly re-launched website, www.wumusicgroup.com, as well as the ad-supported Wu Music Group mobile website www.wumusicgroup.mobi, developed by Faspay Mobile Technologies, for breaking news, tour dates and mobile downloads.
The campaign also includes newly available Wu Music Group content, such as album and single downloads, master tones and ringback tones, which are currently available exclusively to Verizon Wireless subscribers direct from the V CAST Music Store, and can be purchased worldwide from The Orchard's ubiquitous digital network beginning September 23. In addition, Verizon Wireless subscribers can also text "WU" to 8912, enabling direct content purchases for SMS and MMS delivery with the option to be linked to the Wu Music Mobile Fan Club.
Beyond launch, The Orchard will embark on a substantial marketing campaign, bringing new digital releases of Wu Music Group's entire catalogue of unreleased material, including important recordings from RZA and other Wu-Tang Clan members, as well as future and live releases from current label acts and new signings. The pact includes the label's full back catalogue of music videos, featuring artists such as RZA, Ghostface Killah, Kool G Rap and more. Adding to the partnership, The Orchard's growing Brand Entertainment division will also draw from this large music and video catalogue of Wu Music Group for use by brands and ad agencies in innovative new marketing and promotion programs.
"Enter The Wu-Tang," said Greg Scholl, president and chief executive officer for The Orchard.
About Wu Music Group
Wu Music Group was developed in 2005 by RZA, along with his brother and business partner, Mitchell "Divine" Diggs, to create the opportunity to make new deals, acquire and release past catalogue, as well as put out brand new music to the world, including original scores and movie soundtracks. Their goal is to reunite the entire Wu Tang family, whose 15 year legacy created a movement that changed the course of hip-hop, through corporate and artistic views. "Wu" the brand, is truly forever.
About The Orchard®
The Orchard (NASDAQ: ORCD) controls and globally distributes more than 1.3 million songs and over 5,000 video titles through hundreds of digital stores (e.g. iTunes, eMusic, Google, Netflix, V CAST) and mobile carriers (e.g. Verizon Wireless, Vodafone, Bell Canada, 3). With operations in 27 countries, The Orchard drives sales for its label, retailer, brand, and agency clients through innovative marketing and promotional campaigns; brand entertainment programs; and film, advertising, gaming and television licensing. A pioneer in digital music and media services, The Orchard fosters creativity and independence.
The Orchard is a registered trademark and The Orchard logo is a service mark of Orchard Enterprises NY, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Forward Looking Statements
This release may contain certain forward-looking statements regarding The Orchard's expectations regarding future events and operating performance within the meaning of Federal Securities laws that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and involve factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or suggested. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited to, the ability of The Orchard to distribute certain products and artist recordings. Undue reliance should not be placed on such forward-looking statements as they speak only as of the date hereof, and The Orchard undertakes no obligation to update these statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances except as may be required by law. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or suggested in any forward-looking statements are contained in The Orchard's most recent periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Contacts
For The Orchard
Deana Graffeo, 646-237-3780
dgraffeo@theorchard.com
