Threader Urban Clothing Partners With “America’s Best Dance Crew’s” the Beat Freaks Crew

August 31, 2009 By

LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwire – August 31, 2009) – Streetwear company Wildchild Nation, LLC announces a new partnership with the Beat Freaks, season three's runner up on MTV's hit show, "America's Best Dance Crew." Wildchild Nation will provide online distribution of the Beat Freaks' collection of garments and products as part of Threader, the first online urban clothing marketplace for the dance and entertainment industries.

"The Beat Freaks are a great addition to the growing Threader family. These inspirational and talented ladies combine all styles of hip hop dance and are one of the few crews to have earned mainstream recognition. Now with distribution through the Threader urban clothing marketplace, their fans have a central destination to buy their merchandise," remarked Luam, co-founder of Wildchild Nation.

Beat Freaks member, Teresa Espinosa, commented, "We're elevating the perception of hip hop dance. We want our audience to 'Freak the Dream,' and selling our hip hop clothing on Threader helps support us so we can continue to lead by example."

About Wildchild Nation

Wildchild Nation is a lifestyle urban clothing company based in New York City. Wildchild Nation's urban clothing brand, Wildchild, produces men's and women's quality, trend-right designs influenced by the Soho, urban wear, streetwear, and vintage markets. Their Threader brand is the first Website of its kind in the streetwear dance industry offering everything from basic fulfillment of products, warehousing and customer support to private labeled manufacturing of garments. In line with their mission, they push to revitalize their consumers into self-awareness and action, referring to the "Wildchild Movement" in which individuals are encouraged to explore their hidden ambitions and creativity.

About the Beat Freaks Crew

The Beat Freaks are more than just an all-female, all-styles dance crew; they are inspirations and role models. Their "Freak the Dream" mantra has inspired their fans to turn their own dreams into reality. It is no question that each woman in the crew is a talented performer, as they've each worked with several A-List entertainers. But what makes the Beat Freaks unique is their ability to work together seamlessly while combining several very different styles and personalities. Their passion is to dance, their aim is to inspire, and their goal is to "Freak the Dream."

Contacts
Traci Copeland
Wildchild Nation, LLC
718.450.3884
Email Contact
http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=CECE90CBB72F114E

Matt Wong
Beat Freaks, LLC
323.774.1737
Email Contact
http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=4AC9D2BA8F34FE21

Filed Under: Urban Arts and Fashion Press Releases Tagged With: ,

Fitch Affirms Warner Music Group’s IDR at ‘BB-’; Outlook Stable

August 31, 2009 By

August 31, 2009, NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Fitch Ratings has affirmed the following Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) and outstanding debt ratings on Warner Music Group Corp. and its subsidiaries:

Warner Music Group

–IDR at 'BB-'.

WMG Acquisition Corp

–IDR at 'BB-';

–Senior secured at 'BB';

–Subordinated at 'B+'.

WMG Holdings Corp

–IDR at 'BB-';

–Senior unsecured at 'B'.

The Rating Outlook is Stable.

In addition, the ratings on the company's Term Loans and Revolving Credit Facilities have been withdrawn.

The ratings are supported by WMG's strong market share, global footprint, and diversified and established content library. Credit concerns include substantial challenges facing the recorded music industry related to continued declines to its physical unit sales. The Stable Outlook is supported by WMG's adequate liquidity position, scaleable cost structure, and WMG's position as one of the top global music publishing businesses.

The music industry continues to deal with declining physical sales that have not been fully replaced by digital sales in most markets. Year-to-date Aug. 16, 2009, album units including track-equivalent album sales (giving 1/10th credit for digital singles) have decreased 8.9% according to Nielsen SoundScan. Fitch believes these decreases are predominantly the result of continued piracy and copying, and proliferation of alternative entertainment activities and products. Digital tracks and digital albums combined now account for approximately 40% of total adjusted albums. In addition, while both digital products continue to grow (year-to-date up 12% and 18%, respectively, according to Nielsen) it has been at a decelerating rate and still unable to offset the impact from physical sale declines. While Fitch is cautiously optimistic regarding the continued roll-out of cellular music products including over-the-air downloads, Fitch expects a mid-to-high single-digit negative trend on track-equivalent albums to continue during this transition.

Specifically related to WMG, total revenue decreased 2% in the most recent quarter on a constant-currency basis due to general secular trends, as well as difficult international comps and release schedules. Additionally, U.S. physical retailers continue to manage down their physical inventory levels. While the conservative inventory management by U.S. physical retailers has essentially cycled through a material phase, Fitch expects continued pressure in this area for the industry. Fitch believes similar behavior by foreign physical retailers has also been occurring over the last few years. Digital revenue for WMG increased 11% from the prior year and 2% sequentially on a constant currency basis. Digital revenue represented 23% of total revenue for the most recent quarter for WMG.

Fitch currently estimates that nearly 50% of U.S. track-equivalent album sales for the industry are from emerging platforms (iTunes, Amazon physical, etc.) with the other 50% from platforms that will be in permanent decline (physical retailers). This mix continues to shift and the key for the music industry will be to continue to manage their cost structure down with the transition to the emerging platforms which should ultimately gain market share above 75% over the next few years. Given the company's variable cost structure (royalties, physical distribution, etc.), Fitch expects the company to be able to successfully handle this transition.

Fitch continues to believe WMG's push into 360-degree relationships is prudent. As demonstrated over the last few years, there does not appear to be material risk related to the major labels pursuing high-priced established artists in these agreements. Instead, Fitch expects WMG and the other labels to continue to push these agreements with new artists and that the recording industry will have significant leverage regarding deal terms due to the oligopoly structure of the industry combined with the virtually limitless supply of aspiring musicians. Further upside to operations could be realized through radio royalty fees that are currently being considered in Congress, as well as progress related to the ISP's monitoring piracy.

As of June 30, 2009, WMG's gross leverage was approximately 4.6 times (x) and net leverage approximately 3.9x. Pro forma for the recent bond offering, Fitch expects cash interest coverage to be slightly below 3.0x. Including cash interest from the HoldCo notes that become payable beginning in 2010 brings the cash interest coverage ratio to just under 2.5x per Fitch's calculations. Relative to the 'BB-' rating category, the company's free cash flow-to-debt metrics are strong at approximately 15%, due to limited capital expenditure requirements. Fitch assesses the company's negative working capital generally as a permanent position given the timing of receivables versus the royalties paid to artists and Fitch's long-term expectations for the industry. Including the company's $700 million negative working capital deficit as debt still results in free cash flow to debt above 10%.

Fitch assesses WMG's liquidity position based on the operating entity, WMG Acquisition Corp. As such, liquidity is adequate and comprises $247 million of cash as of June 30, 2009. The company no longer has a credit revolver. The previous revolver went unused for its entire existence. Liquidity is also supported by ongoing free cash flow which Fitch estimates will be in excess of $200 million per year. Pro forma for the recent bank amendment and bond offering, the company's maturity schedule is manageable with no maturities until 2014 when $876 million of subordinate notes come due. Fitch believes these maturities could be handled organically through cash on hand and expected free cash flow. Remaining maturities consist of $1.1 billion of senior secured notes due 2016.

WMG's release schedule for the remainder of fiscal 2009 includes Madonna's greatest hits and Paramore, as well as some key Japanese releases from artists that have been top sellers in the past.

For additional information related to WMG and secular trends facing the music industry, please see Fitch's report on Warner Music dated October 2008 and available at 'www.fitchratings.com'.

Fitch's rating definitions and the terms of use of such ratings are available on the agency's public site, 'www.fitchratings.com'. Published ratings, criteria and methodologies are available from this site, at all times. Fitch's code of conduct, confidentiality, conflicts of interest, affiliate firewall, compliance and other relevant policies and procedures are also available from the 'Code of Conduct' section of this site.

Contacts

Fitch Ratings, New York
Jamie Rizzo, CFA, +1-212-908-0548
Rolando Larrondo, +1-212-908-9189
Media Relations:
Kevin Duignan, +1-212-908-0630
kevin.duignan@fitchratings.com
Sandro Scenga, +1-212-908-0278
sandro.scenga@fitchratings.com

Filed Under: Music Industry Press Releases Tagged With:

Tisha Campbell-Martin Hotter than Ever, Premiering on Irene Cooking with the Stars

August 31, 2009 By

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ — Hollywood starlet Tisha Campbell-Martin is the latest guest to make an appearance on the star-studded cooking show; Irene Cooking with the Stars (www.irenecookingwiththestars.com ). Campbell-Martin, a multi-faceted actress, director and producer, whose television and film credits include School Daze, Another 48 Hours, Boomerang, My Wife & Kids with Damon Wayans and her most memorable role, Gina, on the hit sitcom Martin. Tisha joins host Irene in the kitchen this week, whipping up a creamy macaroni and cheese dish that tempts the soul. Tisha also shares some intimate details about her recent cancer scare, a revealing and touching episode you won't want to miss.

  To view the shows:  www.irenecookingwiththestars.com

  Screener: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEakJlSABxc

  Tisha's episode; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yW3QDZM7NYk

The cutting-edge cooking show recently debuted with Oscar-Winning actor Jamie Foxx and will feature Kris Jenner ("Keeping up with the Kardashians"), Raven Symone, Omarosa ("Celebrity Apprentice") and many more in future episodes. Affectionately known and loved in Hollywood, Irene takes you into the home of your favorite stars to explore their favorite dishes, personal recipes, special cravings and "other secrets," as only she can.

The show website offers fans exclusive access to celebrity recipes, food blogs and Top Ramen Fridays, a special feature where Irene explores the wonderful world of everything Ramen Noodles. Irene's homemade and delicious recipes are economical, quick, easy and hearty meals that can feed a family of 4 for under $20.00. No stranger to Hollywood, Irene has been cooking up unique recipes for her celebrity friends and family to rave reviews for years and is now bringing her culinary talent to television. The website will also offer fans an opportunity to pre-order her cookbook, "Irene's Kitchen Volume 1," scheduled to be released September 28, 2009.

Throughout her acting career, Irene, a Cleveland, Ohio native, honed her skills and garnered success on major films and television projects under the management of the late great Redd Foxx. She has the natural ability to create laughter everywhere she performs and is now gracing the world with her talent on her new show, www.irenecookingwiththestars.com.

For interviews, screeners, headshots or promotional materials contact: Priscilla @ Clarke & Associates, Tel. (202) 723-2200, (240) 476-9643 or pclarkepr@aol.com

Source: Irene Cooking with the Stars

CONTACT: Priscilla @ Clarke & Associates, +1-202-723-2200,
+1-240-476-9643, pclarkepr@aol.com

Web Site: http://www.irenecookingwiththestars.com/

Filed Under: Urban Arts and Fashion Press Releases Tagged With: ,

BET Unveils Its New Fall Programming Slate

August 31, 2009 By

Original Series "FIRST IN," "HEART OF THE CITY," "MONICA," "PAY IT OFF," "BRING YOUR 'A' GAME," "THE MO'NIQUE SHOW" and "PRESSURE COOKER" Premiere In September and October

NEW YORK, Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ — This Fall BET Networks is offering a diverse line-up of original programming. From a new face on the late-night talk show scene, to a fiscally focused game show, to a heart-pounding look at the lives of Compton, Los Angeles firefighters and a series of thought-provoking specials, BET's new slate provides a broad spectrum of real-life stories.

  (Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070716/BETNETWORKSLOGO )

  "PRESSURE COOKER"
  PREMIERES SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 AT 6:30 P.M.*

There's a force-of-nature behind the door to Room 325 at Frankford High School in Philadelphia. Her name is Wilma Stephenson and she teaches Culinary Arts. She has taught at Frankford for 40 years, long before Culinary Arts became part of the school's curriculum. Infamously blunt, Mrs. Stephenson runs a "boot camp" at Frankford, disciplining her students into capable chefs and responsible students. Behind her tough-talking exterior is a teacher, who cares passionately about getting the best out of her students and making sure they receive the opportunities – including scholarships to top programs – that will help them to escape the meager minimum-wage job opportunities of Northeast Philly. She can be cantankerous, and she knows it, but she will do anything for the students who get with the program and show true promise and the hunger to succeed. PRESSURE COOKER, a Participant Media and Non Sequitur Production, directed by Jennifer Grausman and Mark Becker, documents Mrs. Stephenson and those students committed enough to surrender themselves to her enlightened despotism through two semesters in Culinary Arts. By the end of the school year, 13 of her students will have made it through the gauntlet. These seniors aspire to scholarships that will enable them to move on to a future of opportunity. At a school where over 40% of students don't even make it to their senior year, Ms. Stephenson's class stands in stark contrast, with 11 members of last year's class earning over $750,000 in scholarships. She offers the kids her version of the American Dream: You choose a realistic goal. You work hard. You work the system. You get out of Northeast Philly.

  "BRING YOUR 'A' GAME"
  PREMIERES SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 AT 9:00 P.M.*

Actor and director Mario Van Peebles and producer Karen Williams partnered with the Twenty-First Century Foundation (a national foundation created to facilitate giving for Black community change) to produce a documentary entitled; BRING YOUR 'A' GAME. In the documentary, prominent Black men from diverse professional fields are asked one simple question: "What does it take to bring your 'A' Game and to succeed in life?" Using hip, computer-generated, videogame-style design and music to present messages of success strategies, educational achievement, mentorship, and discipline, BRING YOUR 'A' GAME seeks to reach out to its target audience of young Black males who lack adequate role models and the tools for professional success. Interviewees include: Richard "Dick" Parsons, Chris Rock, Ice Cube, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Spike Lee, Kevin Liles, Mayor Cory Booker, Lou Gossett, Jr., Hill Harper, Damon Dash, Kevin Powell, Geoffrey Canada, Bruce Gordon and Allan Houston. Alongside the famous faces, everyday people also share their stories of success, including Ernest Austin (Ex-Offenders Action Network), the "Three Doctors" from Newark, New Jersey, Dr. Sampson Davis, Dr. Rameck Hunt and Dr. George Jenkins, and Van Jones (White House Special Advisor for Green Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation).

  "HEART OF THE CITY"
  PREMIERES SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 AT 10 P.M.*

BET News travels to cities across America to examine the real issues devastating some African American communities in the original series HEART OF THE CITY. Along with highlighting some of the worst problems facing our nation's urban centers, the series will also reveal the efforts of individuals who have dedicated their lives to bringing about positive change in their communities. The premiere episode of HEART OF THE CITY takes viewers to Detroit, Michigan – ground zero of our national education crisis. The episode will try to discover why so many African Americans in Detroit schools are failing and why its system is failing our kids.

  "FIRST IN"
  PREMIERES WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, AT 10:00 P.M.*

Chronicled by actor, singer Tyrese Gibson, FIRST IN, is a 10-episode half-hour original series that delves into the lives of Compton's firefighters and paramedics as they try to balance the high stress of a gruesome 72-hour work schedule and family life. Emotions run high as the men and women work long hours in a fast-paced, high intensity atmosphere compounded by the daily pressure of saving lives. Though Compton only has a population of about 100,000 people, there are a reported 75 active gangs operating within the area, making it a unique environment for the city's emergency teams.

With one of the highest crime rates in the country, gunshot wounds, gang related violence, and mangled cars are just another day on the job for these highly trained professionals. Day after day, all the drama is caught on tape as the team – an ambulance operator, multiple firefighters, an intern and one of the youngest Battalion Chiefs in the country, Marcel Melanson, of the Compton Fire Department – fight battles both at home and on the job.

  "PAY IT OFF"
  PREMIERES FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, AT 10:00 P.M.*

In these tough economic times, wouldn't it be nice to get out of the red and on the path to financial freedom? Everyone is looking for some relief, especially debt relief. Hosted by actress/comedienne Kim Coles, BET introduces the groundbreaking new game show PAY IT OFF, which gives contestants the chance to change their lives and pay off mounting debt just by answering a few questions. PAY IT OFF is the first game show of its kind specifically aimed at helping individuals defray their bills and debts – one game at a time. While most game shows focus primarily on the mechanics of the game play, PAY IT OFF focuses on the personal debt dilemmas of everyday people. This unique game show is divided into five rounds with increasing levels of difficulty within each round. As the game play progresses, the contestant has a chance to win more money to pay towards his/her debt. If the contestant makes it successfully through all five rounds, he/she then has the chance to earn $25,000 in the final "Back in the Black" bonus round.

  "MONICA"
  PREMIERES TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, AT 10:00 P.M.*

After a brief hiatus from the music industry, Monica is back in the spotlight with an intimate, profound docu-drama that takes a look at her day-to-day world in the new original BET series MONICA: STILL STANDING. Beginning Tuesday, October 27, Monica will open her heart and life to viewers every week at 10:00 pm* and take them on her personal journey of survival and enlightenment. Viewers will have the chance to experience the many faces of Monica as she balances family, deals with trials, triumphs and health challenges, records her fifth album, "STILL STANDING" and tackles the hardest job of all – being a full-time mother of two young sons. Even with all of the success in her entertainment career as a Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and actress, Monica's life has not been without its challenges. Yet, through the spiritual guidance of her parents, family and fianc e she withstood the storms of life and that same support keeps her standing today. Stro
ng, poised and vivacious, Monica wants to show viewers and fans that anything is possible once you set your mind to do it. She wants them to know "sometimes you have to go through to get to."

  "THE MO'NIQUE SHOW"
  PREMIERES MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, TIME 11:00 P.M.*

The sassy and sultry Queen of Comedy Mo'Nique returns to BET this fall for her highly anticipated late night show debut, THE MO'NIQUE SHOW. Carving out a well-deserved spot on the late-night show circuit, comedienne Mo'Nique takes the show host helm, granting BET viewers VIP access to the hottest party on television. From A-list celebrity guests to sizzling performances by the hottest musical artists in the game, Mo'Nique delivers viewers a fun-filled hour of entertainment every night. Boasting show announcer Rodney Perry, a resident deejay, the Big Jim and the Penthouse Players house band, plus Mo'Nique bringing the funny as only she can, THE MO'NIQUE SHOW will undoubtedly force viewers to push their bedtime an extra hour. Each night promises to offer something different; whether the show opens with a funny monologue or eye-popping skit, Mo'Nique is determined to keep her show format fluid, leaving viewers curious as to what the following night's show will bring.

Viewers can visit www.bet.com/OnTV/BETShows for more information about all of these brand new original series.

About BET Networks

BET Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 98 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of businesses extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; BET Digital Networks – BET J, BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

*All times are ET/PT.
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070716/BETNETWORKSLOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: BET Networks

CONTACT: "HEART OF THE CITY", Tricia Newell , +1-212-975-8230,
tricia.newell@bet.net, or Lyntina Townsend, +1-202-608-2745,
lyntina.townsend@bet.net, or "BRING YOUR A-GAME" AND "PRESSURE COOKER", Tricia
Newell, +1-212-975-8230, tricia.newell@bet.net, or Michelle Clark,
+1-212-205-3158, michelle.clark@bet.net, or "PAY IT OFF", Zabrina Horton,
+1-310-481-3737, zabrina.horton@bet.net, or Crystal Thomas, +1-310-481-3779,
crystal.thomas@bet.net, or "FIRST IN", Voncella McIntosh , +1-310-481-3732,
voncella.mcIntosh@bet.net, or Crystal Thomas, +1-310-481-3779,
crystal.thomas@bet.net, or "MONICA", Marcy Polanco, +1-212-975-4048,
marcy.polanco@bet.net, or Lyntina Townsend, +1-202-608-2745,
lyntina.townsend@bet.net, or "THE MO'NIQUE SHOW", Tricia Newell,
+1-212-975-8230, tricia.newell@bet.net, or Tracy McGraw, +1-212-205-3013,
tracy.mcgraw@bet.net

Web Site: http://www.bet.com/

Filed Under: Urban Arts and Fashion Press Releases Tagged With:

JamLegend Trumps Guitar Hero — Play Your Own Songs

August 31, 2009 By

If You Own the Beatles, You Can Play the Beatles

SAN FRANCISCO, CA–(Marketwire – August 31, 2009) – JamLegend.com has launched its system that allows anyone to play any song they own in an online Guitar Hero-like game. Whether it's Lady Gaga, the Black Eyed Peas, or Michael Jackson, users can upload and immediately play their favorite songs in JamLegend's Guitar Hero-style game.

"We started JamLegend to unleash music games. If you missed out on Guitar Hero: Metallica, can't wait for Rock Band: Beatles, or want to experience music in a new way, JamLegend gives you the power to choose what you want to play and how you want to play it," said CEO and co-founder Andrew Lee.

Users enjoy a free personal library of 5 songs and can upgrade to JamLegend Pro for 100 songs at $4.99 a month ($29.99 a year) or 500 songs at $9.99 a month ($49.99 a year). Users can still challenge their friends as long as their friend has the same song in their library. For users who do not own a song, JamLegend provides easy links to purchase the song online.

Always free to play is JamLegend's massive 500+ song collection from nearly 300 independent artists, major labels, and aspiring musicians. The collection is more than double the number of songs available in Rock Band 2 and triple the number of songs available in the most recent Guitar Hero. Launched last year, JamLegend's network of users and artists has brought players into the creation process, assisting emerging artists who wished to increase engagement in interactive music games. MTV Games and Harmonix recently announced the creation of their Rock Band Network similar to JamLegend's community.

Since JamLegend launched in December, JamLegend:

–  was named one of the top 100 web apps by CNET Webware.
–  has enabled artists from Universal Music, Sony Music, Jamendo, and a
    variety of indie bands to better engage and connect to fans.
–  is compatible with Guitar Hero or Rock Band equipment.

Songs on JamLegend have been played over 30 million times with artists and players hailing from around the world. JamLegend has created the most comprehensive system for music gaming online, leveraging its community and technology to make songs literally "playable."

About JamLegend

JamLegend is the leader in online music games. It was founded in 2008 as a way for college buddies Arjun Lall, Andrew Lee, and Ryan Wilson to play a Guitar Hero-like music game with more songs and more friends without breaking the bank to buy each Guitar Hero or Rock Band release. JamLegend has since grown to over 850K unique visitors per month, building the largest online music gaming community where artists and fans work together to change the way music and games are experienced.

To find out more or to give JamLegend a try, visit http://www.jamlegend.com

If you're an artist or label, you can apply for the open platform here: http://www.jamlegend.com/artists/signup

Contact:
Andrew Lee
Email Contact
http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=B71DD26D8E847F5F
415-683-3182

Filed Under: Music Industry Press Releases Tagged With:

Rock Band(TM) Coming to a Bar Near You

August 31, 2009 By

Harmonix and MTV Games to Offer Exclusive Five-Song Preview of The Beatles(TM): Rock Band(TM) to Participating Bars

NEW YORK, Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ — Harmonix Music Systems and MTV Games, a part of Viacom's MTV Networks (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , today announced the launch of "Rock Band Bar Nights," a ground-breaking initiative providing tools for U.S. bar owners to host their own Rock Band(TM) Nights. The program gives bars a cutting-edge in-bar entertainment option to help increase foot traffic and provide Rock Band fans with the opportunity to take the stage for a true rock star experience.

Rock Band – featuring a full band performance with guitar, bass, drums and mic – is revolutionizing the standard karaoke night in bars. The Rock Band Bar Nights program expands the Rock Band social experience for current fans and gives new fans the opportunity to try the game in an authentic performance setting with a live crowd cheering them on.

To help venues host and promote their own Rock Band Bar Nights, the program offers support to registered bars with everything from exclusive Rock Band product offerings to multiplatform marketing support. Through an exclusive e-commerce store, the program will also provide bars with a full music solution to easily rock their bar with the extensive Rock Band catalogue featuring more than 800 tracks and growing every week!

To kick off the program, Harmonix and MTV Games are providing bars that sign up before September 8th with an exclusive five-song preview disc from The Beatles: Rock Band, allowing their customers to experience the highly anticipated game before it hits stores on September 9th.

In addition to offering in-bar support for this new entertainment option, the Rock Band Bar Nights program extends online and gives members direct access to the Rock Band community with hundreds of thousands of fans, as well as the chance to stay connected on Rock Band's official Facebook and Twitter pages. In the coming months, Rock Band fans will be able to find official Rock Band Bar Nights in their area through an online application searchable by zip code and a mobile version available for download as a free iPhone application.

Interested bar owners or fans can check out www.RockBand.com/BarNights for registration and more information.

About MTV Networks

MTV Networks, a division of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's leading creators of entertainment content, with brands that engage and connect diverse audiences across television, online, mobile, games, virtual worlds and consumer products. The company's portfolio spans more than 150 television channels and 350 digital media properties worldwide, and includes MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, Harmonix, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, Noggin, The N, AddictingGames, Neopets, COMEDY CENTRAL, Spike TV, TV Land, Atom, Gametrailers and Xfire.

About MTV Games

MTV Games is dedicated to creating, marketing and publishing high-quality, innovative interactive products that are relevant to the MTV audience and complement the core values of the MTV Networks brands.

About Harmonix Music Systems, Inc

Harmonix Music Systems, Inc., based in Cambridge, MA, and established in 1995, is the leading developer of groundbreaking music-oriented videogames. Harmonix was founded by Alex Rigopulos and Eran Egozy, who formed the company to invent new ways for non-musicians to experience the unique joy that comes from making music and have pioneered music and rhythm gaming in the US. For more information please visit www.harmonixmusic.com.

Source: MTV Games

CONTACT: Mariana Agathoklis, MTV Games, +1-212-846-5755,
Mariana.Agathoklis@mtvstaff.com; or John Drake, Harmonix, +1-617-491-6144 ext.
116, John.Drake@harmonixmusic.com

Web Site: http://www.rockband.com/

Filed Under: Music Industry Press Releases Tagged With: ,

MOL Media and Qtrax Enter Into Strategic Partnership

August 31, 2009 By

MOL Media to Market Qtrax Free and Legal Music Downloads in Malaysia and other Southeast Asian Communities

NEW YORK and KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ — MOL Media Sdn. Bhd. and Qtrax Inc. (www.Qtrax.com) today announced a strategic partnership to market Qtrax free and legal high quality music downloads in Malaysia and other selected Southeast Asian communities.

According to Mr. Ganesh Kumar Bangah, Chief Executive Officer of MOL: "The Qtrax value proposition is their vast music and related content library that is killer content in today's fast moving internet industry." He added: "The launch of Qtrax in the region is well timed as the public realizes that peer-to-peer music download services while popular, are illegal. The launch of Qtrax will enable Asian consumers to listen to music free and legally while helping compensate artists for their hard work. The availability of such a service is long overdue in the region. MOL Media will direct traffic from our sites as well as our affiliate sites to further promote Qtrax and we are confident that local advertisers will come onboard.".

Mr. Allan Klepfisz, President and CEO of Qtrax said: "We expect to be announcing partnerships throughout Asia in the period prior to launch and we are thrilled to begin with MOL. Ganesh has created an impressive, cutting-edge organization with MOL via their various businesses including those of their associate, the Berjaya Corporation Group of companies. They will be able to add considerable value in terms of traffic and advertisers. Additionally, their global payment system will prove very useful in monetization for us moving forward.".

Mr. Jay Berman, Co-Chair of the Qtrax Advisory Board, commented: "Having spent many years as Chairman and CEO of the RIAA and subsequently the IFPI, in promoting respect for music copyright, I'm pleased that Qtrax will spearhead, together with substantial regional partners, a vastly superior alternative to pirate sites- something that has been sorely lacking."

Mr. Blake Indursky, EVP of Qtrax observed: "I have been involved in several of the negotiations that Qtrax has undertaken in the region and cannot help feel that history is in the making."

About MOL Media Sdn. Bhd.

MOL Media Sdn. Bhd. is MSC Malaysia Status Company that publishes, aggregates, markets and distributes various high-bandwidth broadband content such as videos and music through various mediums including personal computers, mobile devices and television. MOL Media leverages on the traffic generated by the internet properties of it associate company, MOL AccessPortal Berhad which operates the portal MOL.Com and monetizes the content through the MOLePoints payment system that has over 500,000 payment channels across 75 countries worldwide. MOL Media has a Individual Content Application Service Provider license in Malaysia and a Niche Internet Protocol Television License in Singapore that allows it to operate content-based Television services in both countries.

About Qtrax, Inc.

Qtrax is the world's first free and legal global download music service and showcases an innovative ad-supported downloading model that easily directs revenue back to artists and rights holders. Qtrax has successfully signed licensing deals with major labels, music publishers and leading indies. Qtrax will soon provide fans with access to a colorful and diverse catalog with millions of high-quality, high-fidelity digital music files. Based in New York City, Qtrax is a subsidiary of Brilliant Technologies Corporation (OTC Pink Sheets: BLLN – News), a publicly traded technology holding company.

Safe Harbor

This announcement contains express or implied forward-looking statements which involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested, including but not limited to risks identified and discussed in company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements are based on information and management's expectations as of the date hereof and future results may differ materially from expectations and the company disclaims any obligation to update them except as required by law.

Source: Qtrax Inc.

CONTACT: Michelle Manoff, Rubenstein Public Relations, +1-212-843-8051,
mmanoff@rubensteinpr.com; or Halida Abu Bakar, Corporate Development Manager,
MOL Media Sdn. Bhd., +603-2182-1251, halida@mol.com

Web Site: http://www.qtrax.com/

Filed Under: Music Industry Press Releases Tagged With: ,

STREETS TALK DVD EPISODE 8: LOST IN YONKERS – AVAILABLE NOW!

August 31, 2009 By

August 31, 2009 – New York, NY – While Yonkers may not  be the first place that enters the mind when thinking of a major hip hop movement, DJ Scoob Doo and Jadakiss are hoping to be the ones to change that mentality.  Not considered one of New York's most popular regions, Yonkers still managed to produce hungry artists that stay true to the real essence of hip hop, something that is severely lacking in today's musical climate. Jadakiss, Styles P, and Sheek Louch of the L.O.X. fame set the standard for authentic street sound with honest lyrics and hypnotic beats, and that energy has been successfully infused throughout the newest edition of Streets Talk DVD, entitled Lost in Yonkers.

Streets Talk DVD: Lost in Yonkers allows access to never before seen footage of Jadakiss and the entire D Block family, including the "Who's Real" video shoot with Fabolous and OJ da Juiceman, freestyle ciphers featuring Uncle Murda, Freeway, Beanie Sigel and Styles P, and courtside action at a Nets game with Mike Epps and Vince Carter. DJ Scoob Doo still manages to balance that expected glossiness in which hip hop is synonymous, while making sure the world hears the "real voice of the streets". As seen on the DVD, the D Block movement  is gaining momentum and is rapidly spreading across the globe. D Block not only consists of the L.O.X. group but also many up and coming artists such as A.P., Snyp Lyfe, Bully, Large Amount, Straw, Bucky, S.I. and T.Y.

Lost In Yonkers offers a voyeuristic view into this unique lifestyle, so be prepared to get caught up in this episode of Streets Talk DVD! Other featured guests on the DVD include Green Lantern, Juelz Santana, Capone of C-N-N fame, and the D Block Next Generation.

STREETS TALK DVD EPISODE 8: LOST IN YONKERS is available NOW at www.djscoobdoo.com, and in stores on 9/4/09!!!!

For a sneak peak of Streets Talk DVD: Lost in Yonkers, go to: http://video.yahoo.com/watch/5841059?fr=yvmtf

For media inquiries, contact Natalie Harewood at (646) 242-1099 or via email  natalie.harewood@gmail.com

ABOUT STREETS TALK DVD

STREETS TALK DVD focuses on developing a relationship between the heart of the streets and those who left the streets to make a legitimate career in the today's billion dollar hip hop music industry. It not only connects the streets to the industry, but also the everyday consumer to both the industry and streets.

Powered by the street savvy DJ Scoob Doo and his production team, Big Picture Productions, Scoob has gained the trust and confidence needed to gain access in the personal lives of the most successful artists in the game to make it a reality for those watching at home. A DJ for over ten years, Scoob Doo's hard work has helped him develop personal relationships with top artists in the hip hop industry today that transcended just business, and developed a more personal relationship.

With the mindset to always uphold integrity and respect, DJ Scoob Doo and Streets Talk DVD consistently maintains the fragile trust that is not apparent in other relationships. When the glitz and glamour of Hollywood takes a time out, Streets Talk DVD gets the green light to document "what's really going on" in the lives of the artists and the lifestyles they represent.
Stay Tuned to Streets Talk DVD and what is has to offer, because this is WHERE THE STREETS GET THEIR NEWS FROM!

For more information on DJ SCOOB DOO or STREETS TALK DVD, visit www.djscoobdoo.com

Filed Under: Hip Hop PR Wire, Hip Hop Press Releases Tagged With:

Rockstar Games Announces Beaterator for iPhone and iPod touch

August 31, 2009 By

New York, NY – August 31, 2009 – Rockstar Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), is proud to announce that Rockstar Games and Timbaland present Beaterator will be coming to the iPhone™ and iPod® touch this fall. Developed by Rockstar Leeds, the studio behind Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, Beaterator is a portable music-making application that allows people of all musical backgrounds and ability to create world-class beats and songs.

"The simple, pick-up-and-play nature of Beaterator lends itself so well to the Apple platforms," said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. "We are happy to deliver an application that allows for such unprecedented sharing and ease-of-use."

Previously announced for the PlayStation®Portable system, Beaterator features thousands of loops and sounds made by both Timbaland and Rockstar, and puts the power to make professional-level music at your fingertips in a format that's portable, accessible and fun.

For more information, log onto www.rockstargames.com/beaterator.

About Take-Two Interactive Software

Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a global developer, marketer, distributor and publisher of interactive entertainment software games for the PC, PLAYSTATION®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™ and Nintendo DS™. The Company publishes and develops products through its wholly owned labels Rockstar Games and 2K, which publishes its titles under 2K Games, 2K Sports and 2K Play. Take-Two also distributes software, hardware and accessories in North America through its Jack of All Games subsidiary. The Company's common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at www.take2games.com.

iPhone, iPod and iTunes are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc.

"PlayStation", the "PS" Family logo and "PSP" are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.  The PlayStation Network logo is a service mark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The statements contained herein which are not historical facts are considered forward-looking statements under federal securities laws and may be identified by words such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "potential," "predicts," "projects," "seeks," "will," or words of similar meaning and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the outlook for the Company's future business and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to them, which are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may vary materially from these forward-looking statements based on a variety of risks and uncertainties including: our dependence on key management and product development personnel, our dependence on our Grand Theft Auto products and our ability to develop other hit titles for current generation platforms, the timely release and significant market acceptance of our games, the ability to maintain acceptable pricing levels on our games, our reliance on a primary distribution service provider for a significant portion of our products, our ability to raise capital if needed, risks associated with international operations, and the matters relating to the investigation by a special committee of our board of directors of the Company's stock option grants and the claims and proceedings relating thereto (including stockholder and derivative litigation and negative tax or other implications for the Company resulting from any accounting adjustments or other factors). Other important factors and information are contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008, in the section entitled "Risk Factors," as updated in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2009, and the Company's other periodic filings with the SEC, which can be accessed at www.take2games.com. All forward-looking statements are qualified by these cautionary statements and apply only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

# # #

Nicholas Patterson
Associate PR Manager | Rockstar Games NYC
T: 212-334-6633 x6505 F: 212-334-6644
E: Nicholas.Patterson@rockstargames.com
AIM: pyrealnova

Filed Under: Hip Hop PR Wire, Hip Hop Press Releases, Music Industry Press Releases Tagged With:

Best-selling Contemporary Jazz Artist, producer and writer joins McNally Smith Faculty

August 31, 2009 By

RENOWNED SAXOPHONIST STEVE COLE TO TEACH IN MUSIC COLLEGE'S MUSIC BUSINESS DIVISION

CHICAGO NATIVE BRINGS YEARS OF INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE AND A WEALTH OF MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE AND BUSINESS INSIGHTS TO THE CLASSROOM

ST. PAUL, MINN., — August 31, 2009 — With Top Ten hits on the Smooth Jazz charts, thousands of records sold worldwide  and years of experience in the music industry, saxophonist Steve Cole will be stepping into a teaching role at the McNally Smith College of Music this fall.  Cole will teach in the school's popular Music Business Division (http://www.mcnallysmith.edu/academics/musicbusiness.aspx), which prepares musicians and non-musicians alike to work in the music industry at a number of levels through an interdisciplinary approach to higher music education.

Besides being a distinguished musician, producer and writer, Cole also has

a strong business background with an MBA from the University of Chicago , Booth School of Business.  He currently holds a similar teaching position as Professor Music Business Management at Columbia College Chicago.  According to McNally Smith College of Music President, Harry Chalmiers, Cole is an ideal addition to the Music Business Division staff and the college's faculty at large.

"Steve Cole's passion for both music and teaching is a wonderful combination that will benefit all of our students studying for careers as music artists, or as music industry professionals," Chalmiers says. "Steve's accomplished musicianship is matched by his in-depth business experience and formal education. We are looking forward to his work with our students and fellow faculty members who are excited to have him join this growing institution."

About Steve Cole

Chicago native and saxophonist Steve Cole began his professional career, playing sessions and club dates wherever possible. He first recorded with blues legend Junior Wells and began playing, writing and producing with Atlantic Records artists Brian Culbertson. His visibility at the label grew, and soon Cole signed his own deal with Atlantic in 1998. He subsequently recorded for Warner Brothers, Shanachie and EMI/Blue Note.  To date, the artist has released seven CDs and has five Number One  R&R Smooth Jazz hits.  In 2000, he earned a Prism Award for Best New Artist at the  Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards.

Cole has toured and/or recording with Boz Scaggs, Larry Carlton, Jeff Lorber, Brian Culbertson, Freddie Cole, Cyrus Chestnut, KMFDM, and Rick Braun and is a founding member, along with Jeff Kashiwa and Kim Waters of The Sax Pack. An accomplished musician, writer and producer, he is currently under contract as a recording artist with Mack Avenue/Artistry Music, and as a writer with Universal Music Publishing where he has published over 50 works. Recently Cole signed a multiple album deal with Mack Avenue/Artistry Music. The first project for the label, entitled Moonlight, is a collection of classic pop songs and standards set amidst an orchestral backdrop.

Cole attended Northwestern University , where he explored modern classical music for the saxophone under the tutelage of internationally recognized educator Fred Hemke. While in undergraduate school, the gifted musician was a semi-finalist in the National Foundation for the Advancement in the Arts and one of three finalists in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition.

For more information about Steve Cole, visit his website and blog at: www.stevecole.net

About McNally Smith College of Music

Founded in 1985, McNally Smith College of Music is one of the top music and music business colleges in the country devoted to excellence in music industry higher education and in developing music industry professionals. An accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music, McNally Smith College of Music offers music degrees and programs in Music Performance, Recording Technology and Music Business. As of 2009, it is the only accredited music college to offer a diploma in Hip-Hop. With more than 700 students and an 80-member faculty, McNally Smith College of Music students get a personalized music education that combines the art of physics with musical artistry and includes wide access to current music technology, research tools and performance facilities. McNally Smith alumni are working all over the world. McNally Smith is located in St. Paul , Minnesota . For more insights about the music college, visit www.mcnallysmith.edu.

For more information, please contact Todd Walker, Director of Media Relations, McNally Smith 651-325-2390, twalker@mcnallysmith.edu, or Martin Keller at Media Savant Communications Co., 612-729-8585, mkeller@mediasavantcom.com

Filed Under: Hip Hop PR Wire, Music Industry Press Releases Tagged With: ,
« Older Posts
Newer Posts »