NEW YORK, NY, (SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT) - Sony
Music Label Group U.S. and LOGO Founder Matt Farber's Wilderness Media & Entertainment announced today that they have joined forces to create MUSIC WITH A TWIST, the first major music label dedicated to identifying and developing lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and trans gendered (LGBT) artists. MUSIC WITH A TWIST will collaborate with the Group's U.S. labels and divisions, including Columbia Records Group, Epic Records, Sony Nashville and Sony Urban Music.
The TWIST roster will feature LGBT artists who have mass appeal and hit potential across all musical genres. Also planned for the TWIST imprint is a series of branded compilations geared toward the LGBT audience, as well as music fans everywhere. These compilations will feature hit songs by established artists that have been embraced by LGBT audiences, as well as tracks from emerging gay artists. The first of these compilations will be released in June 2006 during National Gay Pride Month. As part of its focus on identifying and developing new artists, TWIST is in the process of assembling a nation-wide network of local/regional A&R talent scouts to bring gay talent with a local buzz or a gay fan base to the attention of TWIST.
"I"ve known Matt for many years, and it's been a true pleasure to watch him grow into an incredibly creative and effective business executive. I look forward to working with him and the entire TWIST team as we identify and develop the best new artists from across the country, and find the broadest audience possible for their music,' commented Sony Music Label Group Chief Executive Don Ienner. "We are extremely proud to be working on the launch of this important new label. TWIST will provide a nurturing and creative environment for a key group of artists - it's the right label at the right time, and the perfect vehicle to reach out to the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and trans-gendered communities.'
Wilderness Media & Entertainment President Matt Farber adds, "TWIST will be the label where artists can take pride in their orientation as well as their artistry. The increasing visibility of Gay America makes this the perfect time for this venture, which will provide valuable resources to LGBT artists and market their music to the mainstream as well.'
Sony Music Label Group has signed on as a charter sponsor of Wilderness Media's syndicated LGBT radio show, which shares the name TWIST. The TWIST radio show launches on January 14 & 15, 2006 on major FM stations across the nation including: Disney/ABC's 95.5 WPLJ (New York), Clear Channel's STAR 98.7 FM (Los Angeles), Infinity's ALICE 97.3 FM (San Francisco), Susquehanna's Q100.5 (Atlanta) and on the internet everywhere on AOL Radio.
TWIST label artists will benefit from access to and exposure through the network of brands in the Wilderness Media & Entertainment portfolio including Instinct Publishing and America Online. Additionally, TWIST artists will be served by the Sony Music Label Group's marketing, promotion and distribution channels.
