SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Top40 Charts/ SMC Recordings) - SMC Recordings Inc. (PINKSHEETS: SMCE) SMC Recordings, Inc. announced today that it has entered into a partnership with the South Pacific's number one urban entertainment company, to bring their releases to the US. The independent Hip Hop label based in South Auckland, New Zealand has sold 2.5 million records across 30 releases. The label was catapulted onto the US Billboard charts, when their already platinum selling artist in New Zealand, Savage, released his smash hit "Swing."
As currently planned, SMC Recordings anticipates that Savage will be the first Dawn Raid release through SMC Recordings in the US. SMC Recordings believes that Savage was the first Samoan artist to ever go platinum in the US. His success was pushed by his single, "Swing," which impacted the charts in 2008 after appearing in the Blockbuster smash, "Knocked Up," which starred Seth Rogen. To date the rapper has sold over 2.1 million copies in digital singles and ringtones of "Swing." Preceding that, his single "Moonshine" featuring Akon was certified Platinum in 2005 and was Akon's first No 1 hit record in the world.
"SMC have proven themselves to be a forward thinking independent operator with a clear vision for their artists and labels they represent. As we transition into a new era of the music business we want to be in partnership with people that understand niche markets like pacific Hip Hop and can add value to our label and ultimately our fans," said Andy Murnane, CEO of Dawn Raid Entertainment.
SMC Recordings continues to take efforts which, if successful, may allow SMC Recordings to become a leader in Independent Hip Hop labels, with a roster that includes a diverse mix of Hip Hop legends such as Rakim and bringing underground artists such as the jacka on the Billboard charts. Dawn Raid artists fit right in line with their market. If circumstances allow and if market conditions permit, SMC Recordings anticipates that it may be entering into a similar partnership with Dawn Raid to distribute SMC artists in the New Zealand and Australian markets under the Universal umbrella that they are both distributed through.
"We are delighted to make Dawn Raid a part of the SMC family and look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with them. We believe in them as a company and a management team and see nothing but tremendous success ahead," shared SMC CEO Ralph Tashjian.
Other Dawn Raid artists that may be released through SMC Recordings in the United States may include: Monsta, a Long Beach-based rapper who is a member of Underground legendary rapper Yukmouth's (platinum selling duo The Luniz) group "The Regime." Ganxsta Ridd, the lead MC for the pioneering West Coast Rap/Rock group Boo Ya Tribe, Aaradhna, a female R&B singer who has worked with Raphael Saadiq and DJ Quik. Compilation albums are also scheduled for release and include Pacific Reggae Hits Volume 1 & 2, featuring the best of Pacific Reggae artists.
Savage's "The Tribal Council" in stores October 5, 2010 www.smcrecordings.com.
About SMC Recordings:
Established in March of 2005, SMC Recordings is a small company that is home to certain independent music and artists. Based in San Francisco, CA, the company's prized accomplishment is its unique philosophy of artist development, where artists are encouraged to participate with the label from inception through maintenance of their careers. This innovative structure has garnered industry veterans to join the company and aid in its growth.
SMC is distributed by Fontana, the indie distribution subsidiary of Universal. It is SMC's humble regional beginnings and loyalty to their artists and their careers that will guarantee the company to always be on the precipice of creativity and expansion in the music game.
