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127th AES Convention Coverage (New York, NY Oct. 9-12)
PRESS RELEASE
Fender Records Seeking Talent for CD
November 11, 2002
Advertisement Offering musicians from around the world a chance at their first "big break", Fender Records is teaming-up with Ocean Pacific Apparel Corp. (Op), the California lifestyle brand, to spotlight new musical talent. Fender and Op will produce a CD album tentatively titled Op "Emerging," which will feature up-and-coming, unsigned bands and music artists that exemplify the youthful lifestyle shared by both Fender and Op consumers. Now under way and slated to conclude Dec. 15, the Fender/Op artist search will take place on the Web. Aspiring musicians who want to participate can upload an MP3 song file at www.fender.com for consideration by Fender and Op, who will cull the list of contenders to a select group of 20. A panel including action sports and music industry celebrities will choose finalists, and winners will be awarded a contract with Fender Records for their single on Op "Emerging." "Music and action sports are so inextricably linked that it had to come to pass that Fender, the largest guitar and amplifier originator in the world, could do something really huge with Op, the original action sports brand," says Ritchie Fliegler, senior vice president of market development, Fender Musical Instruments Corp. (Fender). If any breakout artists emerge though the project, they will be eligible to be signed to a full-fledged, long-term recording contract with Fender Records. Op will continue to be associated with and have a sponsorship affiliation with artists throughout their entire contract with Fender Records. The CD is scheduled for release late spring 2003. In addition to standard retail distribution, Op "Emerging" will be sold on Fender's Web site (www.fender.com) and through Rhino's Web site (www.rhino.com). It will also be available at Op portals, including Web sites (www.op.com and www.opclassic.com) and retail outlets. Fender and Op will donate a portion of album proceeds to a mutually agreed upon charity. Fender and Op will work in concert with Mandalay Branded Entertainment, selecting the artists, songs and overall architecture of the CD, which will be distributed and marketed by Rhino Records. Songs will be recorded from the ground, up, and produced by Spencer Proffer of Mandalay and Fender Records vice president of A&R Steve Plunkett. The first CD in the Op "Emerging" series will feature ten performers, including several well-known personalities in the action sports community who are also accomplished musicians. To shore up the remaining spots on the performers list, Fender, Op and Mandalay will this year launch a major talent search to find the most exciting, viable artists whose styles will reflect the "sounds" of Op via Fender and its products. Among other initiatives, Fender plans to manufacture limited edition Op-branded guitars, and a nationwide tour of Op "Emerging" artists is being considered. For more information, visit their web site at http://www.fender.com/.Recent Fender headlines
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