SONY URBAN ANNOUNCES NATIONWIDE HIP-HOP/R&B SHOWCASE SERIES Music Giant Seeking Rappers, Singers and Producers
NEW YORK, NY February 28, 2004--Sony Urban, a division of Sony Music that counts such chart-topping acts as Beyonce, Bow Wow, Ginuwine, L’il Flip, Xzibit and Nas on its artist roster as well as underground stalwarts such as Bravehearts, Grafh and DJ Kayslay, Three 6 Mafia and is launching a nationwide search for America’s hottest undiscovered rap, hip-hop and R&B talent. The label has announced it will sponsor a 20-city showcase event series in markets throughout the U.S. in 2004. Sony Urban is looking for rappers, singers and producers.
The showcases will be co-produced by local hip-hop promoters in each market. Invited participants will be screened and selected through a music submission process administered by Sony Urban and showcase production partner GigAmerica. Aspiring artists are encouraged to visit www.gigamerica.com/sony/index.asp for submission guidelines and other details. The submission period will vary according to the Showcase schedule. Showcase dates and locations will be announced on the Sony and GigAmerica Web sites later this month. The entire Showcase Series is expected to run for 8-10 months.
“GigAmerica is one of the premier independent music resources in the country,” said Sony Urban A&R executive Joe Cerini. “We’re very excited to be working with them to find America’s hottest new hip-hop and R&B talent.” Sony Urban Senior VP of A&R Dino DelVaille added “This Showcase Series is about taking a good look at underground artists from all over the US, especially those without high-powered managers and attorneys to shop their music. Sony Urban always has an ear to the streets and these showcases will take us directly into the markets where the stars of tomorrow live.”
Up to 50 acts per night will be heard by Sony A&R reps, who will fly from New York City to attend each of the showcases. Announced cities that will host Sony Urban showcases include Boston, Virginia Beach, Charlotte, Birmingham, Montgomery, Jackson, Louisville, Atlanta, New Orleans, Orlando, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Memphis, San Antonio, Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbus, Detroit, Denver, San Francisco and Los Angeles. More cities may be announced later.
Sony Urban is the home of many of the world’s most popular hip-hop and R&B performers, including Destiny’s Child, Kelly Rowland, Jagged Edge and Amerie.
This article courtesy of http://www.wanwanshu.com.
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