S-CURVE SWERVES TO EMI

EMI Recorded Music has officially signed a long-term licensing and distribution agreement with Steve Greenberg and his S-Curve Records, the New York-based independent record label Greenberg founded last year. The move had been expected (hitsdailydouble.com, 11/19).

S-Curve is home to the Baha Men, whose album Who Let the Dogs Out, has sold 5 million copies OTC in the U.S.

Under the agreement, EMI will distribute S-Curve repertoire in the U.S. and license it in the rest of the world. In addition to the Baha Men, S-Curve’s artist roster includes new acts Gabrielle's Sisters, Jessica Sheeley and Goofy.

The deal reunites Greenberg with EMI CEO Alain Levy and EMI Vice Chairman David Munns. The team worked together during their years at PolyGram.

Prior to establishing S-Curve, Greenberg was Senior VP and head of A&R for the then PolyGram-owned Mercury Records where he discovered the pop/rock group Hanson and executive-produced their 10 million-selling album Middle of Nowhere.

"Steve is a record man through and through with a very broad-based A&R background," said Munns. "We are delighted that he is bringing his talents and his team to EMI, and I hope he’ll show me how to let the dogs out."

Greenberg said: "I am thrilled to be back in business with Alain Levy and David Munns. The next few years promise to be an exciting time for EMI and I am confident that S-Curve Records will develop a number of hit artists in conjunction with EMI and our U.S. label partner, Capitol Records. Now, maybe Andy Slater will send me the Pink Floyd Echoes CD."