FLIP/GEFFEN WARMS TO COLD
The band, which has been together for 15 years, starting with high school gigs in hometown Atlanta, was discovered by Fred Durst, who produced the demos. The group went on to tour with Marilyn Manson, Weezer and Limp Bizkit.
Said Geffen President Jordan Schur “Thing”: “We’ve tried to allow the band to maintain its authenticity and credibility with their fans, but also evolve to the point where radio and TV can now expand that audience. Cold makes music that is unique in the marketplace. And now they’ve made a career record, where the sound has evolved and the rest of the world has become aware of them. After five years of development, touring and releasing records, they now have the best of both worlds. As a record company, that’s the point you hope to get to with an artist.”
The new album, produced by Howard Benson (P.O.D., Reveille), reflects the “emotional turbulence” experienced by singer/lyricist Scooter Ward during the past year, when he learned that both his sister and his girlfriend had cancer. New songs like “Cure My Tragedy,” “Rain Song,” “Wasted Years,” “Suffocate” and “Don’t Belong” reflect Ward’s pain more directly and personally than ever, the lyrics clearly enunciated, the newly polished arrangements in the service of the words and feelings. “There’s darkness in this music,” says Ward. “But because of the inspiration I’ve gotten from my sister, and the trust that our fans have shown us, there’s light, too, and this sense that everything’s going to be better.”
If the first single from the album is any indication, things are already looking up, with “Stupid Girl,” featuring a cameo appearance by Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo, closing in on the Top 10 Active Rock while going Top 20 PoMo.
Said IGA marketing/sales guru Steve Berman: “The band and Jordan have had a clear vision all along about doing the work it takes to develop into a major force in rock, and now they’ve delivered the album that’s gonna take us there.”
Marketing/promotion initiatives include:
—An in-store performance at Tower Records, Sherman Oaks, CA (5/14), followed by a special show at L.A.’s Roxy that night, with tickets given away through local indie LINCS retailers.
—Free limited-edition DVD with purchase of new album.
—Online downloads of “Stupid Girl” and “Stupid Girl (My Life Is Long)” Chris Vrenna remix.
—MSN chat online (5/12).
—Performing on Kimmel (5/15).
—Tour dates with Godsmack in May and Staind in June, along with selected Lollapalooza dates.
—Radio festivals, including KROX Austin; DC101 Chili Cook Off; WDYL Richmond, VA; KXXR/93X Minneapolis; WXDX Burgettstown, PA; WEDG Buffalo; WLZR Lazerfest, Milwaukee; WXTM Cleveland; KQRC Kansas City, KS; and KPNT St. Louis.
—“Stupid Girl”’ video streamed online; “Stupid Girl” e-cards.
—Marc Webb-directed video added at MTV, MTV2, Fuse.
—Features to run in Circus, Drum, Guitar One, Guitar World, Hit Parader, Metal Edge, Request, Revolver.
