THE FIRM TAPS KLEIN
AS GM OF NEW LABEL
Veteran music executive Deb Klein has been named GM of The Firm’s new music label.
CEO Jeff Kwatinetz browbeat Marc Pollack into writing him the following statement: “Deb Klein has experience in every corner of the music business. She is the ideal executive to help us lead the way in creating a new kind of business model that will succeed in this fast-changing market. In her two years with The Firm, Deb has demonstrated a unique understanding of the music industry and a wonderful ability to work with and care for artists. But if she thinks that means getting an automatic seat at our weekly poker game, she’s got another thing coming.”
Klein joined The Firm in 2004, where she was integral in breaking such prominent acts as hard rockers Flyleaf and SoCal punks Yellowcard. Klein previously worked as a music attorney, head of Taang! Records her own management firm. She will manage all operations of Firm Music, the label’s interim name.
"I’m excited to be a part of a team dedicated to changing the music business and empowering artists," Klein said. "We already are redefining relationships between label, artist and management. I’m grateful to Jeff and The Firm for giving me the opportunity to help launch this amazing new venture. And one day, I even hope to meet Mike Ovitz."
The Firm also announced the hiring of veteran Minnesota radio executive Wendy Ellis, who will handle radio promotions, marketing and tour marketing for the new label and The Firm’s roster of clients.
Ellis had been marketing director for Active Rock powerhouse KXXR-FM in Minneapolis since 1999, during which time she helped launch the station’s online presence and produced or co-produced several station-related live concerts. Ellis previously worked as Promotions Director for the station and its predecessors, KXXP-FM and KXXU-FM, and as a promotions executive for KEDG-FM in Minneapolis.
The Firm and Firm Music previously announced the hiring of veteran Lori Rischer to handle radio promotion and marketing activities for both the label and Firm clients.
The Firm and EMI North America announced the new label’s launch in early July. EMI will distribute Firm Music releases in the United States, and has licensing rights for the rest of the world. Firm Music artists forgo traditional album advances in exchange for participating in a partnership that shares profits across all revenue sources, including touring, merchandise and music sales.
The label’s first release will be the debut album from rock supergroup Army of Anyone, with Filter’s Richard Patrick and Stone Temple Pilots’ Dean and Robert DeLeo. The album is set for release Nov. 14 release, with its first single, "Goodbye," currently receiving airplay on 85 stations nationwide, generating more than 5 million impressions.
In December, the label will release a compilation CD and DVD featuring songs culled from 2006's highly successful Family Values Tour, with music and performances by Korn, Deftones, Stone Sour, Flyleaf and Dir en Grey, among others. In 2007, multi-platinum recording artist and actress Mandy Moore will debut on Firm Music with her new album.
