WARNER/REPRISE AWAKENS

Amid the negative press surrounding the recently annulled marriage of Warner Music Group and EMI, WMG flagship label Warner Bros./Reprise Records has seen a timely turnaround in its music operations.

Warner/Reprise re-emerged as the #1 label in the country—for last week, at least—with an 8.25% marketshare. The Bunny's comeback was generated by eight releases in the Top 50, from Green Day, Madonna, Paul Simon, Faith Hill, Barenaked Ladies, Disturbed, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Eric Clapton/ B.B. King. This week, the label scored a #11 bow from Orgy.

"We are fortunate to have so many great artists and a team of seasoned executives that is second to none," stated Warner Bros. Records Inc. President Phil Quartararo. "This achievement is much more than just a few big hits; when you look at our entire roster of artists, you see a real depth and variety to the music. And that will continue to be our hallmark as we move Warner/Reprise forward, making it even more successful and competitive in the marketplace."

Recently, the label has been the beneficiary of brisk sales runs from artists like Green Day, whose latest, "Warning," moved more than 170k in its debut last week; Madonna's "Music," which is approaching 1 million; and Barenaked Ladies' "Maroon," which has sold over 300,000. Chart regulars Red Hot Chili Peppers and Faith Hill, whose releases have been staples in the Top 50 for months, are both close to quadruple-Platinum.

"When a label is blessed with real artists, men and women with a strong point of view and a compelling way of expressing it—which is, after all, the bond between artists like Eric Clapton, Green Day, Barenaked Ladies, Madonna, Paul Simon, Orgy and the Chili Peppers—the fashion du jour becomes less paramount, less urgent," said Reprise President Howie Klein.

A strong believer in the development of artists and their careers, Klein attributes Warner/Reprise's current prosperity to the long-term commitments it has made.

"My main concern is that we have great artists who make great music," Klein said. "It goes back to A&R. The difference between the U.S. and U.K. models is the U.K. is looking for quick hits for singles and compilations. These acts go up and down the chart so quickly. In the U.S., we are trying to find unique artists that become important to the fans and the music industry alike. At our company, we are combining a great A&R and marketing team with real artists who are not some flavor of the month."

The remainder of the fourth quarter looks promising as well, with new albums coming from Enya, Dwight Yoakam, Randy Travis and Linkin Park, among others.

In addition, WB is looking to its jazz and black music divisions to expand in the coming year.