BONE IN, PUTZ OUT
Bone was previously Executive VP for Capricorn Records from 1998-2000 and "Minister of Truth" for Rick Rubin's Def American label from 1992-95. Bone and Blackwell previously worked together at Island Records in 1990, when Bone was named President after Island was sold to PolyGram (which was to become part of the Vivendi/Universal Music Group). A great many spliffs have been smoked since then.
Bone said it was a pleasure to be reunited with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Blackwell. "We never really had the chance to achieve our maximum potential in the past. Our vision at Palm is to utilize Chris' new multimedia company to execute new and creative marketing ideas for artists. And to get back the money Phil Walden owes me."
Added Blackwell: "Mike's experience in the music business is extensive and he has worked with an eclectic range of artists, similar to the developing roster at Palm. I believe, with his management skills and the team in place, we will be able to create a different kind of music label utilizing all the assets Palm Pictures has to offer. I am very excited to reconnect with Mike once again. Especially since he was willing to work so cheap."
Palm Pictures recently split with Rykodisc to become a standalone label. Blackwell's audio/visual entertainment company is actively involved in the production, acquisition and distribution of music and independent film projects, with a particular focus on DVD. The record label is now home to Cousteau, Seven Channels, Supreme Beings of Leisure, Local H, Baaba Maal, Skindive, nortec collective, Lisa Roxanne, the Mad Capsule Markets, Mocean Worker, Dieselboy and a trio of labels in Bill Laswell's Axiom, Bruno Guez's Quango and Steve Lillywhite's Gobstopper.
In other news, BMG's Walter Putz, Koln Musik Manager and founder of the Chlodwig Music imprint, will be leaving the company on June 30. If you're keeping track, that means Schmidt-Holtz, Stein and Smellie are in, Putz is out.
