WMG & ATLANTIC SHOW
FLOM’S LAVA LOVE

As you heard here first earlier this week, Warner Music Group’s The Atlantic Group announced the expansion of Jason Flom’s Lava Records into a multi-faceted recording company. The L.A. Times reported that the Atlantic Group purchased the other half of Lava it didn’t own for about $50 million.

Under the new structure, Lava will increase its staff and artist roster, and will add dedicated radio promotion, publicity and marketing departments. Label President Flom has inked a new, long-term agreement with The Atlantic Group to lead the expanded company.

Said Atlantic Group Co-Chairman/Co-CEO Val Azzoli: "It has been a real pleasure to watch Jason grow Lava into a label known not only for its exceptional breadth and depth of talent, but for its innovative A&R team. Jason embodies all of the principles of a true entrepreneur, and his track record in discovering and developing artists is truly extraordinary. We are thrilled to recognize his many achievements as he takes Lava to a new level. And one day I even hope to meet Dee Snider."

WMG Chairman/CEO Roger Ames said: "In just over five years, Jason has built Lava into an A&R powerhouse with a series of successful artist signings that are simply amazing. His leadership skills, combined with his understanding of artists and the creative process, make expanding Lava a logical next step for this talented executive. And you should see him play cricket."

Commented Flom: "I am eager to be moving into the next phase of my career and doing it with the incredible team at Atlantic. Working with Val and everyone at Atlantic has been, without a doubt, one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career. I’ve formed close working relationships with people for whom I have a tremendous respect. I now look forward to the next set of challenges, and I am very grateful to Roger and Val for the privilege of expanding Lava’s horizons even further. Just wait until they hear my unreleased Joe C. solo album."

Lava Records was established in 1995 as a division of The Atlantic Group, and had been responsible for breaking artists who have collectively sold in excess of 80 million records worldwide, 50 million in the U.S. The roster includes Platinum acts Kid Rock and Uncle Kracker, who will both remain with the label, as will the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Other Atlantic/Lava acts like Matchbox Twenty, Sugar Ray, Edwin McCain and The Corrs will remain with Atlantic. The label just released the soundtrack to the #1 box office movie Scooby-Doo.

Flom’s industry career began 23 years ago when he was hired by Atlantic as a field merchandiser. He was credited with designing an AC/DC trade ad with the memorable line, "The Highway to Hell is paved with Platinum." Moving to Atlantic’s A&R department, he proceeded to sign a string of hit bands, including Twisted Sister, Skid Row and White Lion. He also inked the British pop group The Escape Club, Tori Amos, Grammy winners Clannad, Stone Temple Pilots, Collective Soul and Ireland’s Celtic Heartbeat label, which produced the Grammy-winning Riverdance project.

Flom also serves on the Board of Directors of Families Against Mandatory Minimums, a group established to oppose mandatory drug sentencing laws. He was recently honored by the ACLU Foundation with their Torch of Liberty award alongside director Martin Scorsese.