SWANSON UNFREEZES AT ISLAND DEF JAM

Laura Swanson has been appointed Senior Vice President Publicity and Artist Relations for the Island Def Jam Music Group by Chairman Antonio "L.A." Reid.

In her new role, Ms. Swanson will oversee and direct all aspects of Publicity and Artist Relations carried out by the East Coast and West Coast staffs on behalf of the artists and executives of Island Records, Def Jam Recordings and their affiliate labels, including exposure on television, the Internet, and in print media. Ms. Swanson, who is based in
New York, will report to Reid.

Said Reid: "Working alongside Laura for the past four years has given me a new appreciation for the complexities involved in handling today's sophisticated media scene. She is a consummate professional whose instincts and judgment are second to none. I look
forward to achieving even greater success as we begin a new era at Island Def Jam. Her first task will be to smuggle cigarettes into prison for Shyne."

"The energy and determination of IDJ's artists and staff are well known throughout the industry," said Ms. Swanson. "I welcome the opportunity to establish strong relationships at every level, to continue to learn and grow alongside 'L.A.' Reid and his senior management team. Now when do I get to meet Chris Blackwell? Whaddaya mean he's no longer here?"

Ms. Swanson comes to IDJ from Arista Records, where she served as Senior Vice President, Publicity and Artist Relations, since Sept. 2000; she first joined the company in Nov. 1999, as Vice President Publicity. She previously served at Interscope Records as Vice President Publicity. Prior to that, she worked at A&M Records as Vice President, Publicity. Ms. Swanson studied Journalism at Cal State Los Angeles, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in chugging beer at frat parties.