CAPLAN GRABS SONY MUSIC LABEL GROUP A&R POST

The man who helped launch the career of Hasidic toastmeister Matisyahu as well as multi-platinum artists Los Lonely Boys through his Or Music imprint is returning to his label home.

Michael Caplan has been named Senior Vice President A&R for Sony Music Label Group U.S by CEO Don Ienner, to whom he'll report.

Caplan will also serve as President of NuHaven Music, a new imprint headquartered at RED Distribution's New York offices, which will be distributed through both RED Distribution and Sony BMG Sales Enterprise.

Caplan was most recently President of the RED-distribbed indie Or Music, which he co-founded. Los Lonely Boys and Matisyahu each had debut albums that were released first by Or and later in cooperation with Epic Records. Prior to launching Or Music, Mr. Caplan
served as Senior Vice President of A&R for Epic Records from 1998-2002.

Said Ienner: "Michael is one of the most capable A&R executives I've ever known, and it's great to welcome him back to the Sony Music Label Group. He's got a great set of ears, and a fantastic history of building careers from the ground up, while always maintaining the integrity of the artist and the music. Michael's vision, talent and dedication will make him a key player as we continue to intensify the Group's A&R efforts. And now we will have two sets of plates in the office kitchen to keep kosher."

Added Sony Music Label Group President/COO Michele Anthony. "Michael Caplan is devoted to music and artists. He brings a unique and seasoned perspective to our A&R team, and a real feel for what makes an artist great. And we get to kindle the Sabbath tapers every Friday at sundown."

Commented Caplan: "I've known Don Ienner for more than 20 years, and have always respected him. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to work directly with him and with Michele Anthony again. They both understand that music is a true calling and I'm very happy to be able to work with people who are so passionate about the same things that I am. And I'm glad to say I'm no longer a Lonely Boy."

Mr. Caplan first joined Epic Records in 1983 as Associate Director, Adult Oriented Rock Promotion, and in 1986 became Director, Talent Acquisition East Coast for the label. In 1989, he became Vice President, A&R, Epic Records, where he was responsible for signing and developing such artists as Ginuwine, Living Colour, Bad Brains, Godfathers, Peter Himmelman, the Allman Brothers Band, October Project and Firehouse.

He revived the prestigious OKeh label in January 1993, signing and developing contemporary blues artists including G. Love & Special Sauce, Keb' Mo', Alvin "Youngblood" Hart, Little Axe and Popa Chubby.

From 1996-1998, he served as Senior Vice President, A&R, for 550 Music and, from 1998-2002 he was Senior Vice President, A&R, Epic Records. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Clark University in Massachusetts, where he majored in panty raids and bongloading.