WHEELS 2.0: BETWEEN ROCK AND
A MELLOW PLACE
This week’s spotlight comes From Erica Ramon, who will tell you guys about a band from Denver that is starting to create quite the buzz while generating a ton of airplay. Also, check out my interview with Ted Joseph, head of Odds On Records. Keep feedin’ the inbox: [email protected]
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
The Epilogues (www.theepilogues.com/): You may not think of Denver as a rock hot bed of rock stars, but The Epilogues are quickly changing that perception, as they infiltrate live venues and radio stations across the U.S. Without a label, they’re already spinning at WRFF, WBRU, KZND, KITS and WVIC, while also getting major research at KTCL, and they’ve been added by KRAB. Booked by ICM, they’ve got sold-out headlining shows at The Gothic Theatre and back-to-back shows at The Bluebird Theatre, as well Live 105’s BFD and The Monster Evergy KRAB Free for All with Cold War Kids and Awolnation. The Epilogues have played alongside bands from All American Rejects to Phoenix and The Sounds and have played numerous major festivals, including the Vans Warped Tour, SXSW and CMJ. By this point, you should be wondering why you haven’t gotten on this bandwagon yet. Look out for their third release, coming later this year, and stop being the last of your friends to get with what’s cool. Start sniffing.
WHAT’S HOT
Graham Colton (www.grahamcolton.com): Graham’s fourth full-length, Pacific Coast Eyes, has reached #11 overall and #4 Pop on iTunes, and he’s just released the title track as a single. This Oklahome City-born singer/songwriter has shared stages with such acts as Kelly Clarkson, Colbie Caillat, Maroon 5, John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band and Counting Crows, as well as appearing on Regis & Kelly, Leno, Craig Ferguson, Ellen and Letterman. He’ll embark on a full tour this spring. If you don’t know about Graham, we suggest you check him out and make up for lost time. He’s a client of Red Light Management.
EMAIL Q&A WITH TED JOSEPH
How did you get your start in the music business?
Back in my hometown Detroit in the mid-’70s, I got my first taste of the music business working for an independent record distributor, Arc Jay Kay. After a year there, I moved on to Warner Bros. Records, where I worked for 23 years!
For those who may or may not know, tell everyone about Odds On Records, the label you run out of Vegas, and where you see your label going from here.
We combine both old-school expertise and new-school technology. We want to be a label artists love to be with. No multiple layers of beaureaucracy, no BS—just effective marketing campaigns. We’re agressively looking to grow the label.
Odds On has Air Supply and the hot duo UltraViolet Sound, whose album dropped digitally this week. Can you tell us what your plan is for these two acts, who are at very different stages of their careers?
We’ve been so pleased with the success of Air Supply. With the single "Dance With Me," we were able to chart their first single in Billboard since 1993. They are real pros who tour 11 months each year. For UVS, we’re now working on the second single "Girl Talk" at radio, and UVS is working on embarking on a tour this summer.
What type of bands/groups are you looking to sign to represent your brand?
We’re open to all formats of music here at the label. Our goal is to customize a long-range development campaign for each artist on our roster. We’re looking for exciting artists that make great music and connect with the music consumer.
Being that you’re in Vegas, which hotel best describes your personality?
The Wynn—classy & smooth!
