(CelebrityAccess MediaWire)
Artist development company/label Rock Ridge Music launched a new offering on October 1. Entitled Rock Ridge Unsigned, the program will provide unsigned bands with a premium online digital-only distribution avenue as well as fully-integrated online marketing support. A campaign would include a new release bulletin to over 500 online media outlets (including major portals such as AOL, MSN, Launch/Yahoo, etc.), streaming media services, airplay on the newly-launched Rock Ridge Radio station (http://www.rockridgeradio.com), and inclusion in their ringtone store. Digital distribution would be via all expected online outlets (i.e. iTunes, Napster, MusicMatch, Real, etc., and all emerging respectable digital sales portals). In order for consideration, artists must be unsigned and have a finished EP or full-length ready for distribution.
"Proper distribution channels are key for professional independent musical groups,” says Jason Spiewak, who directs Rock Ridge’s A&R and New Media endeavors. “Our unsigned program is designed to make premiere online outlets available to independent acts, and to help developing artists grow their careers on their own terms."
Rock Ridge offers a unique digital home for artists among an existing roster, which currently includes The Ike Reilly Assassination, Five.Bolt.Main, Legbone, Sinch, and Stroke 9, and current/recent online marketing clients: Sister Hazel (Sixthman), Better Than Ezra (Artemis), Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society (Artemis), Cantinero (Artemis), Danko Jones (Razor & Tie), Rick James DVD (Eagle Rock), Puddle Of Mudd DVD (Eagle Rock), Dickie Betts (Eagle Rock), Tremolo (Flagship Recordings), Brett Dennen (Flagship Recordings), Eugene Edwards (Flagship Recordings), Randy & the Bloody Lovelies (Cheap Lullaby), and Rene Lopez (Independent).
Rock Ridge entered the digital-only release realm over the summer with a four-song EP from The Ike Reilly Assassination entitled “Sparkle in the Finish: The B Sides.” Following on the heels of that was a two-song release from Five.Bolt.Main in August. Rock Ridge plans a number of digital-only releases this fall from Tony Lucca, Sound The Alarm, Stroke 9, Domeshots, Sinch, and Halfdown Thomas.
Rock Ridge plans to scout artists for this program through the Internet, through their extensive network of street team members and organically through word-of-mouth. They will also accept submissions, and prospective bands for the Unsigned program are encouraged to email the label at info@rockridgemusic.com to start the submission process.
