WRINKLED RECORDS ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF NASHVILLE-BASED LABEL AND INITIAL ARTIST SIGNINGS - INDUSTRY VETS TEAM TOGETHER FOR DIVERSE ARTISTS INCLUDING BJ THOMAS, BUFFY LAWSON, ETTA BRITT AND JIMBEAU HINSON
Created as a home for established artists who want to control their own futures apart from the major label system, three Nashville-based industry veterans have announced the formation of WRINKLED RECORDS. The label launches this week with the unveiling of their website: www.wrinkledrecords.com.
WRINKLED RECORDS is helmed by Grammy-nominated songwriter SANDY KNOX (Reba McEntire, Dionne Warwick, Neil Diamond) and multi-talented label executives KATIE GILLON (MCA Records, two-term NARAS/Nashville President) and STEPHEN McCORD (RCA Records, MCA Records). The founders say, “Wrinkled Records is a stimulating and nurturing home for unique artists who defy classification, catering to listeners with discerning taste, curious minds and adventurous spirits.” The label’s initial signings are BJ THOMAS, BUFFY LAWSON, ETTA BRITT and JIMBEAU HINSON (see information below).
WRINKLED RECORDS is a privately held, innovative record label that strives to create and distribute high quality music with a heartbeat, providing a creative outlet for a diverse group of independent songwriters and artists. Just as the name suggests, WRINKLED RECORDS represents the latest wrinkle in an ever-evolving music business paradigm. Unlike other labels, they champion the song before the single, art before commerce and unabashed artistic idealism in all its magnificent glory. Their goals are not bound by shareholder interests, music genre or age restrictions and they’re committed to artistic development, professional excellence, fan satisfaction, playing fair, community service and enriching lives through music.
Here’s some info on the label’s initial artist signings, with news on specific album release dates forthcoming in the new year:
BJ THOMAS: The legendary icon’s hits include his million-selling covers of Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” and “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head,” the Burt Bacharach/Hal David song from the film Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid. He also had a #1 pop hit in 1975 with “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song,” and went on to release four platinum Gospel albums as well as the theme--“As Long As We Got Each Other”--to the TV show “Growing Pains.”
BUFFY LAWSON: Her first recording was a duet with Neil Diamond, “Marry Me,” which was followed by a run as back-up singer for Lorrie Morgan. That brought her to a successful run as half of the duo BOMSHEL (Curb Records) who toured extensively with the likes of Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley and Trace Adkins. After stepping away from the music business, LAWSON was recruited by her longtime friend SANDY KNOX to record a new album. “I would say over the years, I am less about sparkles and more about fine soft suede.” says Lawson. “The songs on this Walt Aldridge-produced album, entitled Naked, are honest depictions of my journey thus far. I will always love Dolly and Cher, but the beauty of getting older is truly knowing who I am. Flaws, sparkles and all.”
ETTA BRITT: Etta broke into the music scene as part of the country music trio DAVE & SUGAR, who received nominations for CMA “Vocal Group Of The Year” five consecutive times. Her new album titled Out of the Shadows, produced by iconic guitarist Bob Britt, features collaborations with songwriters Rebecca Lynn Howard and Rachel Thibodeau and two songs by Michael McDonald. She also teams up with Delbert McClinton on his popular “Leap Of Faith.” "With some of the more uptempo things, I can picture someone sweeping their floor or groovin' along sitting in their car," says ETTA. "But with ‘The Chokin’ Kind,’ (a Harlan Howard classic), I want a big knot to come into their stomach. I just want to be able to touch people."
JIMBEAU HINSON: Co-writer (with David Lee Murphy) of the “Most Played Country Song” of 1995 “Party Crowd,” HINSON signed his first publishing deal at 16 and won his first ASCAP writing award a year later. Moving to Nashville after high school, he snagged a job managing The Oak Ridge Boys’ publishing companies, wrote songs and worked clubs. In the early 70's he made the brave choice to come out of the closet. “I was the first out and open bisexual singer/songwriter in Nashville,” says HINSON, who has been HIV-positive for 26 years but, with the help of modern medicine, is healthy now. Though it hurt his aspirations to be a recording artist, it didn’t stop his impressive career as a songwriter. His eclectic catalogue includes The Oak Ridge Boys #1 smash “(I’m Settin’) Fancy Free,” Steve Earle’s classic “Hillbilly Highway,” Patty Loveless’ first country single “After All” and Brenda Lee’s last, “Broken Trust.”
www.wrinkledrecords.com
info@wrinkledrecords.com
