Fontana and Downtown Records Partner for Exclusive Distribution Deal

Fontana and Downtown Records Partner for Exclusive Distribution Deal

Interscope Records to Provide Strategic Marketing and Promotion Services for Select Albums

NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES, Sept. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Fontana, the independent distribution arm of Universal Music Group, the world's leading music company, has signed an exclusive distribution deal for North America with Downtown Records, the innovative independent label formed in 2006. In addition, Interscope Records will provide strategic marketing and promotion services for select albums. The announcement was made today by Jim Urie, President & Chief Executive Officer of Universal Music Group Distribution (UMGD), Interscope Records' Luke Wood and Josh Deutsch, Downtown Music's Chairman & Chief Executive Officer.

The initial Downtown release through Fontana will be the highly-anticipated new album from Cold War Kids, "Loyalty to Loyalty" on September 23, 2008. The record marks the band's follow up to their ground-breaking Downtown debut, "Robbers and Cowards." After Cold War Kids, Fontana will release albums from Downtown artists including Mos Def, Eagles of Death Metal, Kid Sister, MSTRKRFT, among others.

"Josh's remarkable achievements with Downtown clearly define creative leadership at its very best," stated Mr. Urie. "His determination, talent and passion for music make him, and his team, the perfect partners for Fontana. In a short period of time, they have built a home for truly inventive, highly creative artists and we are delighted to partner with them and to be associated with such wonderful talent."

"We are very excited about Downtown's relationship with Fontana Distribution. I am especially looking forward to working with Jim Urie and his talented and enthusiastic team as we all ready for success with our upcoming slate of exciting releases," said Mr. Deutsch. "The unique relationship we have created with Interscope provides the opportunity for Downtown to continue evolving as an independent music company, and at the same time partner with one of the most innovative and creative companies in the industry. Jimmy Iovine has been an inspiration to Downtown, and along with Luke Wood, who is one of the brightest stars in the music business, we are certain that we will benefit from this dynamic collaboration."

"In such a highly competitive business, Josh stands out as one of the most talented and resourceful creative executives," added Mr. Wood. "In addition to his achievements as a songwriter and producer, Josh has created a dynamic and successful company in Downtown. We view our relationship as a natural evolution and a win-win for both Interscope and Downtown."

About Fontana

Fontana Distribution, the independent arm of Universal Music Group Distribution (UMGD), provides unparalleled sales and marketing support, as well as back office services, for a diverse roster of labels and their artists. Fontana distributes more than 100 labels including Vagrant Records, Telarc, Eagle Rock, VP Records, American Gramaphone, Six Degrees, Nitro, SMC, Trustkill, Delicious Vinyl, ESL, Modular, Ministry of Sound, Ipecac, Strange Music, Music World, VH1 Classic Records, MySpace Records and many others. In addition, Fontana distributes select projects from Universal Music Group labels worldwide.

About Downtown Music

Downtown Music comprises an independent record label and music publishing company formed in 2006 by Josh Deutsch, Terence Lam and John Josephson. The label's roster includes Grammy winners Gnarls Barkley, Cold War Kids, Santogold, Spank Rock, Justice, Mos Def, Eagles of Death, Carla Bruni, Brett Dennen, Kid Sister and others. Downtown Music Publishing owns or controls over 3,000 titles recorded by artists including Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, Hannah Montana's Miley Cyrus and the cast of High School Musical 2. The company also represents writer/artists signed to Downtown Records such as Cold War Kids, Spank Rock, Brett Dennen, Carla Bruni and others. Downtown is also a joint venture partner in RCRD LBL, the premiere online, ad-supported digital music label offering free downloads in a blog format.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Universal Music Group

CONTACT: Maria Ho-Burge, maria.ho-burge@umusic.com, or Peter Lofrumento,
both of Universal Music Group, +1-212-331-2569; or Melissa Zukerman of
Downtown Music, +1-323-658-1555, melissa@pcommgroup.com

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Profile: International Entertainment