Most of the world knows the name Yamaha when it comes to musical instruments . Now they are launching their own record label.
Yamaha has formed a new division called Yamaha Entertainment Group making a one-stop-shop record label.
Yamaha Entertainment Group of America has devised a completely new business model for rising and established artists, and has built a full-service recording and video production studio in Franklin, Tennessee to support the new venture. The new division will work with artists to record, produce, brand, publish, license, market, publicize and sell original audio and video content. Yamaha Entertainment Group of America will employ the services of Alternative Distribution Alliance (ADA)—a leading distributor of independent labels—to market, promote and distribute its releases.
Currently recording in the Yamaha Entertainment Group of America studios is London-based rock band LEOGUN, affiliated with Elton John’s Rocket Entertainment Group. The band will release a single, “Let’s Be Friends,” on Tuesday September 11th, and will perform at the Yamaha Entertainment Group of America launch party at the historic Whisky A Go Go in Los Angeles on September 13. LEOGUN will release a five-song EP through Yamaha Entertainment Group of America on October 16 and a full-length album in February 2013. Yamaha Entertainment Group of America plans to release five records per year, including upcoming projects in queue such as an album celebrating renowned bassist Nathan East.
“I am extremely lucky with the people who work within the Elton John organization, many of whom, like Yamaha, have been with me for decades,” said Elton John. “I would definitely include Yamaha in my musical ‘family,’ and I am both pleased and impressed that they have seen the potential in LEOGUN, who are already signed to my management company, and have now signed the band to their new record label. I’m also impressed that in these difficult times Yamaha has the confidence and vision to start a new record label. Yamaha and I have a successful relationship based on mutual respect and an overwhelming love of music, and I am sure that their relationship with LEOGUN will be equally enjoyable and productive.”
Yamaha has a long history of utilizing their vast artist roster and producing concerts, recorded music and films for its own promotional initiatives. This tradition will continue to expand and develop with the launch of Yamaha Entertainment Group of America, including a special production surrounding Elton John and his Las Vegas residency. Yamaha Entertainment Group of America served a pivotal role in the development of Elton John’s Million Dollar Piano, an elaborate Las Vegas production that features a custom-designed instrument. The group has filmed a documentary about the making of the piano and the show and has been contracted by Elton John to produce the live DVD release of the show.
Leveraging its longstanding relationships with some of the world’s top musical artists and key industry contacts, Yamaha Entertainment Group of America is able to offer exclusive autographed gear and unique packages, including backstage experiences and meet and greets.
The first sweepstakes and promotions launched under the Yamaha Entertainment Group of America umbrella included “Promises and Lucky Breaks” with Jon McLaughlin and the “Summer Symphony Sweepstakes” with Sarah McLachlan. Each campaign included two components: the opportunity to purchase a one-of-a-kind product and a sweepstakes. Fans gained exclusive access to limited edition, signed Yamaha instruments and received the opportunity to win artist meet and greets and other personalized prizes.
Other promotions, which are scheduled for rollout through the end of the year, hope to include John Legend, Young the Giant, James Taylor, Luke Bryan, Sara Bareilles, Greyson Chance, Michael W. Smith, LEOGUN and Elton John.
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