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| Bill
Walker, CEO Jay King, director of classic
R&B division, Pebo Rodriguez, vice
president of A&R/ general manager. |
Imagine
your favorite old school artist releasing hot new music.
What would it be like if Lakeside had another CD coming
out, or if Lenny Williams was crooning an updated love
song? How about Michael Cooper giving up the funk one
mo’ gin?
Well imagine no more. Bill Walker, CEO of Thump
Records had the same idea and decided to act on it.
Heralded as “the originators and innovators of the old school”
his label, Thump Records, is set to reposition itself as the
original home of classic R&B. With a vision to infuse a
fresh spirit and energy into the classic R&B and old school
music scene, Walker is signing up our favorite old school acts and
releasing their new sounds!
In an effort to fully execute his plan,
Walker has appointed industry veteran and R&B artist Jay
King as the director of his new classic R&B division.
In addition, Thump Records and has already confirmed Lakeside,
Midnight Star, Michael Cooper, Lenny Williams and Club
Nouveau as signings.
An executive and artist, King is more than
equipped for the task. King was 23 years old when he created
a new chapter in musical history by single-handedly producing,
pressing, marketing and promoting the million selling smash
“Rumors” by the Timex Social Club, turning it into the biggest
selling independent R&B 12” single in history. He then
went on to form Club Nouveau, spawning such hits as “Lean On
Me,” “Why You Treat Me So Bad,” “Situation #9,” and
“Jealousy,” with Club Nouveau becoming one of the most
distinctive and original groups to influence the contemporary
music scene.
“King has the integrity, insight and
ability to direct Thump as a new industry leader. As an
artist, he has the compassion to understand the needs of the
artist, while his industry background allow him the capability to
conduct savvy business,” expressed Walker.
“The incredible fan base these super groups have amassed over
their legendary careers is a testament to their strong brand name
recognition and staying power,“ offers Pebo Rodriquez,
vice president of A&R/ general manager for Thump Records.
“These groups continue to perform their global hits worldwide to
millions of fans, fans that support them at their live
performances and who thirst for their new music. Thump
recognizes the fact that these hall of fame groups need a home
with major label distribution and marketing and that is what we
are providing. We are very excited about taking our place in
history alongside these exciting artists! And wait till you
hear the music!"
With a concept of “every artist is
important and every release is important,” Thump is
incorporating an innovative approach with each artist signing.
By licensing the new recordings of classic R&B acts, the label
is offering partnership deals where the artists own the masters.
This is no small matter in a day and age where record companies
are known to retain ownership of master recordings and accrue the
lion’s share of artist earnings.
“Bill has a very cinematic vision for
his label,” cites King. “Each artist will be paid
royalties from the first record sold to the last record sold.
This concept is something I have campaigned for over the last
decade and it is refreshing to align myself with a label that
finally gets it. In addition, it is a dream to be able to
pay tribute to and honor the musicians who have landscaped our
lives with their music and continue to do so through music
sampling today.”
Thump Records will release new music in May,
offering two CD releases per month. “It’s going to be
very exciting,” promises Walker. “We’re taking classic
acts and letting them give what they've always given, music that
will appeal to everyone, music that will be classic by any
standard.”
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