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Kindred Rhythm inks deal with KOCH Entertainment

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New York City based music services company, Now Forward Music, launches their new Kindred Rhythm label division with modern philosophies and a diverse set of debut releases.

Now Forward Music, Inc. has signed with Koch Entertainment Distribution for US and Canadian distribution of their new label division, Kindred Rhythm Music Group. The new division, led by company president Doug Yoel, will focus on co-operative projects with artist imprints, overseas labels, and domestic independents.

Since 1998, Now Forward Music (formerly known as International Groovy Productions) has handled the domestic marketing and management of Dreyfus Records and its related imprints, Dreyfus Jazz, Disques Dreyfus, Birdology and Le Maquis.

“We’ve survived these last few years because we’ve developed a fluid approach," explains Doug Yoel. “The landscape changes every day. We’ve learned to re-write the play book with each new album. That’s one of the few luxuries of being small and independent – we can shift gears quickly without congressional hearings." This intuitiveness and flexibility helped to bring success to recent projects by Bireli Lagrene, Ahmad Jamal, Lucky Peterson, Mingus Big Band, Klement Julienne and 2005 Grammy Nominee Roy Haynes.

Kindred Rhythm’s first releases, due on April 26, will be in collaboration with Golden Beams Productions, an artist imprint owned by jazz heavyweight Jack DeJohnette (also a 2005 Grammy Nominee). The pioneering drummer will open his musical world up to his fans through the simultaneous release of two singular projects: a stunning duet with the revered Gambian Kora player Foday Musa Suso called Music From The Hearts of the Masters; and a sublime recording of relaxation / meditation music entitled Music in the Key of Om.

“More and more artists are now seeing the value in releasing their own product. It allows them to retain ownership, control the musical direction, and have a more interactive role in their album’s presentation in the marketplace," explains Yoel. “Our company offers these artists invaluable tools to make their imprints a reality. We put together high-impact campaigns for realistic budgets."

“I’ve always admired artist-run labels such as Acoustic Disc and Righteous Babe, and how they’ve been able to celebrate every nuance of the principal artist’s work. I think Jack DeJohnette’s Golden Beams label will be every bit as exciting, and we’re thrilled to be a part of it."

Kindred Rhythm’s next releases will be in partnership with Apria Records, a St. Louis based independent with an eclectic roster of contemporary adult, world and jazz artists. In June they will release The Art of Intimacy, the debut album by soulful adult contemporary vocalist Veronica Martell. Singles “You’d Have To Be Blind" and “Dreams," a cover of the Fleetwood Mac classic, will be serviced to adult radio formats this Spring.

Future Kindred Rhythm releases will follow the same independent spirit through an eclectic mix of genres: Electronic, world, jazz, singer/songwriter, adult alternative and related genres.

Now Forward Music is very pleased to distribute their new Kindred Rhythm label through KOCH Entertainment Distribution. “We’ve done great business together with the Dreyfus labels, and we’re looking forward to much success with our latest endeavor. They’ve been great to work with – they understand our goals and they’re always very encouraging."

“We are very excited about our new relationship with Now Forward Music Inc. and its debut label venture Kindred Rhythm Music Group," says Michael Rosenberg, President of KOCH Entertainment Distribution. “We've enjoyed working with Doug Yoel and Dreyfus and we look forward to working closely with Doug and his new roster of artists."

Now Forward Music is a small and efficient firm well versed in the areas of promotion, marketing, and public relations. It is led by Doug Yoel, an industry veteran of 17 years who brings a great diversity of experience and talent to the company. For the last seven years, he’s directed the US division of Paris-based Dreyfus Records, best known as home to electronic music god-father Jean Michel Jarre; European jazz masters Michel Petrucciani and Bireli Lagrene; and American jazz legends such as Ahmad Jamal and Roy Haynes. An accomplished musician in his own right, his resume also includes several album productions, many of which were Grammy-nominated, and eight years of broadcasting and programming experience at WBAB-FM, the venerable Long Island rock station.

KOCH Entertainment Distribution is the leading and fastest-growing independent music and video company in the U.S. and its operations encompass record and video labels and distribution companies in the U.S. and Canada. KOCH Entertainment is the market leader among independents in both the U.S. and Canada and its record labels had the largest number of Billboard charting albums among independents in 2003/2004.

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