PLAYWIRE PARTNERS WITH DEF JAM RECORDINGS TO CREATE NEW DIGITAL REVENUE STREAMS FOR ARTISTS

Playwire, a division of Playwire Media, announced that it has partnered with iconic music label Def Jam Recordings to develop new digital revenue streams for their artists globally that leverage both technology and ad sales. Their main goal is helping artists, publishers, and content creators develop sustainable revenue streams for their business without having to sacrifice copyright and trademark ownership of their content.

"As a publisher first organization, we are determined to provide artists and publishers with technology and services that keeps them in the business of producing great content," said Jayson Dubin, CEO and Founder of Playwire Media. "Def Jam is one of the most iconic brands in music, and boasts one of the most influential artist rosters globally. Their ingenuity and forward thinking are pushing the music industry forward, and we are excited to partner with Def Jam in this new venture."

This partnership reaffirms Def Jam's commitment to embracing ad supported services and business models, while positioning them as an innovator in digital by exerting more control over two critical assets that advertisers want: large audiences and big data. With access models now accounting for almost 30% of total industry revenues, managing the buying and selling of music audiences to advertisers is quickly becoming the future of recorded music revenues," said Dubin.

The Playwire technology platform, as well as Playwire Media's ever-growing network, allows Def Jam to create additional digital ecosystems for both the Def Jam brand and its talent. By leveraging strategic content releases and social influence to generate web traffic, both Def Jam's site and their artist websites can operate as their own web ecosystem.

"Direct ad buyers want deeper integrations then just pre roll running before content -- be it branded content, product placement, sponsored social posts, or exclusive events," states Anthony Alexander, Director of Business Development at Playwire. "We are seeing rapid growth in programmatic ad buying and find that many of our ad partners want to align with social influencers to harness the reliability of an actively engaged fan base. We help them develop unique fan experiences to make a connection with a particular consumer target."

Def Jam recognizes that there are multiple channels and new digital vehicles that constantly need to be integrated into their content strategy. "We're excited to be working with a platform that is publisher first, and recognizes the power, influence, and global reach of the Def Jam brand," says David Bell, SVP Integrated Marketing & Digital Strategy, Def Jam Recordings. "Firmly focused on providing new revenue streams, our partnership with Playwire allows us to connect our artists with premium brands through unique digital experiences."

How it works

Playwire's advanced video technology platform allows brands to produce, post, and monetize video content. Defjam.com and its numerous artist web pages act as a central distribution hub hosting exclusive content. Each site can operate as a unique publisher with the ability to create sponsored ad programs and brand integrations. In addition, featuring massive amounts of quality video allows Def Jam, and other brands, to make content accessible to fans everywhere.

About Playwire:

Playwire, a division of Playwire Media, offers a comprehensive, easy-to-use video hosting platform that offers an efficient, effective online video publishing platform. With Playwire, publishers have one place where they can encode, host, syndicate, stream, and monetize video content, while advertisers have a destination to efficiently and effectively buy video inventory. For more information about the Playwire platform, visit www.playwire.com and follow @playwire.

About Def Jam Recordings:

Def Jam Recordings was founded in 1984 and has represented the very best in cutting edge music and youth culture for 30 years. Def Jam Recordings began as a maverick independent label inspired by a punk ethos and the emerging sound of hip-hop; pioneering iconic stars like LL Cool J, Slick Rick, The Beastie Boys and Public Enemy. Over the following two decades, Def Jam established its dominance with acts like Jay-Z, DMX, Ja Rule, Method Man & Redman, Ludacris, Rihanna, Jeezy, and Kanye West. Now in its 30th year, Def Jam's music and lifestyle has grown into a global brand -- synonymous with creativity and authenticity -- encompassing a diverse roster of marquee and emerging stars that includes Kanye, Justin Bieber, Axwell ^ Ingrosso, Mariah Carey, Rick Ross, Alesso, Frank Ocean, Iggy Azalea, YG, Afrojack, 2 Chainz, The Roots, August Alsina, Jhene Aiko, and others. For more information about Def Jam Recordings, visit http://www.defjam.com

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Say "Hello" to KAJ Brothers

KAJ Brothers, Orlando’s emerging pop trio releases their debut single and video. The group’s rendition of the classic hit song, “Hello,” written by iconic superstar Lionel Richie, integrates its own orchestral elements and full-bodied abundant harmonies in such a way as to elevate this classic song to new levels.

The trio, all of whom are multilingual and high achievers are based in Orlando, Florida. They consist of Kyle Craichy (vocals, piano, guitar, and dance), Austin Craichy (vocals, piano, guitar, drums, and dance), and Johnny Atys (vocals and dance champion). Kyle and Austin were born and raised in Tampa, Florida, while Johnny is from Paris, France.

KAJ Brother’s genre is Pop/R&B with a classical twist with various musical influences that are not necessarily genre-specific. They range from R&B, Soul, Gospel, Pop and Rock to Classical, Country and the Great American Standards. Some of the great artists and legends that KAJ listens to and have gained influence from are John Legend, N'Sync, Backstreet Boys, Josh Groben, Justin Timberlake, Michael Bublè, Boyz II Men, Lionel Richie, Harry Conick Jr, Frank Sinatra, Kenny Rogers, and the Jonas Brothers.

The debut single, “Hello,” was produced by legendary music producer, Bryan Lenox, and was recorded in Nashville. Lenox is responsible for 51 #1 hit tunes and has been nominated for twelve Grammys, with one win. He has worked top artists including Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, and Michael Bolton just to name a few. The high-end music video for “Hello” was produced and directed by Saylors Brothers Entertainment. Projects produced by the Saylors include an exclusive shoot on the designers of Ferrari (Pininfarina headquarters, Italy), "An Animated Life" with Phil Roman (producer of "The Simpsons" and "Garfield"), "Dreamland" with Jonathan Breck (Star of "Jeepers Creepers"), and "MTV's Most Expensive Music Videos" (launched the single to #1 on the Billboard charts) by artists such as Master P, Snoop Dogg, and Mystikal.

All three of the group members are vocally trained by long-time producer and vocal coach Gerry Williams of Orlando. For over 20 years he has produced albums and demos for his students that have led them to flourishing careers in the music industry. Among whom are Grammy™ nominee and Dove Award winner Francesca Battistelli, and Actress/Singer (Vampire Diaries) Candice Acolla. He has also remixed music for Celine Dion, Jennifer Lopez, and Justin Timberlake. Williams’ work with major record labels (Warner Bros., Universal, Atlantic, and Sony) is another highlight of his career.

The KAJ Brothers have also partnered with Jay R. Schield at Over The Line in Nashville, TN, who among other things oversees and advises the group and serves as music industry liaison and product manager for the upcoming releases. Schield has worked with some of the top artists and music releases in the industry including P.O.D., Owl City, Randy Travis, Amy Grant, Plus One and Take 6.

KAJ Brothers have a prolific mission: to leave their audience uplifted and feeling loved with the primary purpose of elevating women with true love songs. When asked specifically about this, the group unanimously replied “To make chivalry cool again, and help raise the standards for girls and women while influencing humanity as a whole, to treat women with greater respect.” They have partnered with the International Justice Mission. IJM is a non-profit human rights organization based in the United States that helps rescue victims of human rights including anti-sex trafficking abuse around the world, in the US, Africa, Latin America, and South and Southeast Asia.

Profits Being Donated: KAJ Brothers have committed $10,000 to the International Justice Mission (ijm.org) to kick off their own campaign against sex trafficking encouraging other artists and celebrities to do the same. They will donate 100% of their first year’s profits from iTunes downloads of “Hello” to various charities that provide assistance to girls and women that will help free them from the horrors of sex trafficking.

Buy "Hello" on iTunes:
www.itunes.com


Follow the KAJ Brothers on Social Media:
www.facebook.com/kajbrothers 
www.twitter.com/kajbrothers 
www.instagram.com/kajbrothers 

www.KAJBrothers.com

ON YOUR FEET! Estefans Headed For Broadway

Gloria Estefan

The Nederlander Organization and Estefan Enterprises, Inc are pleased to announce that ON YOUR FEET! – a new musical based on the life story of seven-time GRAMMY® winning international superstar Gloria Estefan and her husband, legendary producer-musician-entrepreneur Emilio Estefan – will premiere on Broadway in Fall 2015 at a Nederlander theatre to be announced, following a Summer 2015 World Premiere engagement in Chicago.

ON YOUR FEET! will be directed by two-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Hairspray), and choreographed by four-time Drama Desk nominee Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys, Memphis) with a book by two-time Drama Desk nominee Alexander Dinelaris (The Bodyguard Musical, Zanna

Emilio Estefan

Don't).  ON YOUR FEET! is the story of two people who—through an unwavering dedication to one another and their pursuit of the American dream—showcased their talent, their music and their heritage to the world in a remarkable rise to global superstardom.  Set to Gloria’s chart-topping, smash hits such as “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You, “1-2-3,” “Mi Tierra,” and “Conga,” in addition to new music penned by the Estefans, the show will bring a new sound to Broadway and get audiences on their feet.

ON YOUR FEET! is produced by The Nederlander Organization and Estefan Enterprises, Inc. in partnership with Bernie Yuman.  Now celebrating its 100th anniversary, the Nederlander Organization, led by James L. Nederlander, President, continues the tradition of operating historic theatres, as well as producing and presenting the best in theatrical entertainment and concert events.  Bernie Yuman, an illustrious figure in the entertainment industry and long-time friend and business associate of the Estefans, will serve as Executive Producer. Mr. Yuman produced and managed Siegfried & Roy, one of the most successful and longest running shows in Las Vegas.

Additional creative team members and casting will be announced at a later date.

With seven Grammy Awards and over 100 million albums sold worldwide, GLORIA ESTEFAN is the most successful Latin crossover performer in the history of pop music. In addition to her chart-topping hit songs "Conga," “The Rhythm is Going To Get You" and "1, 2, 3," among others, Gloria recorded the Oscar-nominated song "Music Of My Heart," and has received numerous honors and awards over the course of her illustrious career. She has been presented with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, named BMI Songwriter of the Year, and received an American Music Award for Lifetime Achievement, an MTV Video Music Award, two ACE Awards, and multiple Billboard Awards for her many chart-topping hits. Gloria has also been honored with the Ellis Island Congressional Medal of Honor (the highest award that can be given to a naturalized U.S. citizen), the Hispanic Heritage Award, and the National Music Foundation's Humanitarian of the Year Award.

EMILIO ESTEFAN is a world-renowned music, television and film producer who has been instrumental in shaping, developing and directing the careers of his superstar wife, Gloria, as well as Shakira, Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony and Jon Secada among many others. With a resume that includes over 30 Grammy nominations and 19 Grammy Awards, Emilio has experimented and pushed the envelope of blending Latin, pop and world rhythms creating a unique style and personality that has created chart-topping worldwide hits. It is this vision that transcends the music field and spills over into film, television, hotels and restaurants, among other business endeavors including being the first Cuban-born couple to own a minority stake in the Miami Dolphins, a major NFL Franchise.

JERRY MITCHELL received the Tony Award in recognition of his choreography for the 2013 Tony Award-winning Best Musical, Kinky Boots, for which his direction was also recognized with a Tony nomination. In the 33 preceding years, Jerry has been involved with over 50 Broadway, Off-Broadway, West End and touring productions. His Broadway debut as a choreographer, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, was followed by The Full Monty (Tony nomination), The Rocky Horror Show, Hairspray (Tony nomination), Gypsy, Never Gonna Dance (Tony nomination), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Tony nomination), La Cage Aux Folles (Tony Award), Imaginary Friends, Legally Blonde (Tony nomination), which he also directed, and Catch Me If You Can. Most recently, Jerry received the Drama League’s Founders’ Award for Excellence in Directing and the George Abbott Lifetime Achievement Award from his peers. Twenty-three years ago, Jerry conceived and created Broadway Bares, a comedy burlesque show performed annually for the charity Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. He continues to serve as Executive Producer of Broadway Bares, with a book, website and satellite productions in Fire Island Pines, Las Vegas (Peepshow, in a five year run) and London (West End Bares).

SERGIO TRUJILLO is an internationally-recognized choreographer whose work has been seen all across North America, Europe and Asia. In 2011, Mr. Trujillo had the honor of having four shows simultaneously running on Broadway: Tony Award® winning Best Musical Memphis (OCC Award, Astaire, Drama Desk Award noms.), Tony and Olivier Award® winning Best Musical Jersey Boys (Olivier, Drama Desk, Dora, OCC Award nominations), The Addams Family and the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Next to Normal (Lucille Lortel Award nomination). Additional Broadway credits include Hands On A Hardbody, Leap of Faith (Drama Desk, Astaire nominations), All Shook Up and Guys and Dolls (Astaire Award nomination). In 2010, he made his debut as a director with the rock musical White Noise at Chicago’s Royal George Theater, and directed and choreographed Flashdance: The Musical, currently on national tour. His Off-Broadway work includes Saved (Lucille Lortel nom.), The Capeman, Romeo & Juliet (Public), A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and Kismet (Encores!). His international credits include Disney’s Tarzan (World Theatre Award nom.), West Side Story, The Sound of Music (Stratford) and Peggy Sue Got Married (West End). In 2012, Mr. Trujillo was chosen by the Colombian government as one of the top 100 Colombians in the world.

ALEXANDER DINELARIS is currently represented in London's West End by the hit musical production of The Bodyguard at the Adelphi Theatre. Other recent works include his plays Red Dog Howls (New York Theater Workshop), Still Life (Manhattan Class Company), In This, Our Time (59e59) and The Chaos Theories (Shotgun Theater).  Alexander was nominated for two Drama Desk Awards for his work on the additional book and lyrics of the Off-Broadway hit, Zanna Don't!  Alex has recently written the screenplay for Birdman, the latest film by Academy Award nominated director Alejandro González-Iñarrítu, as well as the original screenplay The Year of the Monarchs.  Dinelaris is also currently writing and co-producing a new dramatic television series with Mr. Iñarrítu entitled, “The One Percent”.  Alex attended Barry University, where he was the winner of the Mac McKindree Scholarship for theatre.  Mr. Dinelaris is a member of the Writer’s Guild, the Dramatists Guild and NYTW’s Usual Suspects.

www.OnYourFeetMusical.com

Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line

Brian Kelley comes from the small town of Ormond Beach, Florida.  As a child, Brian always loved music but when Garth Brooks’ double live CD was released it became a huge part of his awareness of how an artist could pull such strong emotions out of the songs they were singing.  Lyrics have always been the biggest part of a song in his opinion.

His strongest influences include Brooks, Kenny Chesney & Casting Crowns.  “Even if the artists didn’t write the songs they sang, they made you believe it.  You feel like you know them through their songs.”

At age 16, Brian began to sing.  He would help out at his church’s youth band and to this day he is still very involved at Crossroads Church in Lebanon, that he calls home.

One of Brian’s other talents is baseball.  In the fall of 2007, he transferred to Belmont University to play on their team.  Before that Brian had played baseball for Florida State University and then Daytona State College.  His love of the game could not overpower his love of music.

While at Belmont Brian took a class on songwriting and soon after graduation, Brian began to go to local writer’s nights to become more involved in the songwriting community.  It is during this time where he met Tyler Hubbard.  They currently form the emerging duo, Florida Georgia Line.

In the fall of 2011, Brian signed to Big Loud Shirt as his first publishing deal. The guys have become extremely busy as they have been booked to play alongside some of today’s top selling live acts like Colt Ford, Brantley Gilbert & Corey Smith.

Since working with Big Loud Shirt, he has expanded his circle of co-writers and has written with notable writers like Bob DiPiero, Jason Reeves, Blair Daly and Josh Thompson.

In April 2012, Florida Georgia Line released their first single to radio, "Cruise."  The duo landed a slot on the Country Throwdown tour.  Their five song EP, "It'z Just What We Do" was released in May 2012.  A snowball effect of events lead them to sign a record deal with Republic Nashville in July 2012.

About Florida Georgia Line

Florida Georgia Line has skyrocketed since releasing consecutive, multi-week #1 smashes in the US and Canada with the GOLD-certified “Round Here,” PLATINUM-certified “Get Your Shine On” and 6X PLATINUM “Cruise.”

Breaking the record for longest #1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart, “Cruise” has sold over 6.3 million downloads in the US alone and is the second best-selling Country single ever, according to SoundScan.

FGL is the only artist in history to join Brooks & Dunn in having their first three singles hit #1 for multiple weeks each. Poised to follow in the success, FGL’s new emotionally-fueled Top 5-and-rising single, “Stay,” showcases another side of their unique sound and tight harmonies.

Amassing international appeal, the duo recently crossed a new career threshold — tallying more than 10 million tracks sold worldwide from their debut album HERE’S TO THE GOOD TIMES (Republic Nashville), which has been certified PLATINUM in the US and GOLD in Canada. FGL has released a deluxe version of their chart-topping debut, HERE’S TO THE GOOD TIMES…THIS IS HOW WE ROLL, that features five new songs – including a collaboration with Luke Bryan – the “Cruise” (Remix) featuring Nelly; the making of the album and all official music videos with behind-the-scenes footage, as well as the unreleased video for “It’z Just What We Do.”

Comprised of Tyler Hubbard (Monroe, Georgia) and Brian Kelley (Ormond Beach, Florida), FGL is currently on their first headline run, HERE’S TO THE GOOD TIMES TOUR 2013, breaking venue sales records nationwide with sold-out shows on all stops to date. FGL has appeared on Chelsea Lately, Good Morning America, Conan, TODAY, The Voice, The Tonight Show, LIVE with Kelly & Michael, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and FOX & Friends as well as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

In addition to radio, sales and touring success, the talented twosome has been racking up several awards’ show nominations, including nods in the New Artist of the Year category. The hot newcomers have previously taken home ACA, AMA, ACM, CMA and CMT Music Awards and garnered multiple TEEN CHOICE nominations.