News

WARRIOR CREATES NEW PRESENCE IN ATLANTA
CREATES SAFE HAVEN FOR EMERGING INDIE ACTS

Atlanta, GA (February 15, 2006) - Warrior Records, already a popular mainstay in Hollywood, is extending its presence a few thousand miles southeast to the Peach State. Warrior South, represented by Patrick Kirkland and Keith Walker, has already been courting some of the top urban artists in the area, and is expected to take the south by storm. Currently featured as a sponsor on the NOPI national tour, Warrior Records is making a name for itself in the diverse music scene by putting a focus on artistic product over image and creative ingenuity over trend.

Warrior, a division of L.A. Entertainment, Inc., was founded in 1997 by president and staff producer, Jim Ervin. It remains one of the few true independents in California, boasting an impressive roster of artists of varying genres, as well as a number of notable publishing credits. Alt-rockers, the Thornbirds, adult contemporary artist Benny Mardones, R&B crooners Troop, and hip-hop artist Volume 10 have all found success through the label. Warrior’s music has been licensed for use on numerous television series, including the Real World, Smallville, Gilmore Girls, and The Shield, in addition to many feature film soundtracks and national commercial advertising campaigns.

Says Director A&R Kirkland, “Atlanta hasn’t had a strong label presence since the demise of LaFace Records, yet countless numbers of artists have been erupting onto the scene. Mainstays such as Outkast and the Black Crowes have helped give Atlanta its reputation for producing incredibly innovative artists, but from our perspective, most of the new acts gaining fanfare are getting whisked away to the coasts. We’re hoping to re-invigorate Atlanta’s reputation as a hotbed of talent.”

Kirkland is no stranger to the music scene. In addition to being a long-time collaborator of Warrior president, Jim Ervin, he has created a name for himself not only as a talented A&R rep, but as a successful performer, writer, and producer. Signed to the Athens-based I.R.S. label in the 80’s (home to REM, The Buzzcocks, and the Go-Go’s), Kirkland composed and toured for a number of years before turning his eye to producing. He has worked with a diverse array of artists from Motown legend Stevie Wonder, to R&B /blues master Isaac Hayes, to esteemed rocker Joe Walsh. He has shared the stage with REM, the B52’s, and Devo. He is utilizing his experience and artistic vision to help Warrior South seek out the best of the best in underground hip hop, reggae, R&B, and dancehall.

Warrior South’s Asst. Dir. of A&R, Keith Walker notes, “We’re looking for acts who have something to say – something we haven’t heard before. We’re focusing on urban music, but if we discover a band of alt-rockers who can show that they are “distinctly Atlanta” then we’re certainly willing to give them a chance.”

Walker has produced a number of music videos, working closely with artists such as Nelly and Fat Joe, and has assisted in the writing and producing of several feature films. In addition to scouting musical acts for Warrior, he is currently hard at work promoting new cable channel, Big ScreenPreview Network (BSPN).

Those interested in obtaining more information in the upcoming projects of Warrior South, or those interested in submitting original music, should read Warrior's submissions guidelines.

About Warrior Records
Warrior Records is a music company whose products are distributed worldwide. Its businesses also include publishing divisions that administrate a wide range of copyrights, a music supervision firm specializing in motion picture and television soundtracks, a marketing & promotions company, and a new media and technologies division that develops and implements new formats, e-commerce, and emerging Internet methodology.

Warrior Records is a division of L.A. Entertainment, inc., a California based entertainment corporation.

L.A. Entertainment, Inc.