randy (lilbro@groundzero.net)
Thu, 08 Oct 1998 17:52:05 -0700
On a related note to the commercial discussion:
ear to the ave. Signs Massive Attack For Commercials
Bristol-Based Trio To Offer Music Licensing, Original composition.
By Kathy DeSalvo
NEW YORK--Ear to the ave., a New York-based music and sound design
house, has struck up a deal to represent Bristol, England-based musical
recording act Massive Attack for commercial work.
Founded in the mid-1980's, Massive Attack is known as one of the
originators of the so-called Bristol sound, or "trip-hop," a hybrid that
combines ambient with reggae, jazz, hip-hop and soul, and has influenced
the sounds of such artists as Portishead and Bjork, among others.
Per the arrangement, the three permanent members of the group--Grant
Marshall (a.k.a. Daddy Gee), Robert del Naja (3D) and Andrew Vowles
(Mushroom)--will be available through ear to the ave. for original
composition, and music off the band's three albums--1991's Blue Lines,
1994's Protection and the just-released Mezzanine--will be available to
be licensed for commercial use. The band has previously licensed its
music for use in several European-aired ads, including an adidas World
Cup spot.
Ear to the ave. was founded three years ago by company
president/composer/producer Adam Joseph, who is joined on staff by
producer Loris Holland and sound designer/arranger Eric Rehl. The music
house works frequently with freelancers, said Joseph. Among its recent
credits are spots for Acura via Suissa Miller Advertising, Los Angeles,
Ford Mustang via J. Walter Thompson, Detroit, and Kmart via Campbell
Mithun Esty, Minneapolis.
Joseph noted that ear to the ave. sales rep Margo Zengotita was
instrumental in forming the affiliation. She is friends with
entrepreneur Norman Gosney, who has had a close relationship with the
band for many years. Gosney, who moved to New York in 1980, initially
met Marshall, del Naja and Vowles through Bristol's skateboarding scene
in the late '70's. Gosney witnessed the trio's subsequent musical
success in Bristol, a port city 120 miles west of London that has become
known over the last six or so years for its thriving music scene.
Massive Attack's popularity has since grown to extend across Europe
and, to a lesser degree, the U.S. The band is now in the middle of a
U.S. tour that will wrap later this month. The rest of the year will
include performances in South Africa, Brazil, Rome, Amsterdam, London
and Bristol. Despite this schedule, Joeeph said, they will be available
immediately for spot projects.
"We're very solicitous of their street credibility," said Gosney.
"I think they were very much more concerned in the first five years of
their existence with their street cred than they were with just earning
bucks. And, of course, everybody likes to have a few bucks in the
bank. They feel their career is strong enough now that the right
commercials wouldn't damage their credibility with their fan base.
They're very concerned that the ads reflect some of the sensibilities of
the group. They're certainly willing to lend their music--and their
faces--to the right thing. We'll know when it shows up."
Gosney, who is currently involved in various entrepreneurial
ventures )he's preparing to open a cabaret club in New York soon) will
serve as a liaison between the band and ear to the ave., and will act as
a producer for all Massive Attack projects.
"Massive Attack is really just getting started," said Joseph.
"They've put out a lot of albums, but now is their time. People are
finding out about them. There's a buzz about them."
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