Industry Soul

(New York, NY, March 24, 2008)  The highly acclaimed singer/songwriter India.Arie has entered into a label deal with Universal Republic Records, with her new label to be called SoulBird Music.  India.Arie musical partner and R&B sensation Anthony David will be the first artist to release an album under the new banner, with his much anticipated major label offering, Acey Deucey, scheduled for in-store release on June 17.   “I’m excited that Tony will be the first artist to be released on SoulBird,” stated India.Arie, “Tony is a great talent and one of my oldest friends.  I have so many memories with him. Not only did he encourage me to start performing professionally, but it was Tony who suggested I use my first and middle name as an artist. There was even a time when he spent his rent money for me to experiment in the studio.”  Describing Anthony’s sound as ‘Bill Withers meets Mos Def,’  India.Arie adds, “ I love his music for how he speaks from a man’s emotional perspective in relationships, and his views on learning about life as a young man of the hip hop generation.” Monte Lipman, President and CEO of Universal Republic Records also comments,  “India.Arie’s vision and sensitivity toward artists makes her a natural to launch an enterprise like SoulBird, and Anthony David is the ultimate artist to christen the label. His tremendous poise and ability to deliver great R&B songs coupled with his great relationship with India.Arie uniquely positions him as one of our breakthrough acts this year. Everyone at Universal Republic is excited to be a part of this great new endeavor.”