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| 3/27/04 |
Wright, TBN Link for Christian
TV Fare NASHVILLE (Billboard) - Well-known artist manager Johnny Wright, who steers the careers of Justin Timberlake, 'N Sync and Backstreet Boys, is getting into the Christian music business. Wright, who is CEO of Wright Entertainment Group, is partnering with Matthew Crouch of Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) to produce programing for the Christian cable network. Crouch is founder of 8X Entertainment, which is TBN's film division. "I've always been a strong believer in God and have faith in my life," Wright says. "My path has been definitely planned out by God. He has blessed me with going to the top of the mountain with New Kids on the Block, Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears and 'N Sync." Wright says he has been praying that if God had a bigger mission for him, he would reveal it. He thought radio was going to be the avenue for him to share the gospel with today's youth and had planned on starting an Internet radio station with a contemporary Christian/gospel radio format. He credits his assistant, Phil McIntyre, with setting up a meeting with Crouch that led to the new deal. "It was like we were destined to be together," Wright says of their shared goals. Plans call for the creation of a variety of new programing that will encompass contemporary Christian music artists, sports, reality TV programs and possibly a game show. The programs will be underwritten by corporate sponsors, according to Wright. Initially, all the programing will be televised on TBN, but "our ultimate goal is to spin it off into a full-fledged network just for that type of programing," he says. "But right now in its infancy ... the first program we're going to do together is a talent show."
Lucca's 'Shotgun' executive produced by JC Tony Lucca has been referred to as “a young Sting.” Quite a statement. But once you’ve witnessed the screaming young women who pack his concerts, and the talent and charisma that this young man brings to the stage, it seems natural to make lofty comparisons. In 2001, Tony won the LA Music Award for "Best Male Singer/Songwriter of the Year." He’s shared the stage with Britney Spears, Alanis Morisette, Macy Gray, Justin Timberlake, and Sheila E. He’s toured with 'NSync and Marc Anthony, and headlined soldout shows in a number of markets. He’s got his own nationally established Tony Lucca Street Team (TSLT) of over 1,000 members. He’s already got a core audience who are waiting for this album. A Mickey Mouse Club vet, Tony stayed true to his personal vision - - a deeper, more personal music than the 90’s pop scene. He’s a singer/songwriter for a new generation. He can play 6 instruments as well. Shotgun, Tony's 3rd album, takes us through a myriad of emotions. Rooted in an honesty not often revealed in today's popular music, Tony's voice is like a satin canvas of deep-rooted soul that will soothe even the most critical ear. Executive Produced by 'NSYNC's frontman, JC Chasez, Tony will be opening for JC on his upcoming national tour. This project will be backed by TV ads, radio, a video, top-drawer PR, as well as touring. After JC’s tour, Tony will go out again with another established artist.
Basement Jaxx - 'Plug It In' Released on 29/03/2004
Chasez's twitchy, camp-as-Christmas delivery flounces around on top of a bone-headed electro-punk stomp that would be rubbish if you tried to do it with guitars but manages to sound pretty fine just as it is. The more you listen to it, the more it tries to remind you of some obscure bit of handbag house, but that's the fine line you walk sometimes when you're the Basement Jaxx. It's even got bright young UK hip hop prospect Ty on backing vocals, plus enough front to bung a new mix of "Rendez-Vu" on its B-side. |
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