Highway 9 Records Launches, Signs Beth Ballinger to Recording Contract
Alpharetta-based independent label will help emerging artists create, record, and market debut and early stage recording projects, as well as build core audiences. Local musician and Peggy Still School of Music product Beth Ballinger will release debut album in summer of 2013.
Atlanta, GA, February 23, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Local businessman Brian Johnson today announced the launch of Highway 9 Records, focused on helping emerging artists create, record, and market debut and early stage recording projects, as well as build core audiences. Highway 9 records is headquartered just south of downtown Alpharetta on GA Hwy 9 at 11775 Northfall Lane, Suite 203, Alpharetta, GA.
Johnson, who will serve as Highway 9’s executive producer, has partnered with music industry veteran producer and musician Heber Pampillon to run the label. Pampillon will be Highway’s 9’s director of artist development. Pampillon will also serve as producer for Beth Ballinger's debut album.
“There are more avenues than ever before for musicians to create and distribute their music,” says Johnson. “However, the sheer quantity of these opportunities has diluted quality immensely, and led some people to believe that they should only seek out and take the shortcuts on the path to becoming a professional musician or to producing 'radio-ready' music. We want to help new artists understand and take full advantage of the current and ever-changing DIY (do it yourself) toolset, but to do so in the context of a comprehensive, disciplined and proven artist development framework.”
“We have decades of experience in business operations and music industry management,” Johnson continued, “as well as connections to subject matter experts who can help steer the musicians that we work with towards the most effective (and cost effective) ways to turn their musical talents, passions and aspirations into reality.”
“Just as importantly, Highway 9 will be a place where artists can work, grow and dream in a fair, collaborative and vibrant environment where their opinions are highly valued, and where they also have a meaningful financial stake in their own success,” concluded Johnson.
The first artist signed to the new label is Marietta, GA native Beth Ballinger. Beth began her study of music at the age of 5 with vocal instructor Lynn Donald at Alpharetta’s Peggy Still School of Music. Beth sings and plays piano, and lists Etta James, Sara Barielles and Martha Reeves as her influences. Beth’s as yet untitled debut album will feature a collection of original, biting, blue eyed-soul-pop songs, with special guest appearances by Atlanta-based drummer Jason Monseur (www.facebook.com/JasonMonseur) and Greenville, SC-based rock cello player Sarah Clanton Schaffer (www.cellotreearts.com).
“Getting the chance to work on this project at Highway 9 is a lifetime dream coming true for me,” says Ballinger. “I am excited to work with Brian and Heber, who are so willing to not only help me establish myself as a professional musician, but to do so in such an active and supportive way.”
Highway 9 is seeking other talented emerging artists in the north metro Atlanta area who are interested in recording and developing their skills as professional musicians. Interested parties should contact Brian Johnson at highwayninerecords@gmail.com or 770-289-2110.
About Peggy Still School of Music
Founded in 1988, Peggy Still School of Music has grown to more than 500 students and 35 teachers serving metro Atlanta from locations in Atlanta, Woodstock and Alpharetta. The School offers private music lessons, ABRSM assessments, audition and college entrance preparation, many public performance opportunities and a professional recording studio, Lucky Dog Studios. The School’s motto is “all instruments, all styles, all levels and all ages.” You can learn more about the School at www.peggystill.com or contact them at 770-753-0322 or via email at info@peggystill.com. The School’s YouTube channel is www.peggystill.com/peggystillmusic.
About Lucky Dog Studios
Alpharetta-based Lucky Dog Studios features the Pro Tools 10 digital audio workstation with an Apogee Symphony I/O and C|24 control surface. Please call 770-753-0322 for rates and availability. Vetran sound engineer and musician Joe Kay of Got My Groove Productions (www.gotmygroove.com) is lead engineer at Lucky Dog.
Johnson, who will serve as Highway 9’s executive producer, has partnered with music industry veteran producer and musician Heber Pampillon to run the label. Pampillon will be Highway’s 9’s director of artist development. Pampillon will also serve as producer for Beth Ballinger's debut album.
“There are more avenues than ever before for musicians to create and distribute their music,” says Johnson. “However, the sheer quantity of these opportunities has diluted quality immensely, and led some people to believe that they should only seek out and take the shortcuts on the path to becoming a professional musician or to producing 'radio-ready' music. We want to help new artists understand and take full advantage of the current and ever-changing DIY (do it yourself) toolset, but to do so in the context of a comprehensive, disciplined and proven artist development framework.”
“We have decades of experience in business operations and music industry management,” Johnson continued, “as well as connections to subject matter experts who can help steer the musicians that we work with towards the most effective (and cost effective) ways to turn their musical talents, passions and aspirations into reality.”
“Just as importantly, Highway 9 will be a place where artists can work, grow and dream in a fair, collaborative and vibrant environment where their opinions are highly valued, and where they also have a meaningful financial stake in their own success,” concluded Johnson.
The first artist signed to the new label is Marietta, GA native Beth Ballinger. Beth began her study of music at the age of 5 with vocal instructor Lynn Donald at Alpharetta’s Peggy Still School of Music. Beth sings and plays piano, and lists Etta James, Sara Barielles and Martha Reeves as her influences. Beth’s as yet untitled debut album will feature a collection of original, biting, blue eyed-soul-pop songs, with special guest appearances by Atlanta-based drummer Jason Monseur (www.facebook.com/JasonMonseur) and Greenville, SC-based rock cello player Sarah Clanton Schaffer (www.cellotreearts.com).
“Getting the chance to work on this project at Highway 9 is a lifetime dream coming true for me,” says Ballinger. “I am excited to work with Brian and Heber, who are so willing to not only help me establish myself as a professional musician, but to do so in such an active and supportive way.”
Highway 9 is seeking other talented emerging artists in the north metro Atlanta area who are interested in recording and developing their skills as professional musicians. Interested parties should contact Brian Johnson at highwayninerecords@gmail.com or 770-289-2110.
About Peggy Still School of Music
Founded in 1988, Peggy Still School of Music has grown to more than 500 students and 35 teachers serving metro Atlanta from locations in Atlanta, Woodstock and Alpharetta. The School offers private music lessons, ABRSM assessments, audition and college entrance preparation, many public performance opportunities and a professional recording studio, Lucky Dog Studios. The School’s motto is “all instruments, all styles, all levels and all ages.” You can learn more about the School at www.peggystill.com or contact them at 770-753-0322 or via email at info@peggystill.com. The School’s YouTube channel is www.peggystill.com/peggystillmusic.
About Lucky Dog Studios
Alpharetta-based Lucky Dog Studios features the Pro Tools 10 digital audio workstation with an Apogee Symphony I/O and C|24 control surface. Please call 770-753-0322 for rates and availability. Vetran sound engineer and musician Joe Kay of Got My Groove Productions (www.gotmygroove.com) is lead engineer at Lucky Dog.
Contact
Highway 9 Records
Brian Johnson
770-753-0322
www.facebook.com/highway9records
Brian Johnson
770-753-0322
www.facebook.com/highway9records
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