Timberlake Launches Record Label
Justin Timberlake has long been the man. Now, he's the Man.
The "SexyBack" singer has announced plans to launch his own record label, Tennman Records, of which he will serve as chairman and CEO. The label will be formed as a joint venture with Interscope Records.
While there's no indication that Timberlake himself will begin releasing future albums under the banner, his corporate backers are quick to insist Tennman is not simply a vanity project. The singer says he has hand-picked the artists who will usher in the era of Timberlake the label honcho, with the released to be announced in the coming weeks.
"We are all excited about the talent we have to offer already on our roster, and I cannot wait to introduce the world to my new discoveries," the former Mouseketeer said in a statement.
And while the Grammy-winning star hasn't officially discussed the genesis of his label's moniker, we can assume Tennman Records pays homage to the Tennessee man's oft-cited home state.
The onetime boy bander's new partners seem confident in Timberlake's crossover potential to industry player, and not just because he makes for a pretty, and prominent, figurehead.
"Whenever you have the opportunity to get into business with someone as gifted as Justin Timberlake, you take it," Interscope boss Jimmy Iovine said. "We are thrilled to have his label as part of Interscope."
In his corner, the Justified purveyor has enlisted the services of Ken Komisar, the highly credentialed former A&R VP of Sony BMG Music Entertainment, as the president of Tennman Records.
"I am thrilled with the potential of this opportunity that combines the amazing creative talents of Justin Timberlake, along with the vision and passion of Jimmy Iovine and Interscope Records," Komisar said. "We are already underway with several artists in development, and look forward to sharing their work with music fans everywhere."
While Timberlake tries to match the Jay-Z career trajectory Stateside, he's currently working on his frequent flyer miles on the U.K. leg of his FutureSex/LoveShow tour, which wraps up in London July 8.
While abroad, Timberlake has also been enlisted to produce tracks for an upcoming album by another pop star turned label head (of Maverick), Madonna.
source - eonline.com>
