STEVE VAI LAUNCHES FAVORED NATIONS LABEL AS HAVEN FOR ARTISTS OUTSIDE THE POP MAINSTREAM Favored Nations Visuals and ProfoundMusic.com Round Out New Enterprise Devoted to Artist Development and Artist Re-Development SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. Grammy Award-winning recording artist Steve Vai and Ray Scherr, former owner of the Guitar Center chain, announce the formation of Favored Nations Entertainment and its three divisions: Favored Nations Records, Favored Nations Visuals and ProfoundMusic.com. Among the many titles to follow are: Live In Osaka, a guitar tour de force featuring the blistering live performances of Larry Carlton and Steve Lukather from a solo tour through Japan; plus a new album from Gregg Bissonette, former drummer for Vai, David Lee Roth and Joe Satriani. Several others will be announced shortly. “I know it’s common nowadays for artists to start labels but this is a thoroughly constructed vehicle for inspired talent. This is a market that we’ve been living, breathing and eating for our entire lives — one where a huge void currently exists,” says Vai of Favored Nations. “Favored Nations is a long-term commitment. Our hope is that those who are passionate about real musicianship will want to hear and own most of our albums. We will set out to attain the same direct relationship with our customers that we have with our artists.” Vai and Scherr launched Favored Nations in reaction to the way that mainstream pop labels lack the cultivation of musician-oriented artists. As the majors seek out and promote the youngest singles-oriented artists, Favored Nations counters with albums by musicians who can contribute vital identity and artistic value to their craft. In his storied career, Vai has performed and recorded with some of the largest rock groups of the ’80s, but has maintained the respect of the musician community throughout the ’90s with his unique approach to virtuoso guitar playing within an accessible format. Five-time Grammy nominee and one-time winner, Vai has swept the guitar polls for the better part of the past decade. In addition to the Favored Nations label, the Sherman Oaks, Calif.-based company is launching Favored Nations Visuals and ProfoundMusic.com. Favored Nations Visuals will release music-oriented video and DVD properties with several titles to be announced shortly. ProfoundMusic.com will showcase and sell music by developing artists via the Internet, offering indie CDs as well as MP3 downloads and artist information. As these artists begin to garner a following, Favored Nations Records will release them through conventional distribution channels. ProfoundMusic.com will serve as a “farm team” for Favore! d Nations as well as a popular destination site for fans of rock musicianship. Vai will soon announce the company’s marketing staff of experienced and creative executives. For Vai, who himself records for Epic Records and tours all over the world, Favored Nations is a mission. “Ray and I do not draw salaries,” he states. “Any profits will be re-invested into marketing the music we believe in.” “A&R reps once took chances on art,” he adds. “History’s most treasured musicians were believed in and cultivated to reach their potential. Today, it would be difficult for those musicians to get deals. We have the insight and the tools to identify and bring to fruition the dormant talent that our artists possess. Favored Nations will be branded as the home base for inspired musical talent.”
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Tonight, i just found out about Steve Vai’s record company "Favored Nations" this is soo sweet. Finding this out is another boost for me to become the best female guitarist out there…not only that but to create music that really touches people!!!! 🙂
I saw an advertisement in the current Guitar Player for Visual Sound featuring Johnny Hiland. The advertisement also mentioned that Johnny had a new CD available from Favored Nations Entertainment, however, I’m unable to find anything on your website. ??? Has it not yet been released? I’d appreciate your help in learning about this release. I host "Not Exactly Nashville" on WCNI in New London, CT and I’ve been chomping at the bit for Johnny to release something.
Thanks for your help,
All the best,
Mike Trynosky
Not Exactly Nashville
: I saw an advertisement in the current Guitar Player for Visual Sound featuring Johnny Hiland. The advertisement also mentioned that Johnny had a new CD available from Favored Nations Entertainment, however, I’m unable to find anything on your website. ??? Has it not yet been released? I’d appreciate your help in learning about this release. I host "Not Exactly Nashville" on WCNI in New London, CT and I’ve been chomping at the bit for Johnny to release something.
: Thanks for your help,
: All the best,
: Mike Trynosky
: Not Exactly Nashville
Johnnys CD has been released on the Favored Nations label…check it out at http://www.favorednations.com
Eric Sardinas’ Black Pearls is on my hit list #1!
How can I get the cd? The E.S. preorder site says my e.mail # is "invalid".
Can you help me get the hot rock disc?
First of all, this record label sounds like a breath of freash air. I am basically a nobody, but if you would be so kind as to check out my web site, I would appreciate it. The URL is http://www.usonramp.net/pub/~sdowney/
The songs are in the list box in the frame on the right. Currently the site is best viewed with Internet Explorer. I also have 4 more songs I am trying to finish up. If there is no interest in any of my stuff, any kind of feedback would be great.
I also have a proposal for Steve or your label. I’m sure you’ve heard of Skins for MP3 players. Anyway skins are a promotional haven, that advertize your site or album, what ever, anytime someone plays a media file like MP3s. It can also reach a different audience, that you normally would not reach. I create skins for Windows Media Player. I have one of my own with a guitar and amp on it. I would be happy to send it to you if you’re interested. Of course I can do pretty much whatever you want. Thanks for your time.
Steve 610-219-4904
: hey man i was wondering if you could make me a skin for windows media player 9 that was marijuana themed. I havent found any online so i would really appreciate it!!
congrats to the staffs of this website, well you made it better… hope to see further info about windows media 9 skins… i’m now searching for any unique and 3d windows media skin hope you could send me thanx…
Is there a way I could download or buy the program that you use to create skin files for windows media player
Thanks,
Bobby