180 Music And Target To Release Exclusive New Music Line: The Spotlight Music Series

February 14, 2007
Music Industry News Network

Target has long been known as an innovative company whose primary goal is to meet the ongoing needs of their valued "guests." To that end, Target has formed a strategic alliance with 180 Music to create an exclusive line of adult contemporary music called The Spotlight Music Series. Fifteen exclusive albums in this new series will be hitting store shelves in all 1,449 Target stores nationwide beginning February 27th. The one-of-a-kind albums can be found in "Spotlight End-caps" for $9.99 each.

"Target is always striving to meet the demanding needs of their guests and The Spotlight Music Series with 180 Music is no exception," said Darrell Tucker. "Through 180 Music we are offering our guests Target exclusive one-of-a-kind albums that are sure to have something for everyone."

"Part of 180 Music's mission is to help bring back a sense of discovery to music," commented 180 Music founder and CEO Jim Brandmeier. "We're striving to ‘think different' and create music with a personal touch versus compilations with a corporate stamp. It's our intent to ‘do a 180' and get back to music. We are honored to work with Target to present this unique program of ‘Great Artists and Unexpected Music' through The Spotlight Music Series."

The Spotlight Music Series from 180 Music will offer Target guests what promises to be some of the best music releases in 2007. Three separate lines will be introduced this February under The Spotlight Music Series banner: Features, Influences, and Red Mix.

SPOTLIGHT FEATURES
The "Spotlight is on" a variety of legendary and special artists in this series developed by 180 Music exclusively for Target. Several brand new CD releases will become available at Target in late February including:

* New Music from an Old Friend Singer Songwriter Legends
Produced by the illustrious Phil Ramone, this album features some of the most prolific singer songwriters of our time including Carole King, Brian Wilson, Burt Bacharach, Kris Kristofferson, Kenny Loggins, Willie Nelson, Richard Marx, and many others. Each artist has recorded two new tracks; a remake of one of their signature songs, plus a brand new song reflecting their artistry today. The songs are fresh and new under the creative genius of Phil Ramone and poignantly reflect the beauty of their artistry – making New Music from an Old Friend a timeless treasure.

* Kenny Loggins – How About Now
With over three decades of hits, two GRAMMY Awards and over 12 albums exceeding platinum status, superstar Kenny Loggins is one of the most enduring artists in contemporary music. He's also one of its most distinctive and recognizable voices, renowned for the powerful emotional connection he makes with listeners on timeless hits including "Celebrate Me Home," "Whenever I Call You ‘Friend'," "I'm Alright," "Footloose" and "This Is It." By any standard, Loggins' impact has been profound, encompassing a host of classics that are part of the essential modern American popular songbook. This newest album, How About Now, finds Kenny in peak vocal form and firmly rooted in the soulful singer-songwriter tradition that's underscored every phase of his extraordinary career. The new disc features 12 original songs infused with Loggins' signature roots rock/country sound with standouts including the moving new hit "How About Now" and a new version of the Loggins & Messina favorite "A Love Song".

"I'm excited to be releasing my new solo album exclusively with Target & 180 Music as it's a chance to reach millions of music lovers and be a part of such a trusted brand," commented Loggins.

* A Song For My Father
Contemporary artists including: Ben Taylor, AJ Croce, Ky-Mani Marley (produced by Ziggy Marley), Jen Chapin, Spencer Gibb, Salvador Santana, Ivan Neville, Sarah Lee Guthrie, Wendy & Carnie Wilson, Devon Allman, Adam Cohen, Chynna Phillips, Louise Goffin, and The Nelsons, all pay tribute to their illustrious parent by putting their own unique spin on a well-known song written and recorded by their fathers.

* David Cassidy: PART II. THE REMIX
This high-energy dance mix lives up to 180 Music's philosophy of delivering Target guests "Great Artists. Unexpected Music". Cassidy has re-recorded The Partridge Family greatest hits and handed his vocals off to Super Re-Mixer Craig J (Kelly Clarkson, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Cher, etc.) to create a contemporary, hip, dance album featuring Cassidy's amazing showmanship and favorite hits to shine anew.

* Stephen Bishop: Romance in Rio
Stephen Bishop's exquisite songs have often evoked a tropical mood. With the Brazilian-tinged Romance in Rio, this Grammy-winning singer-songwriter takes listeners to a private resort of the soul -- shimmering with swaying rhythms and entrancing melodies. Romance in Rio features dazzling new material including Bishop's duet with Brazilian singing sensation Luciana Souza on the sensual new song "Un Baile." Romance in Rio boasts an impressive group of guest collaborators including such musicians as Eric Clapton, Oscar Castro-Neves, Kenny Rankin and Grammy award-winning guitarist Earl Klugh. Romance in Rio is a romantic touch of Brazil that places all-time classics from this "Great Artist" such as "On & On," "Separate Lives," "One More Night" and "Save It For a Rainy Day" in an "Unexpected" musical setting.

SPOTLIGHT INFLUENCES
Music has the power to inspire, influence and impress. Now, the Influences series gives Target guests the chance to listen to songs that have done just that for some of their favorite artists. This collection of albums has been compiled by some of today's most popular performers, highlighting the songs and artists that had a significant impact on their own singing/songwriting career. Sarah McLachlan, The Dave Matthews Band, Wynonna, Jamie Cullum and Jason Mraz have each handpicked an albums worth of songs that they have a strong connection to. Each CD contains liner notes written by the artist about why they chose their particular selections and gives personal insights into the song's impact on their development as a musician.

SPOTLIGHT RED MIX
With the Red Mix series, 180 Music has put together five fantastic compilation CDs including: Singer Songwriters, Nashville Now, Women of Song, and Contemporary Crooners. These releases feature albums made up entirely of hit tracks from major established artists such as: Elton John, Kenny Chesney, Dido, Fiona Apple, Ryan Adams, Elvis Costello, Regina Spektor, Rufus Wainwright, and many others. Classic Bob Marley and the Wailers is being released around the 30th Anniversary of Marley's classic album Exodus. It features rare recordings from Marley's estate that have not been widely circulated.