50 Entertainment News

Elevation Wins MTVU's "The Freshmen" Video Competition

2009-11-06T12:17:00.000-08:00

Congrats to our boys in Elevation. Their music video for "Razoreyes" feat. Kimberly Stewart is this week's winning freshmen video on MTVU.com. They have now been added to the rotation on MTV!

2009-11-02T09:38:00.000-08:00

All this week Elevation's "Razoreyes" video will be on MTVU's "The Freshmen" where up-and-coming artists compete for automatic rotation on MTV (Click the image below to vote).

Voting ends this Friday the 6th @ 2pm (EST)

50 Records' Director of A&R on Cities 97

2009-10-02T12:44:00.000-07:00

Drew the A&R guy sat down w/ BT and Lee of the Cities 97 Morning Show last Friday.

Drew discussed his involvement w/ Hope Rocks! over the last two years and 50 Records' artist Elevation.

Listen to the interview HERE

50 Records' Director of A&R on Cities 97 this Friday

2009-09-23T16:26:00.000-07:00

Drew Pearson, director of A&R at 50 Records, will make an appearance on the Cities 97 Morning Show this Friday the 25th at 8AM (get up early!). He will discuss Hope Rocks! Volume II, a CD he compiled to benefit Faith's Lodge. The CD features the best in Midwest music including Soul Asylum, Atmosphere, Solid Gold, and many more...

Faith's Lodge is an organization that assists families in coping w/ the serious illness or death of a child.

*Co-founders Mark and Susan Lasek were on the Morning Show last week.

For more information on Hope Rocks! Volume II and the CD release party this Saturday CLICK HERE...And don't forget to tune in to 97.1 this Friday at 8AM.

An Interview w/ Elevation Lead Singer Nathan Smith

2009-09-21T12:28:00.000-07:00

Check out an in-depth interview w/ Nathan on the Sacre Bleu Wine blog HERE.

For more info on Elevation:
http://myspace.com/elevation

New Elevation Music Video: "Razoreyes" (feat. Kim Stewart)

2009-09-10T09:20:00.000-07:00

For more on Elevation:
http://myspace.com/elevation

50 Entertainment Creative Director Finishes Second Year of Lifelong Documentary

2009-05-22T13:36:00.000-07:00

Fun fact; this press release is 365 words long, just like Minneapolis artist Nate Maydole's year long film. Maydole, filmed a word each day for 366 days in 2007-08 and he didn't stop there. With a new theme to tackle, he set out to continue his journey to say one word a day for the rest of his life. His 2008-09, 365-day film titled, Word of the Day, Chapter 2: Memory, focuses on what we remember and what we forget day to day. "It's amazing how much information is given to us everyday. Memory is such a vital part of our existence," states Maydole. Regarding what inspired him, Maydole explains, "After I completed year one I wanted to continue to develop the, 'Word of the Day', concept into a different, unique theme. Memory was the first thing that popped in my head and it just stuck... Saying one word a day grows on you, it's like brushing your teeth. Once you start you never want to go back to having bad breathe again." Maydole plans to choose a new topic and release films annually over the course of his life. This year's film includes many locations and national landmarks such as the Space Needle in Seattle and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Maydole also captured one word while zip lining in Vancouver. "I just had to do it," says Maydole after the guide strongly recommended he didn't. In 2008 Maydole stated, "I was inspired to use my passion for film to chronicle my life, so that annually I can look back and be reminded of the last year, and in 30 years I will be able to see the true metamorphosis. It is a simple concept that I hope others will be inspired by, too." See: http://www.natesword.com

*Click here to see Nate's interview on Kare11 news (5/20/09)

Former 50E Intern Advancing in Blogosphere

2009-02-20T13:11:00.000-08:00

Kyle Bylin, former 50 Entertainment Intern, is promoted to Associate Editor on Hypebot.com, popular music and technology business blog.
MINNEAPOLIS (February 18, 2009) – Hypebot.com announced this month that former 50 Entertainment intern, Kyle Bylin has been promoted as the sites new Associate Editor. Throughout Bylin’s deeper explorations of the music industry, communization (tribes) and branding he has earned a title in the blogosphere as a music industry philosopher.
Bylin’s articles are best known for his insightful and advanced look at the impacts in which social evolutions relate to the way audiences consume and interact with music.

Kyle began posting on hypebot after being discovered by Bruce Houghton on 50 Entertainment’s blog. Bylin continued to appear as a guest poster on Hypebot.com until his promotion as Associate Editor.

Katie McNabb (50 Entertainment) explains, “We encourage our interns to enlighten us on trends in the music industry and where they see opportunities for growth in the industry. Kyle was able to connect to some of the world’s must influential and creative thinkers in branding and take that knowledge to develop his own theories and philosophies.”

Please click here for a collection of Bylin’s work.

About Hypebot:
A journey of music, technology and the new music business.
See: www.hypebot.com

ArjanWrites.com - "Razoreyes"

2009-01-29T11:44:00.000-08:00

"Ready to disco, rock and roll around a little? Check out the brand-new single from emerging Atlanta outfit Elevation. Engineered by Mark Endert (The Fray, Madonna, Maroon 5), this quintet presents a potent blast of pop rock in the vein of The Killers, Oasis and Thriving Ivory. "Razoreyes" packs a steady hook, and the song's small doses of disco, strings and piano keeps it sounding fresh and diverse."

*For the original article/free download click here

Elevation: Featured Artist on thefrontloader.com

2009-01-26T11:19:00.000-08:00

Being in a band isn’t as easy as it may seem. Musicians will often compare the band relationship to a marriage… personalities will often clash, disagreements will arise, and breaking up is sometimes the single most difficult thing to do because everyone wants to do what’s best for the group, and not for the individual. Joining a band is a huge commitment, not only to the other members, but to the music as well.

Atlanta’s Elevation is a great example of the heights a band can achieve by rebuilding until they get it right. Originally formed in 2002 by singer Nathan Smith, Elevation has taken a few years to put all the pieces together, but now that the members have been solidified, they’ve released an excellent new album called Strangelove. It’s loud, it’s big, it’s rockin’, it’s emotional, and it’s really, really, really catchy.

My first introduction to Elevation was their first single, “Razoreyes.” This song is a fine representation of their sound… it’s got a retro feel to it, but as a whole it’s as current as the daily news. The pseudo-disco beat immediately catches your attention, and once the chorus hits, you’re hooked. “Razoreyes” also showcases their excellent pop sensibility, as there are hooks pretty much everywhere in the song. It took me a good day and a half to get the chorus out of my head.
alt text

After digging on “Razoreyes” for a while, it was time to move on to the rest of the album. Strangelove is full of songs that I can hear on the radio right NOW. The production, musicianship, and song writing would all have absolutely no problems sliding into any rock radio program, but don’t let that statement fool you… although Elevation writes some excellent pop songs, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t more underneath the surface.

One of the many examples of this for me is the beautiful “Not Going to Beg.” This delicate piano driven piece brings Smith’s voice front and center, and I think this is his finest performance on the record. The song has a gorgeous melody, yes… but it’s how he handles the melody that pulled me in as a listener. He’s got a set of pipes, that’s for sure, but “Not Going to Beg” showed me that he’s able to be vulnerable without losing any of his strength.

I love how he sings the line, “And the way you looked at me just sank my heart.”

While looking through the Internet for more info on Elevation, I came across this studio video of “Not Going to Beg.” Take a few minutes and watch it… it’ll give you an idea of how the song came together.

I’ve posted this track in the Dig-it section below, along with the single, “Razoreyes.”

Another choice track is “Be Free.” This uplifting song begs to be performed live, and is, hands down, my favorite song off the album. The structural simplicity allows the rest of the band to take the time to work their dynamics, and they definitely work it to the limit. The coda is just as huge as you hoped it would end up being… I have a feeling that this is a show-stopper in their live performances.

“Be Free” is also one of the stronger lyrical moments for the band. I dig the message of the chorus:

The world still turns as you sleep
So just let it be
Come on be free
It’s all right to believe in the things you can’t see
Come on be free

Some sound advice given there. It may not be a new message, but it’s one that I think a lot of us can relate to.

Strangelove carries a hefty fifteen tracks, so it might take a while to digest it. It’s a fun listen, though, and well worth the time spent. Good song writing is always the number one priority for any record, and Elevation has put together a quality collection here. Without the song, nothing else matters.

The album was released in August 2008, so the band is still out on the road in support of it. They’ll be in Athens, GA for a couple of shows starting tonight… if you’re in the area, go check them out. Judging by the energy they show on the record, I have no doubt that you’ll get your money’s worth.

Here are the details on those two Athens shows:

Jan 26 2009 @ 9:00P - TASTY WORLD w/Lights Resolve in Athens, Georgia
Jan 27 2009 @ 9:00P - MASQUERADE w/Lights Resolve in Atlanta, Georgia

Visit the band on MySpace. You’ll find a few more songs to sample, and a short video documentary on the band.

Pick up the record, dig it, share it, see a show, grab some swag, spread the word…

*Link to the original article on thefrontloader.com

8 Up & Coming Indie Bands To Watch In 2009 (MuchMusic.com)

2008-12-23T09:02:00.000-08:00

3. Elevation

Absolutely not to be confused with the U2 cover band of the same name, Elevation is a five-piece rock band from Atlanta, Georgia with a way-grown-up Jimmy Eat World vibe and vocals to die for. You'll fall in love with Nathan Smith's voice - a rich, deep, satiny murmur which is forever falling off into a delicious whisper. Elevation just released their first album, Strangelove, with Minneapolis-based indie record label 50 Records. With its undulating piano, smooth electric guitar riffs, and gypsy cymbals, Wallflower is my favorite track on the album, but the heavier Facedown is a very close second.
Listen: Elevation's MySpace

*Original Link on MuchMusic.com

Hope Rocks! on Perfect Porridge

2008-12-21T14:32:00.000-08:00

Hope Rocks! Vol. 1 Benefiting Faith’s Lodge Compilation Album

I’ve been helping spread the word about a new local MSP compilation album, Hope Rocks! Vol. 1. Proceeds from the album benefit Faith’s Lodge, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping parents with a seriously ill child or who have lost a child.

Hope Rocks! was produced by Drew Pearson at 50 Entertainment and includes tracks from Romantica, Cloud Cult, Chris Koza, Honeydogs and White Light Riot, among others. Each artist contributed and hand-picked the tracks.

Whether you’re new to the Twin Cities, a lifelong resident or just interested in the scene, this compilation is a gem — showcasing the best of the best artists we have to offer. And it’s for a great cause.

The CDs are limited-edition and available for $15 (incl .shipping) at www.faithslodge.org or by calling 612.825.2073.

*Link to original article on perfectporridge.com

Elevation Kicks Off 2009 at Hard Rock With AutoVaughn

2008-11-25T09:16:00.000-08:00

Concert December 18, 2008 8:00pm at Hard Rock Café’s Velvet Underground w/ AutoVaughn

Are you excited for the start of a new year? Atlanta-based alternative rock band, Elevation, definitely is! The band will be celebrating the end of a successful and eventful year and kicking off 2009 at the Hard Rock Café’s Velvet Underground on December 18th. Sharing the stage with Elevation will be Nashville natives, AutoVaughn.

Elevation had quite a year in 2008. Shortly after signing with 50 Records, Elevation began recording their debut album, Strangelove, with producer Dan Hannon (Manchester Orchestra, King Konga, Aaron Shust) and was mastered by Grammy Award winner, Adam Aya (Nirvana, The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, Incubus). The album caught the attention of famed producer, Mark Endert (Maroon 5, Madonna, The Fray), who remixed the first single, “Razoreyes”. Strangelove has already received rave reviews from Southeast Performer Magazine, Creative Loafing and The Planet Weekly!

That was just the beginning for Elevation. During 2008 the band attended the South by Southwest Music Festival, broke records on Myxer.com, the largest provider of mobile content in the industry, and had fans featured on Perez Hilton promoting Elevation, to mention a few accomplishments! The band was recently featured on Project Homegrown on Atlanta’s Project 96.1.

With 2009 on the horizon, Elevation is looking ahead at what is next to come! The band is looking forward to a national tour along with releasing their debut music video for “Razoreyes”.

Minnesota Teenager Reaching Stardom by Broadcasting Life on Internet

2008-11-25T08:16:00.000-08:00

Dylan Reichstadt may appear to look like an average Minnesota teenager, going to Park High School everyday living a suburban life in Cottage Grove. However, Dylan is far from being a normal teenager and is already forming what soon may become an entrepreneurial empire for the 16 year old.

Taking full advantage of how media has changed over the last few years, Dylan has been able to use the increasingly popular Justin.tv, among other social media sites, to podcast his life, referred to as lifecasting, nearly every hour for the past year. On Justin.tv, Dylan is known as DylanLive on DTE Lifecast and has an average following of around 40 people. During one of his episodes over 700 people across the world were tuned into Dylan’s lifecast, watching what this Minnesota teenager was up to. Besides the regulars that tune into DTE Lifecast, over 667,000 thousand people have viewed it! While watching Dylan, viewers are able to interact with him through a chat room.

Dylan continues to learn as much as he can about the broadcasting world. Along with taking classes at Park High School, this summer Dylan interned at Minneapolis-based music and media company, 50 Entertainment, where he helped create News & Views, a bi-weekly entertainment news series featured on YouTube.

Dylan also knows more about the business world than just video. Through reaching out to musicians, Dylan was able to find a Massachusetts-based solo-artist, Nick Consone, to sponsor DTE Lifecast. With the mix of business, creative and broadcasting knowledge that comes so easily to Dylan, he is sure to make his mark on the entertainment and media world.

After the recent tragic suicide that was unfortunately broadcasted using Justin.tv, Dylan reacts, “People can be quite demanding, I choose to ignore them and boot them out of the room. When lifecasting you get the good side of people, but there will always be someone trying to ruin your day. It’s an unfortunate side of human nature that I choose to ignore.”

Hope Rocks! For the Holiday Season

2008-11-14T09:21:00.000-08:00

Music with a Mission: Hope Rocks! CD Features 15 Local Twin Cities Artists with Feel Good Vibe, Unique Message with Proceeds Benefiting Faith's Lodge

With the tough economy this holiday shopping season, consumer will be looking for affordable, unique and feel-good items to give as gifts. At $15 and featuring 15 Twin Cities artists with unique, alternative rock sounds and positive messages, the Hope Rocks! CD not only fits the bill, but is philanthropic too, with the proceeds benefiting Faith's Lodge, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping parents with a seriously ill child or that have lost a child.

Faith's Lodge, a unique, eight-suite facility nestled in the woods of Northwestern Wisconsin, was created to bring parents and families together in a tranquil setting to draw strength from others with similar experiences and to absorb the healing grace of nature.

"Music and nature have immense healing power, and we really wanted to bring those two together in the Hope Rocks! CD Vol. 1," said Susan Lacek, who co-founded Faith's Lodge with her husband, Mark, after the death of their daughter, Faith, in 2000, as a way to support other parents going through difficult times.

The Hope Rocks! CD Vol. 1 was launched on Sept. 20 at the Hope Rocks! CD release party, a first-of-its-kind fundraiser event architected by the Faith's Lodge organization. The event featured a private concert by Soul Asylum to guests of about 1,000.

"Hope Rocks!, as an event, was designed to be a rock concert and CD release party where guests can enjoy a fun night out, celebrate the mission of Faith's Lodge and also raise money for the cause," said Mark. "We set out to create a must-attend event that is replicable in future years to expand our donor community -- especially among young people -- and continue to raise money to operate Faith's Lodge and its unique mission."

The Hope Rocks! CD was produced by 50 Entertainment, a local production company with a strong pulse on the local music scene. The CD gives listeners a taste of local music from the Twin Cities including Romantica, Cloud Cult, Chris Koza, Honeydogs and White Light Riot, among others. Each artist contributed and hand-picked the tracks.

"The focus was to put together a record with some of the most well known local alternative rock artists from recent years -- many of these bands are now touring nationally," said Drew Pearson, the CD's producer. "The unique, positive messages came together in an organic way. We asked the artists to select songs that were close to their heart or that tied in with the message of Faith's Lodge, healing and hope. It's an inspiring album with intimate songs -- perfect for the holidays."
The CDs are limited-edition and available for only $15 while supplies last at http://www.faithslodge.org or by calling 612.825.2073.

Faith's Lodge is a unique retreat facility for families who have a child with a life-limiting illness or have recently suffered the loss of a child. In its northwoods setting, Faith's Lodge provides a community where these families can retreat to reflect on the past, renew strength for the present and build hope for the future. To learn more about Faith's Lodge, visit http://www.faithslodge.org or call 612.825.2073.

*Link to original article

Former 50E Intern Gains Local Press for Podcast

2008-11-13T14:23:00.000-08:00

Local Teen Broadcasts his Life Online
By Judy Spooner - South Washington County Bulletin

The only time 16-year-old Dylan Reichstadt’s life is not appearing live on the Internet is from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. when he’s in class at Park High School.

Other than that, you can tune in at Justin.tv/dylanlive to watch his life, which also includes sleeping and a view of the shoes in the closet by the front door when he leaves his Cottage Grove home.

Viewers can talk to Reichstadt, or to each other, in the chat room next to his broadcast screen. But beware; he boots you out of the room if you abuse the privilege of watching or commenting on his life.

Dylan Reichstadt, wearing his “hat cam” is broadcasting the reporter while she takes his picture for a news article. (Bulletin photo by Judy Spooner)
Dylan Reichstadt, wearing his “hat cam” is broadcasting the reporter while she takes his picture for a news article.

“People like to watch real people living real life,” he said in an interview at his home Nov. 5. Much of the interview w as broadcast live on his Web site to about 40 viewers who also commented on the conversation taking place. “They see through my eyes,” he said.

Reichstadt said his highest viewership was 2,905 people.

“I look at the viewer count numbers,” he said, “because that tells me what’s interesting to them. If someone sees something they like, I’ve got ‘em.”

His mother, Jodi Reichstadt, said her son’s willingness and ability to broadcast his life surprised her.

“This floors me,” Jodi said. “My son’s great. He’s very uninhibited.”

On Thursday, Nov. 6, Reichstadt broadcasted from play practice at Park High School, where he is preparing to be the husband in “A Christmas Carol,” next month.

Reichstadt’s work is supported by a solo music artist on the East Coast named Nick Consone. Consone bought Reichstadt’s laptop computer and pays for his portable Internet connection in exchange for mentions on the Web site.

Reichstadt had contacted several artists, and Consone was the one who chose to accept his proposition.

If you run into Reichstadt around town, comb your hair quickly, because you could be part of his live broadcast. His camera is attached to his baseball cap.

Last summer broadcasting his life led to a chat with local police.

While riding home on the bus from his summer internship at 50 Records in Minneapolis, Reichstadt was broadcasting from a camera fastened to his shirt. Thinking his behavior somewhat odd, someone reported him to Metro Transit.

After a conversation with an officer who greeted him when he left the bus, Reichstadt decided to end his bus broadcasting.

He broadcast a ghost hunt from his basement with his father, Randy, taking part.

He also hangs up a disco ball and holds solo dance parties.

Clips of past broadcasts are available on the site.

For now, Reichstadt is learning all he can about video by participating in school broadcasting and preparing to learn how to record and broadcast school board meetings.

As to the future, he is sure video will always be a part of his life, but he also wants to learn how to fly airplanes he said.

“I love new things,” Reichstadt said.

*Link to original article*

White Light Riot Writeup in Metro Magazine

2008-11-12T14:37:00.000-08:00

Local rockers White Light Riot are all about giving this month. They appear on the Hope Rocks! charity compilation and in Glitter Ball, a MN AIDS Project fundraiser at the Varsity Theater on 11/4.

50 Entertainment Launches New Interactive Internship Program

2008-09-26T09:36:00.000-07:00

In efforts to benefit the Minneapolis community and offer opportunities to students throughout the Metro area, 50 Entertainment, Inc. (50e), a local music and media company, launches a new internship program.

The program focuses on all aspects of the marketing and branding processes in the music industry, with a large emphasis on interactive marketing. The interns at 50e are the backbone of the company and come with new insights and a fresh, creative outlook, which is supported by educational programming offered by industry veterans at 50e.

The internship program is structured to help students build a portfolio, while gaining valuable experience in a very competitive industry.

Katie McNabb, 50e Publicist and Intern Coordinator explains, “Our interns come here with a passion and drive that makes 50e what it is today. This program is designed to allow creative freedom from bright minds. We are here to educate and give students an unforgettable experience in the entertainment industry.”

Echo Through The Waves (Downtown Journal Writeup)

2008-06-10T11:49:00.000-07:00

Call me a moving expert. I’ve definitely done it enough: five times over the past six years. You’d think I’d like it by now, but I don’t. I still hate it.

One fight I find myself in every time I arrive somewhere new is what to do with my walls.

Is it a prerequisite that all walls have to be so white — like really, really white?

In college, I found enough trendy movie and music posters to cover everything up. But I’m not in college anymore; most of you reading this probably aren’t, either. So what are we to do now?

That’s where 50 Entertainment hopes to come in.

The local music and media company is hosting a three-hour gallery event, “Echo through the waves,” at its Warehouse District offices, featuring enough splashy paintings and photography to fill rooms and rooms full of bland, white walls.

There will be photographs of sights around the Twin Cities, colorful paintings bubbling over with energy and introspective abstract images.

In a news release, 50 Entertainment wanted to make the point that the art, all produced by Minnesotans, is meant to come home with you: Nothing will cost more than $500.

That’s a little more than I paid for the “Pulp Fiction” posters adorning my college dorm room. But it also is much better than hanging onto drabness.

June 26, 4-7pm
50 Entertainment
300 1st Ave. N., Suite 110
Free
echothroughthewaves.com

Article Link

50 Entertainment in Twin Cities Business Magazine

2008-06-04T12:03:00.000-07:00

Deb Ingstad, CEO of 50 Entertainment

Perhaps the most ambitious local start-up label is Minneapolis’s 50 Entertainment. Founded in 2006 by CEO Deb Ward-Ingstad, an entrepreneur who owns several radio stations in the south, 50 Entertainment is using traditional distribution paired with innovative marketing to build fan base and drive record sales on its imprint, 50 Records. This includes touring, traditional and Internet media relations, traditional distribution, digital distribution on all popular Internet retailers, band merchandise, and what Ward-Ingstad calls “a comprehensive fan-relations plan” to sell the first 30,000 records.

With eight employees and 12 interns, 50 Records is the best-staffed label in town. It has perhaps the Twin Cities’ only full-time in-house talent scout, Drew Pearson (formerly with the Universal Music Group, which owns dozens of well-known labels), and it is actively recruiting new talent by researching on MySpace and having staffers see live concerts four to five nights a week. To date, 50 Records has signed and released records by two bands and is working with several others.
Full Article

50 Entertainment Interns featured on PerezHilton.com

2008-05-29T12:07:00.000-07:00

Above: 50 Entertainment Interns wearing Elevation Loves Perez shirts.

50 Entertainment Joins Hands with Faith’s Lodge

2008-05-28T08:56:00.000-07:00

50 Entertainment (50e), a Minneapolis based music and media company, announced today collaboration efforts with Faith’s Lodge for “Hope Rocks, Volume 1” CD Release Party, a gala fundraiser event intended to raise awareness and support for Faith’s Lodge. Faith’s Lodge is a retreat where parents and families who currently have a seriously ill child or who have experienced the loss of a child can escape to reflect on the past, renew strength for the present and build hope for the future. The event will raise funds to operate Faith’s Lodge and create awareness for raising future resources through individual giving and corporate sponsorship.

50 Records, the independent music label subsidiary of 50 Entertainment, will be providing all musical talent for the event including live performances from top Twin Cities artists along with producing a “Hope Rocks, Volume 1” charitable CD with a mix of Twin Cities Artists. 50 Media, the media and marketing subsidiary of 50 Entertainment, will be providing branding services for the event.

The event will be held Saturday, September 20th from 6:00pm-midnight at the Epic Event Center on 110 North First Street, Minneapolis, MN. The tickets cost $150 standard or $250 VIP. All funds are donated to Faith’s Lodge for their efforts to help seriously ill children and their families.

Indie Rock Band, Elevation, Making Waves on Myxer.com

2008-05-27T09:01:00.000-07:00

Elevation, an Atlanta-based indie rock band, is creating quite a stir on Myxer.com, the largest provider of mobile content in the industry. On May 20th, Elevation was featured on the site with a free ringtone giveaway for the day. After the 24 hours, Elevation had 5802 downloads, which is a little more than one download every 18 seconds!

This is the highest number of downloaded tunes that Myxer.com has had for a band. Partly due to this success, Elevation has caught the attention of Zude.com, a social networking site, and fans are now able to sign up for a free account and download more ringtones from Elevation on Zude.com.

50 Entertainment Presents Second Annual Echo Through The Waves, A New Vision of Art

2008-05-16T13:21:00.000-07:00

50 Entertainment, (50e), a local music and media company, is opening its Warehouse District office space for the second Echo Through The Waves Art Gallery event; an appreciation for all forms of art and to support Twin Cities artists.

The event will highlight art from Minneapolis natives, Dick Simonsen, Kevin Fitzke, Nate Maydole, Amzie Wendt, Maria Lundberg, Lonnie Lovness and more to be announced. It takes place Thursday, June 26th from 4:00-7:00pm. 50e’s office space is located at 300 First Avenue North, Suite 110 in the Warehouse District of downtown Minneapolis.

The artwork showcased will include a variety of pieces, including paintings, photography and jewelry, all of which will be offered at an affordable price under $500. It is a great opportunity for start-up restaurants and new home and condo owners to find high quality artwork to complete the atmosphere of their space at a reasonable price.

“The decision to hold gallery events in our space was a simple one. 50e is a company that fosters the arts and our space has the right atmosphere for a successful gallery,” said Deborah Ward-Ingstad, 50e CEO. She continued, “While 50e is first a music and media company, we have the tools to help all artists find success. We are dedicated to cultivating all arts here in the Twin Cities.”

This event is open to the public and free of charge. All art novices, supporters and collectors are encouraged to attend.

About the artists:
See: Echo Through The Waves

Minnesotan Creative Defines Change in 366-day Documentary

2008-05-05T09:05:00.000-07:00

Minneapolis artist Nate Maydole filmed a word everyday for 366 days last year on the topic of “change.” Maydole, wanted to capture the small changes he endured everyday from his location to actual physical transformation while discovering life’s greater meaning. He captured all on film in the documentary Word of the Day, Chapter 1: Change.

Regarding what inspired him, Maydole explains, “There are so many reasons why I created this documentary that there really is not one good reason. First, I know you should cherish everyday and filming one word a day in its simplicity reminds me to do that. Second, change is inevitable even when you try your hardest to stay the same so I was inspired to talk about it. And I realized that 30 years from now this video will be more interesting.”

Maydole plans to choose a new topic every year and release similar films annually over the course of his life.

Said Maydole, “I was inspired to use my passion for film to chronicle my life, so that annually I can look back and be reminded of the last year, and in 30 years I will be able to see the true metamorphosis. It is a simple concept that I hope others will be inspired by, too.”

See: http://www.natesword.com for the first year: Chapter 1: Change
See below for the script of Chapter 1: Change
A copy of the locations Maydole features in this film is available by request.

About Nate Maydole:
Maydole is 25, lives in Minneapolis and is creative director at 50 Entertainment, Inc. He went to the University of Minnesota, Duluth and grew up in the small town of Hawley, Minn. Maydole’s art includes videography, photography and graphic design and a collection is located at http://www.sightspeaks.com.

Elevation Releases Debut Record Strangelove

2008-03-19T13:15:00.000-07:00

Elevation, an Atlanta-based indie rock band, will be celebrating the release of their first full-length album, Strangelove, on March 28, 2008 at Vinyl. The CD Release Show is an 18+ event, doors open at 9:00 PM and cost $5. Fans can buy tickets at the door or on www.ticketalternative.com.

The band and album have already caught national attention this year with appearances by Elevation at the SXSW Music Festival in Austin, Texas and a remix of the first single “Razoreyes” with highly acclaimed music producer/remixer, Mark Endert, who has worked with Maroon 5, The Fray and Madonna.

Elevation formed with vocalist Nathan Smith in 2002. This five-piece has assembled the essential elements necessary for their rise to greatness. Although it is clear that Elevation's music is heavily influenced by classic rock, some of their songs tease the boundaries of genre; sometimes shifting to a more indie or ambient sound. But as the songs play with different sounds so do Smith's vocals, distinctive yet familiar (soft to punchy, or from melodic to gritty) but always completely convincing. Lead guitarist Andrew Averso, rhythm guitarist Luke Hickok, bassist Chase Schell, and drummer Stephen Bailey round out the band.

For media interested in Strangelove for review, please call Katie McNabb at 50 Records, 612.465.8300 or cell, 952.454.6022, katie.mcnabb@50entertainment.com

About Elevation
See: www.myspace.com/elevation
See: www.elevationstrangelove.com

50 Media Partners with Rusty Horseshoe Pepper Company in Branding Efforts

2008-03-08T08:22:00.000-08:00

50 Media, an innovative interactive marketing and branding subsidiary of 50 Entertainment, announced agreement with salsa company, Rusty Horseshoe Pepper Company, to provide a branding and marketing campaign for the company.

The campaign will include all design work for the company, including the label design on the salsa packages. Along with design work, 50 Media will also create the website for Rusty Horseshoe Pepper Company and a short documentary film featured on the website with Phil Davenport, creator of the salsa.

For more information on Rusty Horseshoe Pepper Company, please visit:
http://www.horseshoepepper.com/

50 Records Interns Travel to South by Southwest Music Festival

2008-02-18T13:07:00.000-08:00

While many bands will start to travel to the South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Texas in early March, a different yet still as dynamic group of people will join them on the road. 50 Records announces today that they will be sending a group of 10 interns and staff members to the South by Southwest music festival via Winnebago to help present 50 Records South by Southwest Day Show with Zude, a new social media network.

The group will depart from Minneapolis on March 11th and will document their journey south using daily video blogs that will be posted on numerous web and blog sites including 50 Records' Myspace, the 50 Records blog, and sxsw.ning.com.

“This documentary is meant to showcase the trials and tribulations of mixing both work and pleasure at this year’s South by Southwest Music and Media Conference. The documentary will illustrate the journey and experience of a group of people trying to maintain a constructive demeanor at a conference known for its laid back fun-loving atmosphere. The collection of ten travelers are sure to face challenges while bonding, learning, growing, and having fun, elements unseen by most South by Southwest attendees. Rarely do people get to observe such honesty from behind the scenes of record labels. Being young, independent, and groundbreaking contributes elements guaranteed to make this an exceptionally candid, entertaining, and enjoyable documentary,” says Marc Tobin, A&R Coordinator for 50 Records.

Elevation Single “Razoreyes” to be Re-mixed by Famed Producer Mark Endert

2008-02-11T09:12:00.000-08:00

50 Records, an independent record label based in Minneapolis, announced today the collaboration on Elevation’s first single “Razoreyes” with producer Mark Endert.

Drew Pearson, Director of A&R at 50 Records says, “We are stoked that Mark was enthusiastic about remixing Razoreyes. He killed it, and I think listeners will love it.”

Elevation is expecting their first CD, Strangelove, to be released April 1st. While the first single off the album, “Razoreyes”, is already for sale through iTunes, it has caught the attention of Mark Endert, a well-known producer who recently worked with Maroon 5, The Fray, Madonna and Fiona Apple. Elevation and Mark Endert will begin the production of a remix of the track, which will be added to Strangelove before the release of the album on April 1st.

50 Records Presents Zude’s Official SXSW Day Party

2008-02-06T13:31:00.000-08:00

50 Records, an independent record label based in Minneapolis, announced today their partnership with Zude, a social media network, to present the Zude Official South by Southwest (SXSW) Day Party at Club Fuze on March 14th, 2008 from 1-6pm in Austin, TX.

The partnership is a joint effort to showcase 50 Entertainment’s signed artists, WhiteLight Riot and Elevation, and rising talents such as Minneapolis-based band Melismatics, indie sensation People in Planes, and Tulsa-based band The Effects. In addition, 50 Records will use their industry contacts to introduce the much-anticipated social media network, Zude.

Deb Ingstad, CEO of 50 Records, says, “I am extremely excited to established 50 Records reputation as one of the premier Minneapolis-based labels at this years South by Southwest Music Festival. Our partnership with Zude will benefit both our artists and showcase Zude’s user-friendly new software to music fans.”

All attendees of the event will enjoy free drinks; a chance to win two custom made snare drums, Zude demonstrations and incredible live performances.

50 Entertainment and BRICK BY BRICK present: Echo Through The Waves, A New Vision of Art

2007-10-03T09:40:00.000-07:00

50 Entertainment, Inc. (50e) is opening its Warehouse District office space to serve as an art gallery one evening quarterly to showcase talented Twin Cities artists.

The initial event will feature Dick Simonsen, Yuri Arajs and Lonnie Lovness; it takes place Thursday, October 25, 2007 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. 50e’s office space is located at 300 First Avenue North, Suite 110 in the Warehouse District of downtown Minneapolis.

“The decision to hold gallery events in our space was a simple one. 50e is a company that fosters the arts and our space has the right atmosphere for a successful gallery,” said Deborah Ward-Ingstad, 50e CEO. She continued, “While 50e is first a music and media company, we have the tools to help all artists find success. We are dedicated to cultivating all arts here in the Twin Cities and we were intrigued by what Wolfmotell was doing through its BRICK BY BRICK campaign. We, too, want the Warehouse District to be a go-to place for art, and we plant o help that effort a few artists at a time.”

50e has partnered with BRICK BY BRICK for this endeavor. BRICK BY BRICK is a campaign designed by advertising agency Wolfmotell to renew the creative energy of the historic Minneapolis Warehouse District. The first effort by BRICK BY BRICK was an outdoor art exhibit hanging from light poles along First Avenue.

“It’s great to see a proactive community,” said Keith Wolf, the creative vision behind BRICK BY BRICK. “An imaginative concept like the 50e Gallery gives artists a new venue and visibility to a unique audience.”

50 Records Announces Label Agreement With Elevation

2007-08-01T09:16:00.000-07:00

50 Records, an independent record label based in Minneapolis, announced today that it has added the Atlanta-based rock band Elevation to its roster of artists.

“I was drawn to Elevation initially because of their strong musicality and their unique sound. I believe they are a good fit with 50 Records because our vision of their future is similar to theirs,” said Drew Pearson, Director of A&R for the label. “First and foremost, 50 Records is about representing artists, during a period of dramatic changes in the music industry. I'm confident that Elevation will have the opportunity here to retain their artistic vision.”

Elevation joins popular Minneapolis band White Light Riot on the 50 Records label. Elevation will finish touring this summer and go into production on their first full-length album this fall.

50 Records Completes White Light Riot Blitz Week

2007-06-29T09:21:00.000-07:00

50 Records, an independent record label based in Minneapolis, launched the first full-length album of locally-based band White Light Riot, with a dizzying week of launch activities and media events. Sales exceeded initial expectations, confirming 50 Entertainment’s strategy for successful indie music market penetration.

In support of Atomism, White Light Riot performed in-studio with Twin Cities radio stations Cities 97 and The Current. The band also made TV appearances on KARE TV's "Showcase Minnesota", "Whatever Show” and on WCCO TV’s “4 News This Morning.” White Light Riot’s blitz week included an acoustic performance at local record store, Electric Fetus, a CD listening party thrown by local DJ Jake Rueh during his weekly "Transmission” party, and a Cities 97 "Tunes at Noon" performance on Peavey Plaza.

Atomism was recently heralded as one of the Star Tribune’s Best Local CD Releases of 2007. The newspaper featured a front-page story on White Light Riot in the ‘Scene’ section by music critic Chris Riemenschneider featuring a banner headline: “White Light Heat.” The week culminated with a special all-ages sound check party on Saturday afternoon, a VIP listening party attended by more than 300 local industry insiders and a sold-out CD release party and band performance at the Fine Line Music Café.

“50 Records is proud of White Light Riot's album launch for Atomism,” said Deborah Ward-Ingstad, chief executive officer of 50 Entertainment. "Having a sold-out concert and great record sales in the first week means the band is getting noticed and is really starting to take off. With the national release of Atomism in August through RED Distribution, we expect to fully flex the rationale behind our unique approach to the music business, which is our ability to offer strong support for talented artists.”

Future performance dates for White Light Riot include playing on the Chipotle stage at Milwaukee’s Summerfest, a show at the St. John's Block Party in Rochester; Minn, and performing as a headliner at the Festival to End Violence in Duluth.

50 Records Announces National Distribution Agreement With RED Distribution

2007-06-20T09:26:00.000-07:00

50 Records, an independent record label based in Minneapolis, announced today that it has reached agreement for national distribution for its artists with RED Distribution, a division of Sony BMG.

“In today and tomorrow’s music business, it will be key to find the right partnerships to bring both the strength of a robust distribution system together with the artist-centered approach of independent labels like 50 Records,” said Deborah Ward-Ingstad, 50 Entertainment, Inc. Chief Executive Officer. “This agreement will enable 50 Records to go beyond the realm of a traditional label and provide full marketing and promotional support paired with national distribution rights to artists. We are enthusiastic about the potential of this relationship for our artists and for their fans.”

50 Records is a subsidiary of 50 Entertainment, Inc. 50 Entertainment is comprised of successful industry veterans and innovative youth who have developed and implemented a new standard for the changing music business—a 50/50 partnership with artists that utilize a wide range of marketing tactics aimed at a global audience. 50 Records signings include Minneapolis band White Light Riot and Atlanta band Elevation.

“50 Entertainment provides an opportunity for us to access some exciting new talent. We have high expectations for this partnership and look forward to mutual success,” said Missi Callazzo, MRI President.

Deb Ingstad, CEO of 50 Entertainment joins World Business Academy Board of Directors

2007-02-01T08:30:00.000-08:00

Deb Ingstad, CEO of Minneapolis-based music and media company, 50 Entertainment, joined the World Business Academy Board of Directors.

The World Business Academy is a non-profit business think tank devoted to rekindling the human spirit in business. Founder Rinaldo S. Brutoco and a small group of senior business executives and academics emerged in 1987 to create a research and education institution, the World Business Academy, to help the global business community understand and participate in the new constructive role emerging for business as the dominant institution in society.

For more information of The World Business Academy, please visit:
www.worldbusiness.org