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Aezra Records is pleased to announce that it has completed a domestic distribution deal with EMI Music Marketing (EMM). The Phoenix-based company's newly inked U.S. deal with EMM goes against the grain of current music industry consolidation and contraction, when many major distributors are scaling back artist rosters and dropping labels.

"We've been extremely fortunate to succeed at building a new relationship with a view towards the emerging future of the record business," remarked Aezra's COO/General Manager Michael Preger. "I couldn't be more excited about what's in store for Aezra given our new distribution scenario with EMM."

The deal was hammered out between Phil Quartararo, Executive V.P. of EMI Music North America, and Aezra's Michael Preger, with industry consigliere Michael Klenfner consulting on behalf of EMM, and Jess Rosen, for Joel Katz's office (Greenberg, Taurig), overseeing legal affairs for Aezra. Klenfner commented, "Given the many challenges our business has been experiencing, we're all thrilled and delighted to celebrate the building of this association between EMM and Aezra. Economically, the deal makes sense for all parties concerned, and it's a tribute to everybody that they had the vision to make it happen. I have total faith that this is a great fit, and I know both companies are ready to immediately focus on the business at hand -- getting out quality music."

Preger added, "I feel we at Aezra share a vision with the top executives at EMI, who have expressed many of the same views and philosophies that have defined our company since its inception 4 years ago. Specifically, those of being A&R-driven, and dedicated to traditional standards of artist development and long term commitment between a label and its talent. With our dedication to A&R values, and their outstanding marketing and sales abilities, we have a mutual opportunity to make a significant impact in the marketplace."

Echoing those sentiments, Aezra's President Eric Cheroske remarked, "If I'd had to dream of the perfect distribution deal, EMM would have topped my list -- this is the best possible outcome for Aezra. EMI is first and foremost an artist-driven company, with an incredible roster that's not so large that they can't really focus on each and every release. I couldn't have asked for more."

Among the first slate of albums to be released under the new EMM pact is sizzling R&B singer-songwriter Crea's debut, Mystory, Aezra's initial entry into the urban music arena. The project marks the beginning of Aezra's dynamic development and marketing relationship with Hiram Hicks' Atlanta-based Artist Factory. Previously, Hicks won renown as the groundbreaking President of Island's Black Music Division when he helped engineer the entity from scratch into a $28 million business its first year. Other new Aezra releases scheduled for 2004 include the label's next emerging urban/pop sensation, songwriter/stylist Billy Miles, and the sophomore effort from pop chanteuse and balladeer Sera.

Also on tap are projects from a diverse quartet of rock acts set to perform at Aezra's March 18 SXSW label showcase at Austin's Agave: Dallas-bred alt-rockers Chomsky come armed with serious indie-cred as well as the hit song, "Fifteen Minutes To Rock," a fan favorite during Cowboys home games -- and the first single from the forthcoming Let's Get To Second. Chicago-based phenom Caviar -- the re-tooled incarnation of the former Fig Dish -- have already scored big with songs on major soundtracks, and are now recording their Aezra debut, The Thin Mercury Sound. Las Vegas' hard-edged alt-rock outfit Magna Fi draw raves with the raw power of their stage shows, including their live take on "Where Did We Go Wrong," the first single from the soon-to- be-released Burn Out The Stars. North Texas singer-songwriter John Price is currently in-studio with producer John Porter (Ryan Adams, The Smiths), wrapping his debut album Little Pieces Of A Little Piece Of Something Small.

The caliber of Aezra's artists and the company's dedication to innovative market strategies laid the groundwork for their success story so far. Their new distribution deal with EMM allows them to take it to the next level-and grows world leader EMI's extraordinary repertoire base.

Founded in 1999, Aezra is located at 14040 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ 85022-6117. Their telephone number is (602) 482-6518, and they can be found on the worldwide web at Aezra Records .