NEW YORK CITY, NY. --SEPTEMBER 10, 1999 -- Contrast Artist Management, a
booking agency for primarily "underground" drum and bass, house, and
techno DJs and PAs, today announced that it will be handling all
domestic bookings for the live drum and bass PA of pop artist Britney
Spears.
The PA, consisting of Britney on vocals, San Francisco Phunckateck
prettyboy DJ Abstract working the beats and basslines, and New York
Calvin Klein model turned DJ Mark Rhonson on the turntables adding some
hip hop flavor, will be touring the United States this fall.
"I see this as a tremendous step for stateside drum and bass, and I'm
really excited to work with this group," said Contrast founder and CEO
Courtney Powell. "Underground producers in this country have been
working for such a long time to get the recognition that UK superstars
like Goldie have had. Having an artist of Britney's stature on our side
to help fight for the cause is really the big push that we've all been
waiting for."
DJ Abstract, of San Francisco's Phunckateck crew, was Britney's first
choice to provide the beats. "He's just so adorable," she says of him.
"I mean, the N'Sync boys even seem jealous." She is quick to point out,
however, that with a slew of domestic releases on his resume and his own
label Pneuma Recordings seeing enormous success, Alex Posell is more
than just a pretty face... Albeit a pretty face sure to add a perfect Seventeen
Magazine marketing slant. "I'm excited about this project," he says. "I think
Britney is really talented, and despite what people may think, she makes a
perfect mascot and spokesperson for what drum and bass is all about. No one
really knows it, but she's been down for a long time. I mean, probably since
even before Brown Paper Bag hit MTV."
Mark Rhonson, former Calvin Klein model, is probably best known for his
hip hop sets at posh NYC hangouts such as Life, where he plays Puff Daddy
records for models and other beautiful people on a weekly basis. Britney
and Contrast expect that adding Mark to the mix will add not only a true
hip hop vibe, but also an attraction for the older crowd, thus updating
Britney's image from Teen Queen to True Industry Player.
Britney Spears revolutionized the world of pop music earlier this week
when she placed an authentic jungle breakbeat behind one of her songs at the
MTV Music Awards. She was enthusiastic about her audience's response,
and excited to move forward with her plans to become an underground drum
and bass artist.
A possible spot remains in the lineup for a drum and bass MC. Candidates
are encouraged to get in touch with project manager Courtney Powell, who
can be reached at courtney@contrastmusic.com.
For booking information, please email bookings@contrastmusic.com,
or call 212-238-3648.