E-Spire Entertainment News

Dallas Independent Record Label, Clout Records, Receives Major Distribution Deal from EMI

Dallas, TX – July 2007 - Dallas based independent record label, Clout Records, has acquired a national distribution deal with EMI. Head of Urban Music at EMI Music Marketing, Jesse Flores, offered the popular local label the agreement after retail consultant Billy Bowles, a former EMI executive, arranged a 3-day meeting with Mr. Flores in Dallas to evaluate Clout Records.

“We at EMI are excited about our newly formed partnership with Clout Records. When it comes to the rap genre it is crucial to have your hometown behind you 100%; Corey and his team have proven to me that they have the Dallas market on lock. The Clout brand means something in Texas and I look forward to helping them extend their reach to other markets the way other successful Indie rap labels have in the past“, states Mr. Flores.

Owned and operated by CEO Corey Cleghorn, Clout Records has been in business for nearly 3 years. When asked why he chose to go with EMI rather than other major labels, Mr. Cleghorn states, “ It was a great deal for us with a great company. Our agreement with EMI includes 75% of all of our sales and ownership of our masters. This type of deal doesn’t happen much these days especially through a major distributor.

Cleghorn also admits that he knows with the opportunity comes a lot of responsibility. EMI will do what they do best which is distribution and Retail and Clout is responsible for everything else. Clout has always specialized in excellent street promotions and has kept good industry relationships as an independent label. Clout must now prove that they have the same ability nationally as they have regionally to make hit songs that move from the streets to the club and graduate to radio such as their most recent single "Hit the Dance Floor" by 18 year old rapper Lil Peace.

" The situation is perfect for our company because EMI seems prepared to let us build our brand, keep creative control, be aggressive by quickly releasing our upcoming projects, and help us take our Dallas style global." Mr. Cleghorn continues, "EMI has helped create major labels underneath their umbrella. They've also distributed for Virgin and Capital as well as partnered up with Rap-A-Lot, Ruff Ryders and Priority in the past, so of course, it was an easy decision for me."

Clout doesn't require that a major label supervise all facets of their company since they have shown to be capable of creating a buzz on the streets and radio as an independent label but the question is will this convert to success on a national level? Mr. Cleghorn affirms the obstacles ahead, "This is a very big challenge for me but I’m confident that with a little budget support and the professionals I already work with we can make a major impact. Because of the support of our city and our fans in other cities we have a chance to be successful and make Dallas very proud."

Clout and EMI have a tentative release date of September 25th for Lil Peace's Album "Young and the Wreckless" and Clout Cartel’s "Changing The Game" Clout's Compilation and DVD Documentary.

For more info on Clout Records log on to:
www.myspace.com/cloutrecords
www.cloutrecords.com

Clout Media Department: 972-814-2713
cloutmarketing@yahoo.com

Kandel Media
www.kandelmedia.com