Last week, (early June 08) Shai Navon, our COO, and I took my video camera first
to Decca Records/Universal to interview the lovely David Novik (Senior VP of
A&R at Decca/Universal) David is from the UK originally and has been in our business
discovering and working with amazing talent for many years. He actually thinks
that the present "down market" has been a good thing for labels as it is getting
them back to what they forgot how to do and that is sign great talent and truly
develop them and stick with them.

He had a lot to say about the importance of touring and self promotion
today but all in all, if he found an unknown artist, who had not really toured
a lot but was still an outstanding talent, he would sign them. He has a lot of
wonderful stories on the video blog which will be up in a day or so after I
write this. It was a pleasure interviewing him and it is clear he still loves
what he does and believes that great content will always be what lasts and what
is needed.

As for the great Russ Titleman. It was first off, inspiring just to be
in his apt looking over Riverside Drive and Grant's tomb. His collection of
art, photography and memorabilia

from every conceivable legendary artists was a bit overwhelming!
Every where you look in his apt is a picture of one of my favorite artists,
ranging from The Beatles to Stevie Windwood.

This man has truly been there and DONE it all. He is a highly intelligent
and outspoken person with a tremendous passion for the beauty in all art. He is
also an accomplished photographer!

My interview was based around finding out how he got his start and where
he sees the business going. At the end of the day, what it all boiled down to
was to "make a great record" and people will want to hear it...all of it.

We hope you enjoy these video blogs. Sorry about the grainy film and Shai's
cell phone ringing in one of the interviews!! All in all I think we captured
something special. Both Russ and David are on board as judges for this years contest!

Please let us know your thoughts and anyone else you would like us to
interview.

warmest,

Tina Shafer (artistic director)