Kalistani Major History

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Hutorian Musician Erica Secord arrives in Kalistan
Secord paired up with producer Dawn Gordon for her first record on new label
Sulari, Suldanor
July 29, 4782


Erica Secord, the winner of this year's FOMAT contest set to record at ARC studios

Erica Secord, the Hutorian singing sensation, who prevailed at last May's FOMAT Contest in Deltaria, has arrived in Sulari to begin working with the Artists Recording Cooperative. After signing an agreement to record a record in Kalistan, the young singer, whose winning Song "Run" has already begun receiving airplay on music television and radio, has been paired with veteran producer Dawn Gordon. Gordon left KMI in December, and has signed on to produce for the ARC, siting "an environment that promotes creative freedom" in the new record Company.

Details of the record deal between Secord and ARC are confidential, but the deal is rumored to include a one record deal with an option for continued recording. ARC has also acquired a reputation for allowing the artist to control creative direction of their record and fronting studio time and pressing expenses. A standard contract involves recuperation of costs out of sales, and then passing on all profits on to the artist. ARC also has a nascent distribution arm, and does all mastering and pressing in house.

The record label assigned Gordon to production duties. ARC spokesperson Birdie James said "We felt that Gordon's talents match both Secord's style, and she has enough experience to allow Secord to get her feet wet in other styles and genres and really flex her creative muscles." ARC also has a stable of studio and session musicians that can help Secord craft songs, and realize her vision. "We are very excited to be recording this record with Secord," said James. "Our producers have created hundreds of independent albums, but this can be the template of the Cooperative model of record making. Definitely a clear alternative to the Big Label model of KMI."

Secord is expected to remain in Kalistan for a couple weeks to record some demo tracks. Then she will travel back home and will work remotely with Gordon to build out a record which highlights the singer's talents, as well as develop some experimental material. Once Secord and Gordon agree on the content of the Record, Secord and her band will travel to Kalistan and she will enter the studio, and participate in every step of the recording and mastering process.

"This is a big record for ARC, and we hope it helps Secord break out in Kalistan," said James. "We are going to promote the hell out of it."