Youth-Run Record Label Secures Digital Music Distribution

Oakland, California based BUMP Records teaches youth how to produce, engineer and record music and prepares them for the future of music distribution

Oakland, CA (PRWEB) September 19, 2007 -- Bay Unity Music Project (BUMP) Records (http://www.bavc.org/nextgen/bump), a program of the Bay Area Video Coalition (http://www.bavc.org) that serves as an urban music production and performance program for Bay Area youth, announces a music distribution deal that will make the work of Bay Area youth available on iTunes, eMusic, Napster, MSN/Zune, Rhapsody and Yahoo! Launch.

As of August 20, BUMP, in collaboration with IODA (Independent Online Distribution Alliance), is getting the work of some incredible area talent online and available for purchase all over the world. In the coming months BUMP will be releasing three EP's from Bay Area youth artists the Reggaeton group Los Artilleros, MC Challenga and R&B singer C-Los B.

"It has always been the goal of the BUMP program to train youth on industry-standard digital technology used to produce and record music. We are now closing a loop by exposing them to the future of music sales through digital distribution. I am truly excited about grooming these young artists and providing them with endless possibilities for their art," said Robert Collins, the Manager of BUMP Records.

With a solid background in group production, BUMP is also focusing on its individual artists and will be releasing EP's projects through this new digital distribution deal. BUMP has already released five critically acclaimed albums from its stable of artists ranging from Soul/R'n'B to Rap to Reggaeton. In its first two years the label released four compilations: Where I'm At, The Future and the mixtape series True 2 Life: Volumes 1 & 2. In 2006, BUMP distributed its first individual group project with the release of Los Rakas' Panabay Twist which helped legitimize the level of talent being produced in the program. The group garnered rave reviews for its fusion of Hip-Hop and Reggae(called Plena) and allowed the group to share the stage with acts like KRS-ONE, Goapele, Zion-I and Orishas.

Ken Ikeda, BAVC's Executive Director, said of this distribution deal, "BUMP Records has provided a critical vehicle for emerging Bay Area artists to have their talents recognized. The music reflects the experiences they've had and their ability to communicate that message is inspiring. Their work is highly produced and deserving of distribution through IODA's partner sites."

19 year-old Allen Fan (AKA MC Challenga) explains how he feels about this new opportunity, "I feel like it's an outlet to let the world hear my voice. Having my work distributed on iTunes and other web sites is something a lot of artists don't get a chance to experience so I'm just excited that my project is getting out there."

ABOUT BUMP: Founded in 2004, BUMP grooms young artists through a rigorous year-long development process that includes extensive training in vocal technique, writing, composition, production, and coaching ton develop a sound, and conceptual and visual elements of their image and identity. The young artists also participate in intensive workshops with BUMP instructors as well as professionals in the Bay Area music industry covering artist development, marketing, promotions and event management. Now with a more diverse and talented roster than ever, keep an ear out for BUMP Records, the future of urban music!

PRESS CONTACT INFORMATION:
Ken Ikeda, Executive Director, Bay Area Video Coalition
(415) 558-2144 or ken@bavc.org

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