LOS ANGELES (Billboard) - Interscope Records has signed a joint-venture agreement with a new imprint called Streamline Records, Billboard has learned.
Under the terms of the agreement, Interscope will provide promotion, marketing and distribution for the multigenre label. Established and headed by producer/songwriter Vincent Herbert, Streamline has already signed five acts.
Herbert, a North Jersey native, signed and produced pop singer JoJo under the Da Family/Blackground/Universal banner. Still in his 20s, he has remixed and produced tracks for Aaliyah, Toni Braxton, Destiny's Child and Whitney Houston. He will continue collaborating with JoJo, who is slated to start work on her next album in January.
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Herbert will sign, develop, produce and executive-produce Streamline's acts.
"Creativity without barriers" is how he described his operating philosophy for the imprint.
"People always want good music," Herbert said. "They want something they can play and live with beyond one or two songs."
Streamline Records' quintet of young acts:
Mishon: The 14-year-old R&B singer/dancer/actor (last name Ratliff) is familiar to teen viewers as Tay Sutton on ABC Family drama "Lincoln Heights." He's also in the Ben Stiller movie "The Heartbreak Kid." Currently in the studio with producers the Underdogs, Mike City and London newcomer A.C., Los Angeles-based Mishon is represented on the YouTube, MySpace and mixtape circuit by the song "Excuse Me Mama."
Mishon is the first artist Streamline will roll out next year. His album is slated for first-quarter 2008.
Lady Gaga: Described as Gwen Stefani, Madonna and Fergie rolled into one, this 21-year-old alternative pop singer was also named one of BMI's most promising songwriters and performed on the Lollapalooza tour. Of Italian heritage, Lady Gaga is based in New York.
American Pie: Think Spice Girls of the 21st century. Quintet members Preppy Pie, Wild Pie, Dixie Pie, Fashion Pie and Senorita Pie symbolize various ethnic backgrounds. Based in Los Angeles, American Pie is prepping to enter the studio.
Madrigal: This 20-something quartet of singer/musicians (two females, two males) fuses classical with R&B, hip-hop, jazz and pop. The group's debut album is being helmed by well-known Latin industry producer Rudy Perez, who oversaw Christina Aguilera's and Beyonce's Spanish-language albums. Collaborating songwriter/producers include the Underdogs and Babyface.
Clique: Two sisters and their best friend (who are 10, 11 and 12 years old) make up this pop female trio, based in Atlantic City, N.J. One of the act's tracks was featured on the "Bratz" soundtrack.
The fukk is a Tamar Braxton
