50 Records Completes White Light Riot Blitz Week

50 Records, an independent record label based in Minneapolis, launched the first full-length album of locally-based band White Light Riot, with a dizzying week of launch activities and media events. Sales exceeded initial expectations, confirming 50 Entertainment’s strategy for successful indie music market penetration.

In support of Atomism, White Light Riot performed in-studio with Twin Cities radio stations Cities 97 and The Current. The band also made TV appearances on KARE TV's "Showcase Minnesota", "Whatever Show” and on WCCO TV’s “4 News This Morning.” White Light Riot’s blitz week included an acoustic performance at local record store, Electric Fetus, a CD listening party thrown by local DJ Jake Rueh during his weekly "Transmission” party, and a Cities 97 "Tunes at Noon" performance on Peavey Plaza.

Atomism was recently heralded as one of the Star Tribune’s Best Local CD Releases of 2007. The newspaper featured a front-page story on White Light Riot in the ‘Scene’ section by music critic Chris Riemenschneider featuring a banner headline: “White Light Heat.” The week culminated with a special all-ages sound check party on Saturday afternoon, a VIP listening party attended by more than 300 local industry insiders and a sold-out CD release party and band performance at the Fine Line Music Café.

“50 Records is proud of White Light Riot's album launch for Atomism,” said Deborah Ward-Ingstad, chief executive officer of 50 Entertainment. "Having a sold-out concert and great record sales in the first week means the band is getting noticed and is really starting to take off. With the national release of Atomism in August through RED Distribution, we expect to fully flex the rationale behind our unique approach to the music business, which is our ability to offer strong support for talented artists.”

Future performance dates for White Light Riot include playing on the Chipotle stage at Milwaukee’s Summerfest, a show at the St. John's Block Party in Rochester; Minn, and performing as a headliner at the Festival to End Violence in Duluth.

50 Records Announces National Distribution Agreement With RED Distribution

50 Records, an independent record label based in Minneapolis, announced today that it has reached agreement for national distribution for its artists with RED Distribution, a division of Sony BMG.

“In today and tomorrow’s music business, it will be key to find the right partnerships to bring both the strength of a robust distribution system together with the artist-centered approach of independent labels like 50 Records,” said Deborah Ward-Ingstad, 50 Entertainment, Inc. Chief Executive Officer. “This agreement will enable 50 Records to go beyond the realm of a traditional label and provide full marketing and promotional support paired with national distribution rights to artists. We are enthusiastic about the potential of this relationship for our artists and for their fans.”

50 Records is a subsidiary of 50 Entertainment, Inc. 50 Entertainment is comprised of successful industry veterans and innovative youth who have developed and implemented a new standard for the changing music business—a 50/50 partnership with artists that utilize a wide range of marketing tactics aimed at a global audience. 50 Records signings include Minneapolis band White Light Riot and Atlanta band Elevation.

“50 Entertainment provides an opportunity for us to access some exciting new talent. We have high expectations for this partnership and look forward to mutual success,” said Missi Callazzo, MRI President.