L.A. Reid becomes Chairman and CEO of Epic Records

By Mr. Hollywood
JR Staff Writer

After seven years of running Island Def Jam, L.A. Reid abruptly quit. When Reid announced his departure, there were rumors of him leaving for Simon Cowell's "The X Factor." Soon, those rumors proved to be true. However, L.A. Reid said this did not mean he was done with the music industry.

Reid said he would likely go on to establish his own record label and continue signing artists. Only a few months after leaving his role with Island Def Jam, L.A. Reid began doing work for Epic Records. The past few years have been relatively rough on the label and they need leadership.

Doug Morris, the CEO of Sony, announced the decision to make the former Island Def Jam head the new CEO of Epic Records. He credited L.A. Reid's success in the music industry as his inspiration to make him the head of the label. L.A. Reid said he looks forward to making Epic Records the music company of the future, taking them to the next level.

L.A. Reid has been instrumental in the development of several Sony artists, both past and present.

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DaShawn Miller talks about "Late Night Show" and Upcoming Projects

By The Music Scoop
JR Staff Writer

For the past few months, DaShawn Miller has been building buzz on the internet. The past six months has been a dream for the Waco, TX singer. Of course, he has gone through hurdles, but he has the big picture in mind. Miller has a buzz and now he is preparing to take things to the next level.

His "Late Night Show" single and video built DaShawn Miller's online buzz. Most importantly, it has left people wanting more of Miller. With the people wanting more, DaShawn Miller is working on the following project. The buzz is growing, Miller is surprised at how fast things are moving.

One morning, DaShawn Miller woke up and discovered his music had been posted on Billboard.com. Not even signed to a record label and he already had a major connections interested in him. Recently, JR caught up with the rising superstar for an exclusive interview.

How have you handled your recent string of success?
I keep working to get better. I am always trying to out-do myself.

What do you have planned to follow "Late Night Show?"
I'm actually working on the album. This upcoming album has many songs that are better than "Late Night Show" and now I am trying to get my fans ready for the release.

Do you have a title for your upcoming album?
Yes, the album is called On My Way, it's my debut album.

Who do you have working on the production of the album?
I got my beats from different people. I worked with Dewun, Wu Productions, his company, I Class Entertainment, does some of everything.

How did it feel when you realized you were on Billboard.com?
Oh man, it was crazy. It was a feeling I don't even know how to explain. Not everyone can make it on Billboard, so that was what changed me from being a singer to being an artist. Billboard bases the people listed on radio play and spins, so it's obvious I'm doing something right.

Are you collaborating with any other artists on your album?
Right now, I am only collaborating with Sino B., a member of an old group I was in. But, for the most part, I am recording alone. He is the only confirmed collaboration I have so far.

What about other artists, in general, are you featured on any upcoming songs?
I know I am featured on a song with an artist named Stamina, but the song has already released. But, I am currently focused on my own work. I have been contacted about doing a few collaborations, though.

How is your growth, as an artist, shown on your debut album?
For those who have followed me from the beginning, to now, they will see how I have matured. My first song was "Hot Tamale" and now I have gone from that to "Late Night Show." The subject matter of my music has deepened since my early days of making music.

Do you have any record labels currently interested in working with you?
Island Def Jam is handling my digital distribution and a label named Black Ice Entertainment is currently interested in working with me. I am under a one year contract with them for digitial distribution.

Moving forward, could you see yourself releasing more material with Island Def Jam?
Oh yeah, because they do good work. My song was released in many different places with them. I saw I was getting sales in China, Africa, and other places I could not have reached on my own.

Have you ever considered starting your own record label?
I am seriously considering it now because of how simple it is with an internet connection.

What is it like to go from struggling one minute to being on the verge of superstardom?
Oh man. It means all those sleepless nights were worth it. All of those nights in the studio, and all of the doubters, just keeping that drive and not letting the negativity stop you.

Who are the people who helped you get to where you are today?
My photographer, Tonya Wilkinson, she also serves as my advisor. She gives me the tough love and she makes me so much stronger. My mother, my biggest fan, she is always listening to my music. I release a song, she's playing it in five minutes. My fans, Cyrus Webb, for all the interviews and putting out my press releases. Dewun, he helped me big time with my project. My family, including my close friends, there are too many to count. Of course, God, he blessed me with the talent to get to where I am out. JR for featuring me and putting together this interview. Finally, all the people who have supported me, they helped me get here.

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L.A. Reid may launch New Record Label

By The Music Scoop
JR Staff Writer

Long before he joined Def Jam, L.A. Reid had been a force in the record industry. Had it not been for Reid, many of the legendary hits people enjoy may have never been released. This was one of the reasons Def Jam decided to hire him. With the help of Jay-Z, Reid helped introduce Rihanna and Ne-Yo, among others.

But, when his contract with Def Jam expired, L.A. Reid decided not to renew. Following seven years with Def Jam, Reid opted to sign a deal with Simon Cowell. Reid is now one of the judges for his new series, "The X Factor." While his new gig pays more than Def Jam, it does not mean he is done with music.

During the late 1980s, L.A. Reid helped launch LaFace Records with singer Babyface. The label soon became home to such acts as Usher and TLC. Partnered with Arista Records, LaFace Records released several hits, solidifying L.A. Reid as a force in the music industry. Reid remained with LaFace for fifteen years before he decided to move on to Def Jam.

Now, after seven years at Island Def Jam, L.A. Reid is strongly considering creating a new record label. The label will follow the format of LaFace and what he turned Def Jam into, R&B. Reid reminded the people of who he is and how quickly he can make things happen. L.A. Reid said he is no idiot when it comes to doing business. He has been trying to be in control of his own career, once again, and a new label to go along with his "X Factor" deal may be what he is looking for.

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