UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP ACQUIRES INGROOVES MUSIC GROUP

UMG TO EXPAND INGROOVES’ GEOGRAPHIC REACH AND SERVICES TO BENEFIT INDEPENDENT ARTISTS AND LABELS

INGROOVES TO CONTINUE TO OPERATE AS A STANDALONE COMPANY LED BY CEO BOB ROBACK

SANTA MONICA, CA Feb. 12, 2019 — Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, is strengthening its commitment to independent artists and labels through an agreement to acquire Ingrooves Music Group, an innovative independent music distribution and marketing company. UMG has been a minority investor in Ingrooves since 2006, and under the agreement, will acquire the shares of Ingrooves that it doesn’t already own. After the transaction closes, Ingrooves Chief Executive Officer Bob Roback will continue to lead the company as a standalone unit within UMG.

The acquisition of Ingrooves is expected to close before the end of the current quarter and complements UMG’s existing distribution and marketing relationships with the global independent music community. As a longtime partner and client of Ingrooves, UMG has a deep understanding of the company and its innovative technology and data insights, and will work closely with the Ingrooves management team to provide additional resources and expanded geographic reach.

Additionally, UMG will form a strategic partnership between its Caroline International division and Ingrooves to form a robust platform for distribution, marketing and label and artist services throughout the world.

Boyd Muir, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and President of Operations for UMG, said, “I’m thrilled to advance UMG’s long-standing relationship with Ingrooves, a company we already view as a member of our extended family. The continued success of the indie community is vital to the health of our industry, and through our investment in Ingrooves, we will strengthen the services we can offer to independent artists and entrepreneurs. I’m pleased to welcome Bob and his team to UMG and I’m looking forward to growing Ingrooves together.”

Bob Roback, CEO of Ingrooves, said, “This acquisition by UMG represents the very best possible outcome for Ingrooves, our employees and our artist and label partners. Our mission at Ingrooves has always been to provide our clients with the very best services and maximize the value of their music. With UMG, we are gaining the resources, global reach and technology to take those efforts to another level. I’m excited at this opportunity and I’m thankful for the support of Boyd and Sir Lucian Grainge.”

Since launching in 2002, Ingrooves has provided independent labels, artists and other content owners with innovative and scalable tools that include analytics, rights management services, and marketing solutions. The company combines its powerful technology platform and data-driven insights with a team of global music marketing experts to help labels and artists maximize their success.

About Ingrooves:
Ingrooves is a global music distribution company that provides marketing and rights management services for independent labels and artists. Ingrooves combines a powerful technology platform, data-driven insights and a team of global music marketing experts to help labels and artists maximize their revenue potential in today’s dynamic music marketplace.

About Universal Music Group:
Universal Music Group (UMG) is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. Featuring the most comprehensive catalog of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world. Committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans. Universal Music Group is a Vivendi company.

ESP EVOLUTION Releases New Single "Growing Up"

ESP Evolution speaks truth to power on the highly personal “Growing Up”. With a video that further emphasizes the unequal way children grow up, one’s environment can dictate the opportunities available. Lyrics really do rest front and center of the entire thing. By wrapping them in an updated soulful style at times ESP Evolution taps into the vein of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On?”. Through highlighting the injustice and warped distribution of resources, ESP Evolution shows exactly all the additional obstacles that those who grow up less privileged face. Drawing from small video vignettes of parents playing with their young ones, of encouraging them to rise above their circumstances, the whole of the song gains a rather hopeful air, a desire to truly excel.

Everything gets filtered into the mix almost immediately. Stylistically the track draws from hip-hop, R&B, and a bit of soul. Including a bit of a faded take on the color, the video perfectly matches the level of nostalgia that the song incorporates. When the vocals enter into the mix things truly get started. Over the course of the track the lyrics focus upon a life fully lived, the ups and the downs that make it all truly worthwhile. A sense of compassion further adds to the emotional heft of the mix.


VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/xn8f-G92sLg

Letting a whole slew of photos come into the video emphasizes exactly how many children are left behind, are given the wrong message. Even with caring, devoted parents the societal pressure and the awfulness that comes with such inequality can hold many potential people back. Confidence begins to grow, as the message shows exactly how to defy those odds, to become something exceptional. The arrangement’s tonal shifts further highlight this point, of refusing to be pigeonholed as disadvantaged but rather to be someone surprising, a truly remarkable spirit.

On “Growing Up” ESP Evolution goes for a thoughtful, poignant take on how difficult circumstances can be for so many, yet the love of family powers through so many different struggles.

https://twitter.com/espevolution
https://www.espevolution.net/

Lodato's Version of Clean Bandit's "Baby" Featuring Marina & Luis Fonsi

Our pick for best remix of the month is Lodato's version of Clean Bandit's "Baby" Featuring Marina & Luis Fonsi. Lodato puts a timeless spin on the Latin-Pop Crossover that in our opinion should be the original version of the record. If you have not heard it yet, check it out at the link below as a Free Download!

Free Download Link:
https://showcase.dropbox.com/s/Clean-Bandit-Baby-Lodato-Remix-K9Ftoj9uRCZJamzjxo1aT

White Female Rapper J. Irja Releases "Reloaded"

Whoever said that White Female Rappers couldn't keep up with the men in the Hip-Hop industry never heard J. Irja. From her insanely complex rap style to her unique look to her insatiable hustle, She has been grinding it out for years and is starting to earn her spot as a major player in the Underground scene. Her debut album "The Sexy Psycho EP vol 1" is slated to drop Jan 31 and features Platinum artists including Paul Wall, Bubba Sparxxx, & Bizarre of D12.

On top of her growing resume, The rapper nicknamed The Sexy Psycho really has a gritty true story to tell, coming from nothing and going through pain and abuse her entire life, its almost amazing how far she has climbed the ladder just using sheer will, determination and refusing to be told NO. Check out the video link (plus many others on her YouTube Page) and you'll see why she's starting to make some serious noise, We have a feeling this isn't the last we'll see from this Canadian Powerhouse.

Video Link for "RELOADED": https://youtu.be/TkQiGMyw0ZU

Fashion's Top Printed Yoga Leggings For Very Stylish Women

Fashionable modern clothes for women who are into being stylish and fashionable always starts with colorful prints and bold designs!

PoshGalRoyal printed yoga leggings means one thing for women who want to attend fitness in style - HIGH END DESIGNS!

When your yoga pants are captivating in style with cool patterns and prints, you'll be able to easily pair them with t-shirts, sneakers, and accessories for a look that exciting and fashionable!

Poshgalroyal has high end yoga pants for women of style with up to 70% off!

PoshGalRoyal.com modern women's yoga pants are designed with materials thats are stretchable and truly elegant for the on the go gal!

Ai'ma Khojé Releases Hot New Single "Step Up"

Ai'ma Khojé - "Step Up" (Single)

Now available for purchase and stream on all major media outlets!

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Purchase "Step Up" on Apple iTunes today!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/step-up-ep/1445805293

Purchase "Step Up" on Google Play today!
https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Ai_ma_Khoj%C3%A9_Step_Up?id=Bh353clqyetfhpbntosuxlrizre

Purchase "Step Up" on Amazon today!
https://www.amazon.com/Step-Up-Explicit-Aima-Khoj%C3%A9/dp/B07L58N2G4/ref=sr_1_2?s=dmusic&ie=UTF8&qid=1545372667&sr=1-2-mp3-albums-bar-strip-0&keywords=Ai%27ma+Khoj%C3%A9

Purchase "Step Up" on Tidal today!
https://tidal.com/us/store/album/100396288

Stream "Step Up" on Tidal today!
https://listen.tidal.com/album/100396288

Stream "Step Up" on Spotify today!
https://open.spotify.com/album/4do4SLRs1XfBh2eCuWV8q4

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Ai'ma Khojé is an international female rap artist, singer-songwriter, dancer (hip-hop/ballet), actress, and model coming to a stage, radio station, magazine, and TV near you after signing to Zobe Records!

Follow Ai'ma Khoje On Twitter:
http://www.Twitter.com/IOfficialTissue

Like Ai'ma Khoje on FaceBook:
https://www.facebook.com/aimakhojemusic

Follow Ai'ma Khoje on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/aimakhoje

Check Out Ai'ma Khoje's EPK:
https://www.reverbnation.com/aimakhojé

Listen to Ai'ma Khoje
https://www.soundcloud.com/aimakhoje

Watch Ai'ma Khoje's Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/user/ItsOfficialtissue

For Booking/Features Rates Contact:
Aima@ZobeRecords.com
http://www.ZobeRecords.com/

Hot New Audiobook - Gringo: My Life on the Edge as an International Fugitive

The drug game from the inside...
Dan "Tito" Davis comes from a town in South Dakota that's so small everyone knows their neighbor's cat's name. But once he got out, he made some noise. While at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, he started manufacturing White Crosses, aka speed, and soon had the Banditos Motorcycle Club distributing ten million pills a week.  

Life on the run - After serving a nickel (5 years), he got into the weed game, but just when he got going, he was set up by a childhood friend. Facing 30 years, Davis slipped into Mexico, not knowing a word of Spanish, which began a 13-year odyssey that led him to an underground hideout for a Medellin cartel, through the jungles of the Darien Gap, the middle of Mumbai's madness, and much more.  

The ultimate fugitive story - Tito didn't have a mega-mansion filled with pretty girls and expensive cars. He survived in the Third World facing adversity at every turn. Millions of dollars came and went as Tito stayed one step ahead of the Feds and the Federales.

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Dan ‘Tito’ Davis on the release of his new Audiobook GRINGO
Exclusive Interview:

If you could go back in time and talk with your younger self before you became an international fugitive, what advice would you give to him?

Whatever you do don’t break the law! If you get a felony, you are a second-class citizen at best!!! Don’t break the law it’s a lot easier to make money legitimately than illegitimately! Once you made money legally, there are people like bankers to help you out. There may be grants or other types of programs to help you with your business.

Who is going to finance a load of pot or for that matter fund any illegal businesses?

The people who will you don’t want to meet - it’s not going to end well.

Would you have read or listened to Gringo while you were an international fugitive?

I took being an international fugitive very, very serious. I had used my “get out of jail free card” once. I was never, I repeat never, going to have that opportunity again. I sure didn’t want to mess up and go back to prison. I didn’t drink, I didn’t do drugs, I didn’t break any US laws, and I concentrated on the straight, the narrow. I studied in various countries, under aliases, in many different universities it was a job. I also studied manuals on how the FBI, DEA, US Marshalls, etc. all tripped up fugitives. I read bounty hunter books, bail bondsman techniques, immigration manuals, customs manuals, loads of passport manuals, anything that I thought could keep me from being apprehended. If a book like Gringo was out there and I knew about it, I would have definitely read it.

While you were on the run what was the craziest thing that happened?

Wow, that was a loaded question!!! I had so many wild and crazy incidents!! I started with around 800 pages and had to cut out 500 pages to get Gringo to 300 pages. That is the number of pages the typical American reader reads in a week, that was the number we had to get to. This is a tough question to answer. I know one thing when you listen to the audiobook you’re going to be entertained and probably won’t believe some the things that happened. Ok, so here is one incident. I was on a bus in Guatemala, a very packed, local bus, which was full of Mayan Indians. One woman was beating on the window of the bus to stop, which the driver did. She left the bus and went into the ditch with a couple of other women. She then came back with a baby. She had just used the stop to give birth in the road ditch!! After that she continued on in the bus, a few minutes later she was beating on the window again. The driver stopped, she went out and had another baby in the ditch!! She gave birth to twins!! They didn’t charge her for the two new passengers. Often I get a flashback after seeing something. Now I’m thinking I should have written that down in my 800 pages!! You will be entertained while listening to Gringo!!

During your time in South America did you fall in love?

That is a much easier question to answer, and the answer is yes. I fell in love with a world-class volleyball player 20 years younger than me. She was also a Venezuelan beauty queen. I married her. I was madly in love with her, and we were living the dream until I was a kidnapped from Venezuela. After that she lived a nightmare, they took off her wedding ring, stole it and sold it. They took the light bulbs out of the ceilings, they took the electrical cables out of the walls, and they confiscated the cars. In fact, they even took some friend's cars that were parked next to ours. They threw her mother and 94-year-old grandmother out in the street. They took our home and businesses; in South America, when they come, they come hard, and they don’t leave anything.

Gringo: My Life on the Edge as an International Fugitive is a thrilling book, and I’m wondering if there is a miniseries or a film in your future?

Gringo has been getting rave reviews, many people have said that my life is what movies are made about. Gringo is based on my life as a fugitive. I have an additional 500 pages of unpublished material. After the audiobook promotion, I’m going to put my efforts into going to the next level, which is a miniseries or major feature film. It will definitely become a miniseries or major film - it is only a matter of when. Thank you so much for the interview and your time.

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Links: https://www.amazon.com/Gringo-Life-Edge-International-Fugitive/dp/B07KFRC28X/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1544485343&sr=8-8

https://gringobook.com/product/gringo-audio-book/

BLOW_FLYY - "Thats My Girl" (Its Like I Got A Set Of Wings)

Check out this classic tune, Written and Performed by Canadian artist Blow_flyy >>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_DRAxDZ8RY



This is a NEW Video Wave song visual of song "THATS MY GIRL" from his album called "ITS LIKE I GOT A SET OF WINGS" released digitally worldwide.

For more info just click any of the following links to stream and/or download any of his music:

#1. http://noisetrade.com/blowflyy
#2. https://audiomack.com/artist/blow_flyy
#3. https://www.orfium.com/profile/blow_flyy
#4. https://www.facebook.com/BLOWFLYY/
#5. https://www.instagram.com/blow_flyy/
#6. https://twitter.com/BLOW_FLYY
#7. https://plus.google.com/+BLOWFLYYToronto
#8. http://blowflyy.beatstars.com/
#9. https://goo.gl/SqLNcN
#10. http://www.bainil.com/BLOW_FLYY
#11. https://fanburst.com/blow_flyy

Sleep Tips To Help Wake Up Feeling Refreshed

Better sleep will help you feel better and refreshed and these tips will help you achieve just that.

1. Lower Your Caffeine Intake
As much as we love our cup of coffee, it is one of the most readily available sources of caffeine. Although you might know this already, caffeine not only helps keep you alert but may also be the reason you don't get enough sleep at night. Most products on the market today however have caffeine, this includes your chocolate bars, fizzy drinks, coke, etc. Lowering your intake of caffeine-rich foods and beverages can help you get enough quality sleep at night. According to Dr Michael Breus (in an interview on ABC), avoiding caffeine after 2.pm can help you sleep much better.

2. Sex
According to Dr Lauren Berman (the director of the Berman Center for Women's Sexual Health) having sex helps the body release happy hormones commonly known as endorphins. If you have been struggling to get sleep at night, try having sex just before falling asleep. The endorphins released help the brain relax even better thus enable you to fall asleep without noticing it.

3. Take A Warm Cup of Milk
Although scientific studies may be inconclusive, milk is known to have sleep-enhancing properties. Milk contains tryptophan, a compound known to help with insomnia as well as facilitate mental relaxation. Although tryptophan levels may not be much in milk, the idea of drinking milk has a relaxing effect to it, a reason most people fall asleep quickly after having a warm cup of milk. You can try it too to enjoy the benefits.

4. Make It A Habit to Count Backwards When in Bed
Although you might have seen it in the movies, counting backwards tricks the brain into forgetting any stressing factors at hand, hence enabling one to fall asleep fast. Scientists believe counting backwards is tasking and boring at the same time, which forces the brain to shut down in no time. Counting back could help you fight sleeplessness and sleep better.

5. Imagine A Peaceful Scenery
Mental distraction, no matter how small it is, is enough to drown all your stresses and even induce sleep. A study conducted on a group of patients shows that imagining a beautiful scenery calms the mind making it possible to fall asleep quickly. As long as the condition is calm enough, simply imagining yourself in a beautiful and relaxing beach can help you get good quality sleep and even wake up feeling refreshed the next day. Counting backwards while imagining this when you lie on your Macy’s mattress may come in handy as well.

6. Create A Sleep Schedule
Creating a sleep schedule whereby you only go to bed at the set time, and only wake up when the alarm goes off, is one of the best ways to help with or even prevent insomnia. Creating a schedule trains the body and brain to start preparing for bedtime during these times, and will in most instances make you feel sleepy. Be sure to stick to the sleep schedule to make this possible. According to Mayo Clinic, planning your time well should help you fall asleep even when you seem to struggle with the same. This is because your internal clock gets accustomed to it.

7. Keep Electronics Away from The Bedroom
Most electronic devices emit blue light which seems to affect a person's ability to fall asleep. A study conducted by the National Sleep Foundation shows that 95% of Americans bring electronic devices to their bedrooms. Video games, computers, TVs, cell phones, and any other device emitting blue light shouldn’t be allowed in the bedroom. Researchers believe exposure to blue light a few hours towards bed time, and in the bedroom suppresses the body's ability to produce melatonin. Melatonin is the hormone responsible for inducing sleep. Kicking these devices from the bedroom may be the solution to insomnia and sleepless nights.

Michael Barber New Single "Sinners and Saints" from the Album "AHAYWEH"

"Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future."
- Oscar Wilde

The fourth single release from Michael Barber’s full album, AHAYWEH, is a rock/rap fusion titled, Sinners and Saints. The song rides through pulsing drums with a lead melody from an acoustic guitar that matches Michael’s vocal deliver.

The song is a double edged sword from a lyrical standpoint. It is about finding your way through life with night, or after midnight, as Barber states in the song, is the bad, and when the sinners are out, and day being when the saints are out. The two are not mutually exclusive however, and often the same people can be both a sinner and a saint.

Lyrically, Michael is pacing us through the night as we "run through dreams put down by quitters…" The picture painted is clear, and the mood is dark.

The hook arrives as the guitar changes chords, the temptation of what makes a bad night good comes into a singing chorus. Sinners, strippers, smokers, and burning down the night. The words were written by Michael, but are sung by British rocker, Jacob Sky from Imaginary Vagabonds. (A label mate with Michael within Sycamore Music Group.)

The second verse showcases why Michael is a crafty MC when it comes to writing out bars. He captures the essence of exactly where the listener should be as far as running through a night full of sinners.



“The freaks come out at night the thieves come too, your right the tweaks on high, they increase they heights you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight? you ever ran with the rebels just to rebel in the night? you ever yell at nothing just to yell at something? yells like hell yeah cause hell yeah they coming maybe you, you should start running...”



The first single from the album, Quiet War, was endorsed by President Trump, and that song really spoke to a direct audience. An endorsement on that level is huge, and as great as Quiet War is, this is the best overall song that has been released from the project.

The full album, AHAYWEH, can only be purchased as a hard copy right now via Michael’s website, but each of the 17 songs will be released online as a single over time. You can order the hard copy at www.MichaelBarber.org

Stream Sinners and Saints below:

https://youtu.be/RF1zmRxdkMY



For more on this artist check out:
http://www.abnewswire.com/pressreleases/president-donald-trump-endorses-rap-song-titled-quiet-war-by-michael-barber_221756.html

http://www.14news.com/story/38330439/evansville-native-endorsed-by-president-trump-for-song/