What do Red Bull and Matt Pinfield have in common? They rock! So when word gets out that the two are joining forces, it’s no surprise that the reason is rock. The New York Post is reporting that since it’s created a giant recording studio, the energy-drink makers are planning to starting a rock label that will involve superstar VJ Pinfield in some capacity. Rock!
According to several sources close to the situation, Red Bull’s music endeavors, which include sinking millions of dollars into a recently constructed recording studio in Santa Monica, Calif., are all part of the company’s plans to launch a branded record label by year’s end.
“They want to at least put something out digitally, and maybe physically [under their own brand] by the end of the year,” said a music industry executive with knowledge of Red Bull’s plans.
Other sources said the energy drink thinks its brand can fill a void with the young male demographic and has been giving free studio time to a number of alternative indie rock bands in the hopes of initially signing three or four of them to the label.
“They see a wide-open lane for rock,” said one source who has used Red Bull’s studio. “They are a lifestyle-based brand that does a lot with snowboarders, skaters, the young Hollywood set, so they think they could have success breaking rock bands.”
I’m especially excited by the idea of seeing Red Bull Music kiosks in stores serving Red Bull. I can just imagine grabbing a can and impulsively snapping up a CD by the Hinder of 2009 along with it. And then I can rock both in the car! Cuz I rock! Rock!
Pump The Music: Red Bull Eyes Starting Branded Music Label [NY Post]
Red Bull Studios [Mix Online]
Matt Pinfield? Did we travel back in time to 1997?
Fine by me, as long as Lewis Largent isn’t involved somehow.
More information at Matt’s booth at Virgin Mobile Festival Ninetiespalooza.
@LAKingsin2008: Words, right out of my mouth.
I was hoping this was announcement about Pinfield and Red Bull going to space and never coming back. A man can dream….
Fuck them, I only buy Vitamin Water Records releases. Though I hear that Sparks Recordings is pretty popular with the Vice Magazine crowd. Kind of like Red Stripe Recs with the Fader kids. But I still remember fondly how back in college it was all budget King Cobra Records for me.
And dude, your dad’s lame, all he listens to is that lame Poland Springs shit.
If I was in a band, I’d take some fuckin’ Red Bull money over some Atlantic Records money ANY day.
@owenmeany: pinfield was VP of A&R at Columbia up until recently. dude signed coheed and cambria!
..oh shit.
@BlindKarma: Nelly’s got it covered with his “Pimp Juice” energy drink.
Kennedy was better.
Could Fab Five Freddy get some corporate sponsorship to save hip hop?