…MSL FOR THE COOL AND SEXY FOLKS ON THE PLANET…

[MUSIC SWAG & AND LIFE] ∆*40

~TB

It’s Official: L.A. Reid Names Mark Shimmel COO of Epic

By Shirley Halperin, The Hollywood Reporter, with Billboard staff

reposted by Teddy Bishop

As projected by Billboard back in November, Epic Records chairman and CEO L.A. Reid has named Mark Shimmel COO. Shimmel, who held the position of head of music at Turner Entertainment Networks for the past seven years, overseeing TNT, TBS, CNN, Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, joins the New York-based company as Reid’s number-two.
The two go back to LaFace Records, where Reid and partner Kenneth “Babyface” Edmunds discovered Usher and TLC, and the now defunct Arista, where Shimmel was svp of marketing and artist relations and Reid was CEO. In addition, Shimmel ran his own management company, had a hand in the induction of the first-ever hip-hop exhibit into the Smithsonian Institute and spent several years overseeing talent for the Kennedy Center Honors.

Says Reid: “Mark is an unparalleled executive and an exceptional leader with a wealth of experience in the music and entertainment space. He will be fundamental in successfully leading Epic Records.”

Known for his expertise in music brand partnerships, Shimmel should fit right in with Reid’s nonstop Twitter pep rally, where he encourages his more than 290,000 followers to “be Epic” and “live the Epic life.”

“L.A. Reid is the most talented and creative music executive of the modern era,” adds Shimmel. “To build a new organization supporting his creative process is the opportunity of a lifetime. I look forward to our entire organization reaching its greatest successes.”

Reid, who was a judge on the first season of Fox’s X Factor, has been quietly staffing up over the last few months, bringing producer Christopher “Tricky” Stewart in-house as president of A&R along with his brother Mark Stewart who holds the title of evp of A&R operations. In October, Angelica Cob-Baehler left her post as svp of media and creative services at Capitol to take on the evp of marketing role at Epic.

Recent signings to the label include quirky hip-pop duo Karmin, X Factor winner Melanie Amaro and finalists Chris Rene and Astro. Reid has also brought over several acts from his former rosters elsewhere in the Sony family, including Avril Lavigne and Ciara.

[MUSIC SWAG & LIFE] ∆*40

~TB

[MUSIC SWAG & AND LIFE] ∆*40

~TB

“Don’t let what you cannot do
interfere with what you can do”

~John Wooden

[MUSIC SWAG & LIFE] ∆*40

~TB

At CES this week Griffin has unveiled a number of new devices which have been added to its range of accessories and docks. One new dock device is the Griffin StudioConnect, which allows you to connect an iPad to other sources using audio in/out, MIDI in/out, and a stereo headphone jack connection.

The StudioConnect mono 1/4″ instrument jack enables you to plug your guitar to StudioConnect and play directly into GarageBand or other apps. Left and right channel RCA plugs give you line-level stereo audio-out, and for your headphone there’s a separate front-panel 3.5 mm stereo jack with its own volume knob.

[MUSIC SWAG & LIFE] ∆*40

~TB

JVC has unveiled its new 4k camcorder at CES this week, which is the worlds first handheld 4k camcorder of its kind. The new JVC GY-HMQ10, offers a massive 3840 x 2160 resolution for footage.

The new JVC GY-HMQ10 s powered by HVC’s Falconbrid large-scale integration (LSI) chip and has a half inch CMOS imager with 8.3 million active pixels, and is expected to be priced around £4340 or $6700 when it starts shipping in March to the UK.

[MUSIC SWAG & LIFE] ∆*40

~TB

Being a sport version of their Bloggie range the new camcorder is more rugged and is shockproof, rustproof and waterproof. On the rear of the Bloggie Sport is a small 2.7 inch LCD touchscreen, which can even be operated whilst underwater.

The Sony MHS-TS22 Bloggie Sport HD is available in three colours : black,blue and red and will be priced at $180.

[MUSIC SWAG & AND LIFE] ∆*40

~TB

IK Multimedia has showcased their new iRig Mix at CES this week, which is the first mixer specifically designed for iPhone, iPod touch or iPad devices. But offers the same controls you would expect from a professional DJ mixer, including crossfader, cues, EQ and volume controls to name a few.

iRig Mix allows DJs to use a traditional setup with two devices, with one plugged into each of the independent channels, or a single iOS device. Providing a great solution for solo musicians or small ensembles that use one or more iOS devices to play live. Watch the promotional video after the jump to see it in action.

[MUSIC SWAG & AND LIFE] ∆*40

~TB

I DONT’T KNOW ABOUT YOU FELLA’S, BUT I LOVE TO SEE A WOMAN IN A SEXY SHOE!

[MUSIC SWAG & AND LIFE] ∆*40

~TB

The rumors are pointing to Sony getting ready to offer up new details at the show on the next generation PlayStation. At the same time, Microsoft is tipped to be talking about the next Xbox as well. Neither firm is expected to do much more than tease though.

We already know about the Wii U, but Nintendo is expected to talk price and launch date at the show. I suspect the Wii U might come in at the $500 range. I have a feeling that premium next gen consoles will be expensive.

[MUSIC SWAG & AND LIFE] ∆*40

~TB