AOL AND TONOS CANOODLE
Hey, where do we sign up? Comes complete with software that tells you there’s e-mail with the greeting "You’ve got a publishing deal."
As part of the pact, Tonos and AOL Music will offer members access to opportunities in the music industry, including record label searches for new artists, radio station requests for new songs, and searches by popular artists for new material to record. And you don’t have to leave your desktop.
Tonos will also develop exclusive contests and promotions for AOL members beginning with a "Michael Jackson Songwriting Contest," which starts today. The contest provides the opportunity to co-write a song with Michael Jackson as well as Tonos co-founders David Foster and Carole Bayer Sager. The winning submission will be recorded by Jackson and may even be released as part of an upcoming album. But no, you don’t get to sit in Dodger boss (and Sager husband) Bob Daly’s box seats. All proceeds from the song will be donated to children’s charities around the world.
AOL Music GM Kevin Conroy was already sharpening his quill in anticipation of writing with the Gloved One. "This contest represents yet another exclusive benefit that AOL Music is bringing to its members. As the leading online music destination, AOL Music is the ideal vehible to extend the Tonos brand. We look forward to this alliance opening new doors for aspiring musicians and songwriters on AOL. Who cares what Bob Lefsetz says."
Added Sager: "When Tonos was founded, our desire was to give access and opportunity to talented people around the world. This agreement represents a significant milestone for us as it brings that goal to an exciting new level. But I draw the line at letting the winner live in our pool cabana."
Said Tonos co-founder Kenny "Babyface" Edmunds: "We are thrilled to announce our landmark Michael Jackson songwriting contest, which will help us discover a new generation of aspiring songwriters…and sign them to totally exploitative publishing deals."
