Freeworld Entertainment

Freeworld Entertainment was a record label formed in 1997 by Dallas Austin and Kevin Czinger.

Freeworld Entertainment
Parent companyIndependent (1997-1998)
Capitol Records (1999-2002)
Founded1997
FounderDallas Austin, Kevin Czinger
StatusDefunct
Distributor(s)BMG Entertainment (1997-1998)
Capitol Records (1999-2002)
GenreAlternative rock, Hip hop
Country of originUnited States
LocationNew York City, New York (1997-1998)
Atlanta, Georgia (1999-2002)[1]
Official websitehttp://www.freeworldent.com/ (inactive)

History

Inception (1996-1998)

The history of Freeworld begins with Kevin Czinger's purchase of Zoo Entertainment from BMG in 1996 with the support of financial backers Allen & Co.[2] Though Zoo was initially run in conjunction with Czinger's own label Volcano Entertainment, it was eventually absorbed into it. In the fall of 1997, Czinger merged the label with Dallas Austin's Rowdy Records to create Freeworld Entertainment.[3] As a combination of the two producers' respective labels, Freeworld consisted of artists from both previous labels' catalogs. The label benefited from Austin's industry connections and Czinger's keen insight into the business. Unfortunately, the label was wrought with bad luck from its inception. In September 1997, a month after Austin and Czinger worked together, former Volcano flagship artist Tool attempted to dissolve ties to the label by claiming that Freeworld had failed to exercise its option to renew the band's contract.[4] To make matters worse, Austin removed himself from the label after Freeworld made considerable investments in his artists.[2]

Czinger attempted to recall his previous success by changing the name of the label back to Zoo Entertainment, however, the damage was already too severe.[5] In the spring of 1998 after putting more than $20 million info Freeworld, Allen & Co. sold the label to Clive Calder's Zomba Label Group. Zomba eventually brought back the Volcano Entertainment moniker.[2][6] It wasn't until December 1998 that the lawsuit with Tool was resolved, however, by then the Freeworld name had been dissipated.[7]

Reactivation (1999-2002)

In early 1999, Capitol entered into a relationship with Austin to restart the Freeworld Entertainment label.[8] Some of the first artists on the newly formed label were Detroit vocal quartet Vega[9] and preteen R&B vocalist Sammie.[10] The new version of Freeworld lasted sometime into the early 2000s, however, it eventually dissolved as well. Austin would go on to reform his own Rowdy Records in 2005 under the Universal Music Group.

Freeworld Artists

Inception

Many artist from Volcano Entertainment and Rowdy Records were on the Freeworld imprint, however, not all came over. The list below consists of artists that had actual physical releases (promotional or otherwise) with Freeworld.

  • Tool
  • Joi
  • The Interpreters
  • Lysette Titi
  • Derrick Dimitry
  • Don Chili

Reactivation

These artists had released on the second incarnation of Freeworld. They were not necessarily affiliated with the previous incarnation of Freeworld, or with Volcano or Rowdy Records.

See also

References
  1. Furman, Phyllis (1999-01-29). "Capitol Walks Into Freeworld". New York Daily News. Retrieved 2008-12-13.
  2. Furman, Phyllis (1998-03-12). "Local Label in Zomba Spin, Freeworld Founder Ken Czinger's Future in Doubt". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on 2010-10-05. Retrieved 2008-12-09.
  3. Sandler, Adam (1997-08-18). "Austin, Czinger in biz duet". Variety. Archived from the original on 2012-10-24. Retrieved 2008-12-13.
  4. Variety Staff (1997-09-16). "Tool files suit to cut Volcano tie". Variety. Archived from the original on 2012-11-13. Retrieved 2008-12-13.
  5. Stillman, Brian (June 2001). "Guitar World Interview with Adam Jones". Guitar World Magazine (transcribed online at The Tool Page). Retrieved 2009-04-21.
  6. Pollack, Marc (1998-03-23). "Zomba Puts Lid On Volcano". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2008-12-09.
  7. "Tool Ends Legal Battle, Plans New Album". MTV. 1998-12-07. Retrieved 2008-12-13.
  8. Pollack, Marc (1999-01-29). "Capitol Walks Into Freeworld". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2008-12-13.
  9. Lorez, Jeff (2000-01-15). "Vocal Quartet Vega Looks To Shine In Dallas Austin's Freeworld Firmament". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2008-12-13.
  10. "Popular Uprisings". Billboard. 2000-02-12. Archived from the original on 2007-11-11. Retrieved 2008-12-13.
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