April 9, 1998
Contact: Carmen Ramos Chandler,
(818) 677-2130
cchandler@exec.csun.edu
The students are currently distributing the tune to major record labels in hopes of attracting a buyer.
Student Riki Bitton says "Closer to Your Life" is a pop tune that just might make it onto Billboard's rankings.
"We're hoping," she said. "It's actually not much different from what you hear on the radio today."
The record company was created by students in CSUN's Music Industry Studies (MIS) program, which has a curriculum geared toward people interested in working as music industry executives, not songwriters or recording artists. Course work covers everything from intellectual property rights and artist development to the signing of a recording contract.
Students formed their record company as part of a class project late last year, and immediately began auditioning material.
The winning entry was a tune written by Gina Buhl, an Alaska Airlines pilot who lives in Washington. Buhl flew down to Los Angeles last month for a recording session.
Because of the uniqueness of the project - and the possibility that the class could have a hit - professor Joel Leach said he had to clear everything with the CSU's attorneys.
"Actually, there was really no trouble because everyone along the line is thrilled to see the students reap the benefits of this type of hands-on project," he said.
Students said it would be nice if their song makes it to the charts. But regardless, said class member Chris Connelly, "this project is vital in that it gives us the opportunity to be involved in the application of concepts we learn."
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