GEORGE STANFORD, L.A.-BASED SINGER-SONGWRITER SIGNED TO NEW SMASH/MERCURY LABEL

            Meet George Stanford, a dedicated and driven young multi-instrumental singer and songwriter, and first release to the new Smash Records subsidiary of Mercury, a division of the Island Def Jam Music Group.  Philadelphia-bred and L.A.-fed, Stanford’s debut EP will be released on September 18^th, with a full-length album on schedule for early next year, it was announced by David Massey, president, Mercury Records.

            The 5-song EP will contain: 1. My Own Worst Enemy * 2. Heartbeat * 3. Nikole * 4. Let’s Stay Here * 5. Downriver (Live).  Tracks, 1, 3, and 4 were produced and mixed by Stan­ford between Philadelphia and L.A.; track 2 was written and recorded in Philadel­phia with Dave Tozer (who has worked with John Legend); and track 5 was recorded live at Hotel Café in L.A.  Stanford is currently working producing his album alongside John Alagia (credits: John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Dave Mathews Band), Eric Ivan Rosse (Sarah Bareilles, Anna Nalick, Tori Amos), and Brian Malouf (Dave Mathews, Army Of Me, OAR).

            Stanford’s guitar and keyboard-rooted songs reflect his musical odyssey – from his native Phila­delphia, where he studied music theory at University of the Arts and formed the rock group Townhall, to L.A., where he settled after touring,  recording and now works on his own music full-time.  Although he made his way to the front of the band through the brass section, playing trombone as a kid in every type of band he could, he soon mastered guitar, bass, keyboards, and anything else that would make noise.

            His MySpace website – www.myspace.com/georgestanford – has attracted more than 27 51,000 listens to his StandAlone Player.  Four tunes are currently posted – “Worst Enemy” (demo), “Downriver” (live at Hotel Café, 2006), “Nikole” (demo), and “Let’s Stay Here.”

            Stanford wears his musical influences on his sleeve – “Paul Simon, Bob Marley, Tom Petty, Manu Chao, John Lennon, Hank Williams, Björk, Randy Newman, Thriller.  Otis Redding to OutKast, Beatles to Buddy Guy, and everything in between.  Ray Charles, George Jones, Smokey Robinson, Merle Haggard, Fleetwood Mac,” as revealed on his website.   For further information log onto www.GeorgeStanford.com

Lauren Schneider
Island Def Jam 
825 8th Avenue
New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212 333 8173