Innovative Electronic Music Competition to Showcase Fresh New DJ/Producer Talent and Creative Production Skills
NEW YORK, NY and BELLEVUE, WA - (April 29, 2014) - SFX Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: SFXE), Syco Entertainment and T-Mobile US, Inc. (NYSE: TMUS) today announced they're joining forces to produce a pioneering television show revolving around the booming electronic music culture and showcasing and cultivating fresh new EMC DJ/producer talent and creative event production skills.
"Ultimate DJ" was developed by the Simon Cowell-led Syco Entertainment, one of the world's leading global music, film and television production companies responsible for many of the world's most successful global TV and music franchises, and SFX, the largest global producer of live events and digital entertainment content focused exclusively on electronic music culture (EMC) and other world-class festivals. T-Mobile, the fastest growing U.S. wireless company, is joining the pair to bring the innovative new show to viewers.
Electronic music is the fastest growing music genre, with the EMC market valued at $4.5 billion. SFX streams more than one billion minutes of video every 90 days from its media sites, which include Tomorrowland, TomorrowWorld, Mysteryland, Sensation and Rock in Rio. Launching initially online, the music event competition will feature producer-challenges where DJs will be invited to submit recordings for fan voting via social media. From there, the competition will move on to live challenges and performances in SFX event venues, integrating next-generation production design from SFX partner companies.
"Bringing EMC to the world is our goal," said Robert FX Sillerman, Chairman & CEO of SFX Entertainment, Inc. "And building a TV franchise in the USA is a key part of that strategy. It's always exciting to work with Simon Cowell, and the creative power of the Syco organization is undisputed. They are the perfect partners for our vision. And we couldn't be more excited to partner with T-Mobile US. John is the most exciting CEO of this generation, and I am personally inspired by the mobile revolution he and the team at T-Mobile are driving. Together, we share a vision of challenging the status quo and pioneering new territory in business, media and entertainment."
Simon Cowell of SYCO Entertainment said, "We have been developing this concept for a while but our partnership with SFX has been a real game-changer for this format. It made complete sense for us to collaborate with SFX with their access to the best up-and-coming DJs and their great marketing platform to build new DJ talent. And I'm delighted to have T-Mobile on board with their brilliant vision and innovation."
"In the same way we're revolutionizing wireless to empower customers everywhere, we look forward to working with Syco and SFX to showcase and promote a fresh, new generation of DJ/producer talent," said John Legere, president and CEO of T-Mobile. "Our customers spend a lot of time listening to music on their devices, so you can expect us to take on entertainment and music in our typical bold and aggressive, Un-carrier style."
Kelly Belledegrun, Senior Syco Producer added, "This show will represent a visual and musical revolution and we can't wait to showcase this to the world with our exciting new partners."
About SFX Entertainment: SFX Entertainment, Inc. is the largest global producer of live events and digital entertainment content focused exclusively on electronic music culture (EMC) and other world-class festivals.
SFX's mission is to provide electronic music fans with the best possible live experiences, music discovery, media and digital connectivity. SFX was borne out of the technology revolution and produces and promotes a growing portfolio of live events that includes leading brands such as Tomorrowland, TomorrowWorld, Mysteryland, Sensation, Stereosonic, Electric Zoo, Disco Donnie Presents, Life in Color, Rock in Rio, Nature One, Mayday, Decibel, Q-Dance and React Presents, as well as the innovative ticketing service Flavorus.
SFX operates Beatport, the principal online resource for EMC DJs and a trusted destination for the growing EMC community to discover and stream music, follow DJs and keep abreast of news, information and events, in addition to offering year-round entertainment to EMC fans around the globe through other digital assets.
Additionally, SFX manages FX1, an internal marketing solutions agency for consumer brands targeting the millennial culture.
About Syco Entertainment: Syco Entertainment is one of the world's leading music, film and television production companies. Responsible for the most successful global TV and music franchises in the world, Syco is the most successful producer of international talent with Syco Music being the UK's number 1 music label for sales and A&R. Syco is label-home for such diverse international recording artists as Labrinth, One Direction, Leona Lewis, Susan Boyle, Sam Bailey, Little Mix, Il Divo, Fifth Harmony, James Arthur, Ella Henderson and Alex & Sierra. Syco's Television assets include the global hit franchises "The X Factor" and "Got Talent."
The Got Talent format is now officially the world's most successful reality TV format, breaking the Guinness World Records title for the highest number of adaptations, having been commissioned in an impressive 58 territories worldwide, which has now already risen to 63. America's Got Talent airs in 193 countries worldwide and was the #1 summer reality series of 2013, maintaining the leadership position it has held with NBC for the last four seasons. The eighth series of Britain's Got Talent got off to an incredible start, launching with an overnight audience of 11.1 million viewers and 50% share, making the 2014 season the highest rated launch across all eight series to date with the show maintain its position as the UK's top-rated Entertainment series.
Local versions of "The X Factor" are commissioned in 46 countries and around the world "The X Factor" is now watched by more than a half billion people. Artists discovered by the "X Factor" worldwide have sold more than 160 million records with the X Factor format creating more international stars than any other TV competition singing format.
In 2013 Syco produced it's first movie (directed by Morgan Spurlock) the global box office hit "One Direction: This Is Us with Sony Pictures; an international all access look at life on the road with music phenomenon One Direction.
About T-Mobile US, Inc.: As America's Un-carrier, T-Mobile US, Inc. (NYSE: "TMUS") is redefining the way consumers and businesses buy wireless services through leading product and service innovation. The company's advanced nationwide 4G and expanding 4G LTE network delivers outstanding wireless experiences for customers who are unwilling to compromise on quality and value. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile US provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile and MetroPCS. It currently serves approximately 46.7 million wireless subscribers and provides products and services through 70,000 points of distribution. For more information, please visit https://www.t-mobile.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS
For SFX Entertainment: Ed Tagliaferri - DKC Public Relations - edmund_tagliaferri@dkcnews.com - 212 981 5182
For T-Mobile: MediaRelations@T-Mobile.com
For Syco Entertainment: AnnMarie Thomson- Annmarie@sycoentertainment.com
Melanie Pritchett - Melanie.pritchett@sycoentertainment.com
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