Disc Makers Unveils Six Finalists for 2003
Independent Music World Series Southeast Showcase

Finalists to showcase at Nashville's 3rd & Lindsley on July 31st
and compete for over $35,000 in music gear and prizes!

Pennsauken, NJ — July 10, 2003 — Disc Makers, the nation's leading independent CD manufacturer, has announced the six finalists for the Independent Music World Series (IMWS) Southeast showcase, the latest installment of its popular music showcase series. From more than 1,200 submissions, TAXI, the world's leading A&R company selected 100 semi-finalists. Billboard magazine then hand-picked Chef Chris and his Nairobi Trio (Sarasota, FL; Detroit, MI), Dean Fields (Nashville, TN), Gamble Brothers Band (Memphis, TN), Jag Star (Knoxville, TN), The Smartest Monkeys (Nashville, TN), and Wisedumb (Atlanta, GA) to compete for $35,000 in music gear and prizes. The IMWS Southeast Showcase Finals will take place on July 31st in Nashville's popular 3rd & Lindsley

The showcase will be judged by music industry executives, media, and celebrities, and will feature live performances from the six finalists. In addition, Disc Makers will produce a compilation CD for the Southeast region. The CD, which will be distributed to an exclusive list of industry professionals, radio stations, and record stores, will include music from the finalists.

The $35,000 prize package features everything independent musicians need for a career boost including a complete Disc Makers' CD manufacturing package, professional Shure microphones, an Alesis multi-track recorder, Fender guitars and amps, a 5-piece drum kit from Pacific Drums and Percussion (produced by Drum Workshop), Zildjian cymbals, Remo drumheads, a complete DJ system from Gemini, a one-year membership to TAXI, one year of web hosting from CD Baby ­ the most popular indie-only store in the world, special discounts from Music 123, and a copy of Billboard Magazine's Musician's Guide to Touring and Promotion.

"We are delighted to again join forces with our sponsors to support independent music in the Southeast," says Tony van Veen, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Disc Makers. "These artists keep the music industry energized and thriving. The IMWS is one of the ways we at Disc Makers recognize their talent and effort, and reward the artists for their hard work."

Produced by Disc Makers, the IMWS is the country's most exciting live music showcase series, giving musicians a unique opportunity to showcase their talents, make valuable industry contacts, and compete for the $35,000 grand prize package. IMWS showcases are held in each of four regions throughout the country (Southeast, Northeast, Southwest and Midwest) and are open to musicians of all genres not currently signed to a major record label. Recent winners have included Chicago's Orbert Davis (Midwest 2003), San Francisco's Dirty Power (Southwest 2003), and Philadelphia's Amber de Laurentis (Northeast 2002).

Independent Music World Series Southeast Showcase
When: Thursday, July 31st, 2003 - Doors Open at 8:00pm, 18+ (with ID), $5 cover
Where: 3rd & Lindsley Bar & Grill
818 3rd Avenue South,
Nashville, TN
(615) 259-9891
www.3rdandlindsley.com

For more information on the Disc Makers Independent Music World Series please visit www.discmakers.com/imws or call 1-888-800-5796.

The 2003 Independent Music World Series Southeast Finalists

Chef Chris and his Nairobi Trio (Sarasota, FL; Detroit, MI)

Named after a band who donned gorilla suits backing up 50's comedian Ernie Kovacs, Chef Chris and his Nairobi Trio serve up a twisted and sonically adventurous take on the blues. It's "carefully contrived spontaneous" storytelling, delivered in spooky and sinister undertones. Joining Chef Chris in the group is Vinnie D'Cobra (drums), best known as the front man in the rock group, Sponge, guitarist, Sir Tim Duvalier, and bassist Brother Bill Lewis. www.chefchrisblues.com.

Dean Fields ((Nashville, TN)

In less than a year, Dean Fields has gone from relative obscurity to garnering rave reviews. He has caught the attention of music industry executives and has developed a large and loyal fan base. Fields is currently promoting his debut Imitations, with relentless touring across the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast, including special invitations to popular BMI songwriter showcases in New York and Nashville. www.deanfields.com.

Gamble Brothers Band (Memphis, TN)

The Gamble Brothers Band is a Memphis-based mixture of modern southern soul and funk. They've received honors from Keyboard magazine, NARAS, and Jim Beam® Bourbon's B.E.A.M. organization and in just a few years time, this hot act has become one of Memphis' most talked-about collectives. The band is Al Gamble (Organ/Piano/Lead Vocals), Chad Gamble (Drums/Vocals), Art Edmaiston (Saxophone/Vocals), and William Lowrimore (Bass/Vocals). www.gamblebrothersband.com.

Jag Star (Knoxville, TN)

Jag Star (an acronym for "Just a girl singing to a radio") exploded onto the scene in Knoxville, TN in 1999. Their sound combines strong female lead vocals with everything from electric guitars and haunting viola, to rock and hip-hop beats. Jag Star is well-traveled - winning fans from the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, D.C., and Tennessee. They were finalists in the 1999 Lilith Fair Talent Search, won the Jim Beam B.E.A.M. grant award in 2001, and have shared the stage with high profile artists, MICHELLE BRANCH and MACY GRAY. Their music is now featured on MTV's "The Real World". www.jagstar.com.

The Smartest Monkeys (Nashville, TN)

Formed in 2002 by friends Asher Rogers (Hollywood CA) and Matt Sebastian (Nashville TN), The Smartest Monkeys have taken their unforgettable live show on the road across the Southeast to promote their self-titled EP, released earlier this year on Entertainment Rights Management. The band takes their name from a classic XTC song from the record Nonsuch. For more information, go to www.thesmartestmonkeys.com.

Wisedumb (Atlanta, GA)

Up-and-coming hip-hop artists, Don One and Jahmel Divine - known as Wisedumb, crossed paths in Panama and their fate to become stars has been sealed ever since. Their music is defined by influences including early hip-hop, Caribbean music, and classic southern soul. With such a wide range of multi-cultural flavor and witty, insightful lyrics, Wisedumb has quickly become the most exciting new group on the competitive Atlanta hip-hop scene. For information, go to www.zenraentertainment.biz/MAIN3.html.

About Disc Makers
In business since 1959, Disc Makers is the nation's leading independent media manufacturer, offering a wide variety of products and services, including complete CD and cassette packages for independent artists, record labels, and businesses. The company's state-of-the-art facilities are outfitted with the latest graphic, printing, and CD/DVD duplication equipment and products, as well as in-house studios for mastering and post-production. The company also offers a variety of additional services including custom design, packaging, distribution and financing, and produces the Independent Music World Series, the nation's largest showcase series for independent musicians. Disc Makers has two manufacturing plants in Pennsauken, NJ and Fremont, CA, plus four regional offices located in New York City, Los Angeles, Tukwila, WA (near Seattle), and Puerto Rico.