Monday, March 16, 2009

Nelly Furtado Releases Fritz Helder & The Phantoms

Grammy award winner and multi-platinum selling recording artist, Nelly Furtado, has launched her music company, "Nelstar Music" and will introduce Canadian independent recording artist Fritz Helder & The Phantoms as the first act signed to the company. The group's album, Greatest Hits will be released on July 7 throughout North America via Last Gang Records distributed labels' division Last Gang Labels which currently works through Universal for Canada and Fontana/Universal for the U.S. International releases are also being planned.

"I've been thinking about a way to help Fritz Helder for a while and this venture grew out of my love for the band, their art and their work ethic. I am as committed as they are to bringing their creativity to the world," says Furtado.

Fritz Helder & The Phantoms is an electro-pop foursome from Toronto who started out as a dance troupe put together by choreographer Fritz Helder, and previously appeared with Nelly Furtado on tour. As word of mouth quickly spread on the group's electrifying performances they soon began booking their own gigs with acts like Lady Gaga, Dragonette and Semi-Precious Weapons.

The group features Fritz Helder (vocals, key-tar), Silk Helder (guitar, synths), Pastel Supernova (vocals) and Diego Superstar (vocals, synth, beats). The first single, out this spring, is "Lagerfeld Lady" and is an ode to the fashion icon, Karl Lagerfeld. To check out the video for "Lagerfeld Lady" visit the group's website which reveals an incredible menagerie of video, music, fashion, remixes, and an impressive monthly online fanzine, "Moda Cinque."

"We love Nelly and this new partnership is a very exciting opportunity for us. It's empowering to work with a combination of people who believe in our project and are willing to help us see it through," remarks Fritz, the group's main vocalist.

Last Gang Labels is the distributed labels arm of Last Gang Records (home to artists such as Chromeo, Metric and MSTRKRFT) and was started to provide distribution, marketing and consultation services to smaller independent labels and independent artists.

"Nelly has been a long time friend and we at Last Gang are honored that she has entrusted us to help launch her music company and assist in working with Fritz Helder & The Phantoms," says Chris Taylor, Last Gang head.

Fritz Helder & The Phantoms will help close out fashion week in Toronto with a special live performance at Top of The Burroughes with Parallels, DINAMO AZARI & ALIXANDER III and TUXEDOMASK. Details below:

Who: Fritz Helder & The Phantoms
What: Toronto Fashion Week party
When: Saturday, March 21 at 10pm
Where: The Burroughes Building
639 Queen Street West (at Bathurst)
Toronto

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at http://www.automatt.net

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