Eddie Cain Irvin
JMU’s record label, 80 One Records, released Eddie Cain Irvin’s debut record in TDU last week
By Katie Hudson, contributing writer
Posted on October 9, 2006

Two months of planning and years of recording were finally brought together last Wednesday at Taylor Down Under. Senior Eddie Cain Irvin experienced his first CD release show thanks in part to his label, 80 One Records.

Signed to the JMU-based label last spring, Irvin is reaching new heights with his release of Lifedielife Dedicated. 

Many people noticed Irvin Wednesday night with his upbeat tunes.

“I liked how much energy he had when he was on stage,” said freshman Ericha Forest. 

In fact, the stage is where Irvin was most comfortable.

“I don’t even feel like I am at a show,” Irvin said. “It’s just like people are listening to my music and I’m just being myself up there.”

Irvin opened the show with catchy tunes that listeners can’t help but tap their feet to.

“I have been working on some of these songs since 2003,” Irvin said. 

The CD release for 80 One Records had been in the making since August.

“We’re really focused on trying to get the word out about Eddie,” said 80 One Records President Maleika Cole. “He’s so awesome and he really deserves to get noticed.”

The University Program Board put together fliers, put chalk messages on the commons and posted the CD release information on its Web site.

“The biggest thing for this show was the marketing,” Cole said.  “I’m so thankful for everyone who helped out. We couldn’t have done it without them.”

The night itself was just as impressive as the marketing. TDU was full of balloons, along with freebies such as candy, glow sticks, goodie bags and more.

“We spent about three hours at Wal-Mart preparing for the release and getting all the decorations,” Cole said.

The crowd was also able to enjoy free cake and punch while listening to the performances. Doug Roberts and the band Scott Norris and the Starving Artists opened for Irvin.

Following Irvin’s opening set, the crowd was able to watch his new video, “Ride.” Irvin’s second set and finale left the crowd wanting more. After the crowd’s pleas for an encore, Irvin finished the night with one of his older songs, “Lullaby.”

The show was topped off with a hitting of a stop sign-shaped piñata referencing one of Irvin’s songs.

“Everything was so unique about tonight,” Irvin said, pointing to the crowd dashing for candy from the broken piñata.

80 One Records is currently looking for new artists and continues to promote Irvin.

“You obviously can’t stay on 80 One [Records] forever, so we are trying to show him off to some labels,” Cole said. “Tonight was a great way to promote him and I could not be happier with the way things turned out.”

Irvin said he feels the same way Cole does about the CD release. “I feel like I am on top of the wave and there is just so much more to go,” he said.