80 One Records signs second artist

The University Program Board’s student-run record label, 80 One Records, signed its second total artist, the first in its Artist Development Program, during the first week of spring semester.

An artist development deal with 80 One Records is a year-long contract that helps the artist get recording experience, book shows and create a demo to send to other labels.

No record is guaranteed for commercial release, but the contract "allows the artist to utilize the full support of 80 One Records," said senior Joel Mills, UPB director of label promotions.

80 One Records noticed junior Nelly Kate Anderson, known musically as "nelly kate," at JMU’s Talent Jam last fall and asked her to submit a demo.

"Nelly stood out because she was being herself," Mills said.

Anderson said, "A lot of my songs may not have set rhyme schemes, but their lyrical meter is deeply influenced by my habits as a poet."

Students also can listen to Anderson’s music at www.purevolume.com/NellyKate or on the Tsunami Benefit Album.

80 One Records offers two types of record deals: the exclusive artist contract and the artist development contract. Freshman Nathaniel Baker was the first artist to sign an exclusive artist contract with 80 One Records.

"We tentatively plan on signing one or more artists this semester," Mills said. He encouraged students to send in demos.