SONY INKS SYSTEM GUITARIST TO LABEL DEAL

Sony Music has entered into an exclusive, worldwide agreement with Daron Malakian, guitarist/writer/producer for System of a Down, to market, promote and distribute Malakian's new label, EatUrMusic, under the EatUrMusic/Columbia imprint.

"We're very excited about working with Daron in establishing EatUrMusic as a credible artistic force in today's music scene," said Will Botwin, President Columbia Records Group. "This new imprint promises to become a home for artists who are both passionate in their vision and uncompromising in the integrity of their music."

Malakian added, "I honestly feel that if you’re going to sign an artist, the most important thing is that you’ve really got to be like one of those kids in their audience. Donnie [Ienner, President, Sony Music U.S.], Will and I agreed that I will only sign and work with those artists that I’m a fan of."

Malakian’s first signing to EatUrMusic is the punk-metal groupm Amen, fronted by Casey Chaos. Malakian is producing the CD with Chaos, Mike Frasier (AC/DC, Aerosmith, Metallica) is mixing, and the album is due out later this year.

"I’m proud that Amen is my first signing," Malakian continued. "Casey is the Iggy Pop of my generation, he’s creating his art and his music on his own terms, and I’m very happy that I have an outlet to support that."