MIDAS RECORDS PRESIDENT / CEO RON CLAPPER SIGNS
AUSTIN BROWN

* * *
Jackson family musical prodigy joins pop
ANGEL
sensation on Midas roster, and gets the golden touch
as gifted vocalist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer prepares his
Midas Records debut, Slick & Polished

Los Angeles – Midas Records has signed R&B/pop artist Austin Brown, label president and CEO Ron Clapper announced today. The gifted vocalist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer is the L.A.-based indie’s second signing, following pop sensation ANGEL to its roster.

Although the U.S. will be on a first-name basis with Auggie (a.k.a. Austin Brown) when Midas Records releases his debut, Slick & Polished, in summer of 2005, the barely-18-year-old phenom is heir apparent to the Jackson throne, as nephew of Michael, Janet, and The Jackson 5. Austin Brown is the son of their sister, Billboard chart-topping Rebbie Jackson ("Centipede").

Clapper states, "I couldn’t be more pleased about bringing Austin Brown to the label. His integrity as a songwriter, purity as a vocalist and sincerity as a performer are qualities that are in perfect alignment with Midas Records’ artistic vision. The fact that he’s a Jackson prodigy is a nice bonus. But the fact that Austin is so completely gifted as an artist in his own right is what really sealed the deal. With his high moral character and squeaky clean lyrics, Austin is an excellent addition to the roster, and will continue the family-friendly precedent that Angel and Midas Records are establishing."

Austin says, "Midas and I are coming up together. It’s such an intense ground-level approach for the project. I love the staff, and they’re driven just like me. We have the same goals."

For Austin, being of pop royalty is a responsibility, rather than a privilege; he has a lot to live up to – and knows it. He had received offers from several major labels, but signed with Midas because he wanted a one-on-one relationship with the top brass.

And he will have that with Ron Clapper and the Midas team who have already captured the attention of the entertainment industry during the set-up of Angel’s solo debut, Believe in Angels...Believe in Me, set for release later this summer. The first single, "Just The Way I Am," was produced by The Wizardz of Oz (Nick Lachey, Ricky Martin), and is set to impact radio in June. Angel is currently performing at schools across the U.S. on the Midas Records Presents: The VH1 Save The Music Tour Featuring ANGEL."

In signing with Midas, Austin continues, "I feel my music will be heard and presented correctly. As a debuting artist, I am going to have more pressure on me than other new artists, just because of my family background." Well-spoken and industry savvy beyond his years, Austin continues, "The style that we are creating is really off-the-wall for my generation by taking the old school feel, updating it to today, and reminding people that it’s OK to be musical, it’s OK to play instruments, it’s OK to love melodies, do harmonies, and dance.

Austin has been writing and producing some tracks with childhood friend Brandon Howard (son of R&B vocalist Micky Howard), who has worked with Missy Elliott and Ginuwine. Working closely, Midas and Austin are considering such producers as The Underdogs, Ruben Studdard, Tyrese, Babyface, Enrique Iglesias, and Rodney Jerkins.

Other elements that will give Slick & Polish its gleam is Austin’s instrumentation – guitar, piano, drums, bass, and percussion, making him one very busy artist in the studio.

Additional information regarding Midas Records is available at www.midasrecords.net and www.angelfaith.net