Released on: January 9, 2008, 8:12 pm

Press Release Author: IU Management

Industry: Entertainment

Press Release Summary: "It has been nearly 2 years since my record, Revealed, was
finished and for a number of reasons the project was more or less stillborn. It is a
very cool record however Zabit records and Sonoma Mountain Entertainment and I have
gone separate ways. It feels good to move forward." Vancouver, Canada based
recording artist Melanie Dekker.

Press Release Body:

The CD "Revealed" was recorded and engineered in the California-based studio and
indie label Zabit Records. David Kershenbaum, well known for his work with Tori
Amos, Tracy Chapman, Duran Duran, co-produced it and Scott Church who engineered it
has worked with The Stones, Cher and many others over his long career."David and
Scott were fabulous to work with, real pros," say Dekker. "I learned many things
from them and it was fantastic working next to their true warmth and talent."

Despite the positive combination of producer, engineer and record label it wasn't a
strong enough relationship to foster any long-term success. industry consultant and
manager, John Graham, industry consultant and manager says, "Sonoma Mnt Estate (SME)
being both a recording studio and a small independent label seems to work at odds
with creating a recipe for success. Marketing, administration and planning seemed to
get lost in the 'mix' of running a studio and as such I felt that I could not work
with Melanie until she put this deal in the past. As a recording studio S.M.E Studio
has world-class facilities however as a label its philosophy and paradigm do not
appear geared to address the new download era which I think is essential for
success."

Dekker tells Graham, "I was stoked to record at Sonoma Mountain as the people and
facilities were great. I initially had faith that as a label Zabit records could
pull together a major release or a series of distribution deals, but everywhere I
tour and have toured people are still asking "Why can't we get your record anywhere
but on CDBABY?"! I explain that CDBABY is helping to donate money to wounded
soldiers and their families so it is a good place for the fans to go but it is
frustrating for them and for me as the presence of the CD anywhere else remains like
an un-mined gem. There was also a time when interested major's wanted a new record
utilizing the Zabit sessions as a demo, but Zabit records had already made the
record "Revealed" and that's the finished product they were determined to get to
market. Perhaps the series of disappointments pulled us apart.

An industry insider observes "Sonoma's lack of embrace of the new digital download
era makes it impossible to break the record on the internet. At the same time major
labels are only signing artists who already have strong indie internet success.
These days if a small label is unwilling to comprehend the new dynamics and paradigm
of the digital age then it is almost impossible to prove to the majors their
artist's viability.With CD sales in North America down another 9.5% in 2007 and
digital downloads up 300% plus, indie labels will only succeed if there is a strong
internet presence."

Since breaking with Sonoma, Dekker continues to move on up with her career, writing
new material, working an upcoming 40 date European tour, and fielding interest from
experienced music industry management and labels.




Web Site: http://www.melaniedekker.com

Contact Details: Lauralynn DR
North Vancouver BC
Canada
778-338-3908
jg@iumanagement.com
http://www.iumanagement.com