Reptor Productions 2008 - UK based unsigned online band promoters - Ayla Brown

Ayla Brown - Forward		Visit website
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Album: Forward
Joined Reptor Productions 1902 days ago.
1. Forward	BUY NOW!	play
2. Falling into You	BUY NOW!	play

Season 5 American Idol's Semi finalist

Eighteen year old Boston basketball phenomenon Ayla Brown finished her high school career as one of the top female basketball players in Massachusetts history, scoring 2358 career points. In addition, she is a 2 time Gatorade Player of the Year, being named as the top female basketball player in Massachusetts. After Ayla finished her senior season as the captain of Noble and Greenough high school girls basketball team she went on to place 13th on season five of television’s American Idol, appearing before more than 30 million viewers three times a week until leaving the show March 9th. Throughout the show, Ayla was known for her poise, grace, and hard work. This project is a reflection of those qualities.

Ayla’s debut album will be packed with potential singles from pop-friendly hits like "Know You Better," "Sugah" and "I Quit" and stadium anthems like "Breaking Away" to Ayla’s trademark power ballads such as "If I Was A River" and the title track "Forward" Her power ballads made her a favorite of millions of viewers each week. The album will feature songs written by Diane Warren (multi-Grammy Award Winner), Tommy Sims (1997 Grammy Award, Song of the Year, "Change The World"), David Eriksen (Clay Aiken, Lindsay Lohan, judge on "Norwegian Idol"), Ruby Amanfu (UK pop star and songwriter), Jonatha Brooke, Phil Thornalley (Natalie Imbruglia’s "Torn," XTC, The Cure), as well as two tracks co-written by Ayla. Several tracks will feature live orchestra strings that will be arranged and recorded in Nashville by David and Ned Henry (Ben Folds, Indigo Girls, REM, Guster).

The album was recorded in New York City, at Tonic Studios, Raw Sugar Studios and Double Deal Studios, and will be mixed at A-Pawling Studios by Peter Moshay, of Hall & Oates, and Mariah Carey fame.
Since last appearing on Idol, Ayla has made hundreds of personal appearances, most covered by local or national media and drawing 500 to 2000+ fans. She appeared at the Kiss 108 Concert in Mansfield, MA in front of 20,000 people on May 20th, performing four songs and introducing Natasha Bedingfield. Ayla sang the national anthem on July 4th with the Boston Pops in front of hundreds of thousands of people, with her performance including a multiple F-16 fly-over and coverage on CBS. Ayla appeared at Fenway Park on July 12th and has made many personal and concert appearances throughout the summer, and performed 6 shows over three days at the Eastern States Exposition Fair ( The Big E) in W. Springfield, MA from September 15-17. to an estimated 12,000 fans.

American Idol Magazine / November 2006 Issue:
On August 25, as soon as Ayla was legally able, she raced to New York to record the 11 tracks of her debut album, Forward, with producer Jim McGregor of Double Deal Records, (founded by Wayne Laakko) One week later, she was done. “A lot of people think we rushed this out to beat Taylor and Katharine to the punch, but that couldn’t be further from the truth,” McGregor says. Truth is, they had to finish prior to Ayla’s college enrollment to meet certain NCAA compliance & eligibility requirements. Adds McGregor, “We ended up recording two albums of material. I wish I would’ve had a year to work with this, It was hard as a producer to settle for things prematurely, but what we did in such a short amount of time turned out wonderful.” “It was very difficult,” Ayla admits. “I didn’t know what to expect, but I was very excited. That excitement carried over through the whole recording process. I think we did a great job within the time frame. Ayla found time for a number of major performances. Earlier in the summer, she sang six songs before 30,000 fans at the KISS 108 FM concertthen introduced Natasha Bedingfield, whose “Unwritten” soared to No. 1 after Ayla performed it on AI. She and a backing band played six sets over three days at September’s Big E, the Eastern States Exposition in Springfield, MA. followed by a Sept 29th, performance of her title track, “Forward,” with the Boston Pops Orchestra in front of 15,000 adoring fans. For a sheer audience adrenalin rush, Ayla would have to point to July 4, when she performed with the Pops on Boston’s Esplanade. One million people cheered her on. Now, she’s fully immersed in Boston College’s upcoming season. How good is B.C.? They made the women’s Sweet 16 in 2005-06. Look for her on TV.

Ayla Brown Forward> /Double Deal Records
Move over Kellie, Paris and Katharine: Ayla Brown is back!
We have come across a CD that touched down like a phantom tornado to blow us away: Ayla Brown’s Forward. and believe me, the wait was worth it. As for Ayla? Isn’t she supposed to be shooting hoops at Boston College after nearly cracking Season 5’s Final 12? She’s doing that, but first, she speed-dialed two albums into being. That’s the beauty of Ayla. This girl can sing. And unless you’re an NBA or WNBA player, she’ll kick your butt on a basketball court. In her debut album, Forward, this young basketball star reminds us she has just as much talent in the recording studio. As if we need more reminders after she spent the summer performing before huge crowds and signing autographs. From heart wrenching ballads such as “Miles Away” and “Forward” to pop-chart toppers such as “Sugah” "Know You Better", and “I Quit,” Ayla proves just how stacked with talent AI’s Season 5 really was. I mean, this girl didn’t even make the Final 12! I found that hard to believe while listening to her work through these songs, which were produced by Jim McGregor and mixed by Peter Moshay of Hall & Oates, and Mariah Carey fame. The last track, “Forward” (unplugged) is another breath of fresh air. Listening to Ayla’s angelic voice, accompanied by only the piano, makes you truly appreciate her raw talent. Ayla is only 18, and I find this 11-song album to be very age appropriate. She proves that although many young starlets feel the need to step over these boundaries and “age” themselves, it is not always necessary. Apparently, Ayla has another talent up her sleeve as well: songwriter. She co-wrote “Falling Into You, and "Thanks to You"” which both have the flow and lyrics to make her a bonafide star. Ayla's voice soars through Dians Warren's ballad "If I was a River" and shows us her chops and range match anything thats on the air today. Athletic. Beautiful. Brainy. Great voice. Props to Ayla Brown for showing the world what a quadruple threat looks like. American Idol Magazine

You can find Ayla's CD nationwide at the following locations:
Transworld Entertainment: FYE, Strawberries, Coconuts, Wherehouse Music, Sam Goody, Specs Music, Planet Music, & Saturday Matinee Also at: Wal*Mart, Best Buy, Barnes & Nobles, & Borders Amazon.com, CD Universe.com, FYE.com
Digital downloads available at: Currently Ayla's CD is available on 41 digital download sites i-Tunes, Sony Connect, Napster, MSN Downloads, to name just a few.
You can learn more about Ayla Brown by visiting: http://www.aylabrown.com or her myspace at: http://www.myspace.com/aylabrown
You can also listen to and vote for her songs on http://www.radioio.com/radioiopop.php, where Ayla was feature artist for the week of Nov. 12th Ayla’s CD will remain on the front page, in rotation until January. Ayla has a very impressive amount of votes and unequaled ratings there, with three and four times the votes and ratings of most of the major artists.
you can also tune into http://idolwaves.com, live 365, listen and vote, Ayla has climbed up the charts for the last 9 weeks, and this week of Dec. 3rd Ayla has dethroned Carrie Underwood and taken the # 1 spot.
Ayla performed the National Anthem on Nov. 1st at the Boston Celtics opening game, In a tribute to the fallen Red Auerbach. It was a night of rememberence, with all the stars on the sidelines.
Ayla is now featured in the Nov. 5th edition of American Idol Magazine, where her stories appear throughout the magazine, including an introduction to Ayla's recording of the album, a review of the entire CD, as well as the Health & Fitness section, where Ayla gives her personal insight and tips to staying healthy and fit. Don't miss it!!
Ayla also appeared in the November 30th issue of The Boston Globe, where she was featured in an astounding 4 page spread. The article talked of her CD, and music career, as well as her impressive BC. Eagles stats.
Because of the NCAA's strict guidelines, the record label and Ayla herself have had their work cut out for them. Ayla is not able to do any self-promoting of her CD in any way. An NCAA mediator monitors her radio appearances and interviews. She is allowed to answer very few things related to the CD. This makes promotion pretty tough, but Ayla is happy she was able to release a CD before these guidelines came into play, she stated, "It'll be like Idol, we'll just have to let the fans decide, I am happy no matter how many CD's sell, I'm doing it for the fans who supported me. Just to give them something back."
From the albums launch on October 17th, Ayla has sound scanned 1,350 Full albums 3,380 copies of her double-single “Know You Better” & “ I Quit” And over 860 i-Tunes downloads.

Making music the NCAA way By Karen Guregian Boston Herald General Sports Reporter and Columnist Thursday, November 30, 2006 - Updated: 02:23 AM EST Prior to officially enrolling at Boston College, Ayla Brown hurriedly whipped together her debut CD, “Forward.” Eagle Idol Video: Ayla Brown: On the court, on the stage Remarkably, she put together the 10-song disc in a little more than a week. But there’s more. She actually recorded enough music for a second CD, which is tentatively set to be released early next summer. Only, there’s one rather sizeable glitch. Thanks to NCAA compliance rules, the record company can’t use her name, or image on the CD. “That’s where it’s at right now,” said Jim McGregor, who produced the first CD. “The NCAA won’t let us put her picture or her name on the CD. So we’re not really sure what to call it.” As it is, Brown can’t even promote her current CD. Once her hoop season is over, the rules are a bit more relaxed, but at the moment she has to keep her distance from it. The Browns understand the guidelines are in place essentially to protect the athlete and the school. “Since the second album was also recorded prior to her enrollment, we might be able to figure something out,” said state Senator Scott Brown, who is Ayla’s father and manager. “As long as we’re in communication with the compliance people, and being honest and open with them, I think it might be possible to work out some parameters.” Prior to attending classes, Ayla was in the recording studio. The need for speed was imperative given compliance considerations. She only had a brief window between the time her “American Idol” contract expired and when she enrolled at Boston College on Sept. 4. Like a true athlete, she responded to the pressure, recording enough music to fill up two CDs, while also recording three Christmas songs. “It was pretty insane,”said McGregor. “Usually, a vocalist will take a week for one track. We did 19 songs in 8 days. Then, we had to turn it into the NCAA before she started school. But that’s all in accordance with the by-laws.” Brown didn’t get a big-name record label. Under NCAA guidelines, she can’t promote her music. She can’t have signings, appearances, nothing even remotely associated with pushing the product. But Double Deal records still picked up the contract, and they’ve sold 1,285 copies of the CD, 3,386 copies of a two-song single (with “Know You Better” and “I Quit”) and they’ve had 760 itune downloads. “She brought some ambition and energy here when she came to record,” said McGregor, who is based in upstate New York. “We really put the girl through the ringer, and she held out. She did great in the studio.” Said Brown, who has written some of the songs and lyrics: “It was really exciting. The adrenaline rush of being in the studio and knowing you had to get all that done in two weeks. I pretty much sang until I couldn’t anymore. I think even with all the time constrictions, we came out with a great product.”
http://sports.bostonherald.com/college/bas...rticleid=169785

‘Idol’ chatter: This girl can play: BC’s Brown hitting the right notes on basketball court By Karen Guregian Boston Herald General Sports Reporter and Columnist Thursday, November 30, 2006 - Updated: 01:51 AM EST Ayla Brown is not afraid to get dirty. In basketball-speak, that means diving for loose balls and fighting for rebounds. When you’re a forward playing in the low post, it means muscling opposing players, gaining leverage, boxing out, doing whatever it takes to get the ball. Eagle Idol Video: Ayla Brown: On the court, on the stage Watching Brown play for Boston College is like watching a human torpedo. It’s like she’s been shot out of a submarine launcher. With her long brown ponytail flying behind her, she whips around the court at warp speed, and anyone in her path is in danger of being blown away. For lack of a better description, she is so un-“American Idol”-like on the court. Even the most dedicated viewers of the show, who came to know her during the last “Idol” go-round, would have a tough time picking her out of the Eagles lineup at first glance. The most telling clue that Brown once rubbed shoulders with Ryan Seacrest? She’s the only player in maroon and gold quietly singing “Go Boston” as she delivers lay-ups during warm-ups, while the band plays the Eagles’ theme song from the sidelines. A star at Noble & Greenhough High School, and the sixth-leading scorer in Massachusetts prep history with 2,358 career points, Brown committed early to BC. And yet, after all the “American Idol” hoopla, after she finished 13th, impressing judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul with her voice and work ethic, people on the outside wondered where hoop would fit in her life. They also wondered if the 18-year-old Wrentham native could cut it on the Division 1 level, particularly after she had a taste of Hollywood, and recorded her first CD. Brown has provided a very good answer. While it’s still early in the season, it’s pretty obvious she belongs. Seven games in, there’s no need to poll the audience: The “Idol” can play ball. ‘Freshman 15,’ please At the moment, she comes off the bench for BC coach Cathy Inglese and gives the Eagles an instant jolt of energy. She’s constantly in motion, moving around the offensive zone, providing for her team what former Celtic John Havilcek used to do for his. While she was recruited to play as a guard or small forward, she’s been forced to play power forward, thanks to injuries to the team. But she’s responded. In her second game, she scored 17 points against Delaware. In all, she’s averaging 8.9 points per game, and 6.3 rebounds. “My biggest thing always in recruiting kids is their attitude. And she has a great attitude,” Inglese said. “She is someone who I think is very committed. I think she loves basketball. I think she’s someone who is goal-oriented and wants to be very, very successful, and I think she works for that. “She had a lot of things going on in the summer, but at the same time, she came back in shape, ready to go. I know she has high goals and high expectations for herself. She’s someone who puts the effort in. She doesn’t just talk about it.” Brown is not someone to be told she can’t, because she will. After all, her parents named her after the lead character in the novel “Clan of the Cave Bear.” “It’s about a woman who lived in a man’s world back in the cave man days,” Ayla said of the book. “She basically saved her tribe, and gains the respect of all the men.” Think this version of Ayla won’t want to add weight to her willowly, model-like frame? Bulk up to take on the taller, bruising forwards she’s going to face down the road in Atlantic Coast Conference games? Think again. She’s already added six pounds to her “Idol” frame, and hopes to stack on a few more before the year’s out. “I know it needs to be done. I’m trying so hard,” Brown said. “I take weight-gain shakes. I gained about six pounds since the summer, which is pretty good. My goal was 15. It’ll happen eventually. I’m trying to gain muscle.” Adjusting to new Heights Brown admits the transition was tough at first. She had trouble juggling the demands of her five classes with the demands of college hoop. Initially, she didn’t know when to fit lunch into the workload. But now she’s settled in. She’s adjusted to the lifestyle. As for her teammates, they’ve accepted her. They don’t see her as some up-and-coming songstress or starlet who’s along for the ride. “She’s really humble and mature,” said BC captain Sarah Marshall. “She knows how to handle the success, and the press that comes with it. She likes to deflect all of it. She wants more emphasis on the team than herself.” According to Inglese, Brown did have something to prove initially. She had to remind everyone about her dedication to basketball, even though many of the players had known Ayla from playing pick-up games, and from seeing her at home games in previous years. “Our players have known her. But I think with the ‘Idol’ stuff, and how busy she was, I think they wondered, ‘OK, is this going to change with Ayla?’ Is the singing going to become more important?’ ” Inglese said. “I think it ran by the kids’ heads for a while, but they knew her before her ‘Idol’ exposure. They knew what she was about, and I think that helped.” Brown says she really doesn’t talk about her fame with her teammates. Beyond trying to include the players in meeting many of the young groupies who now attend Eagles games, armed with posters and other goodies to have autographed, it’s pretty much basketball talk, 24-7, with the girls. Brown also said the attention she receives hasn’t made her feel awkward, or triggered any issues of jealousy. After all, Brown is getting more ink these days than the team as a whole. “When I’m here at Boston College, I’m strictly a basketball player and a student athlete. That’s the extent of what I am here,” Brown said. “I don’t sing really anymore, because I’m in season. I made a promise to myself, to my coaches, my teammates, that I would be there for them regardless of what I was doing outside of school. They realize that, and they’ve been so supportive. They acknowledge the fact I’m here for the basketball, and to help them win.” As Inglese pointed out, Brown was an athlete first. In fact, Ayla, not-so-long ago, played Pop Warner football in Wrentham from 7th-9th grade. “It was a good experience for her,” said Ayla’s father, state Senator Scott Brown, of the football. “It enabled her to play (basketball) like she plays. With toughness, I mean. She plays like a guy.” During Tuesday’s 64-58 win over Fairfield, Brown, who scored 8 points with 10 rebounds in 33 minutes, needed to be patched up after diving for a few loose balls. “It’s very funny to think that I lived that (“American Idol”) life for a while. Because I was always a basketball player and one of those muscle-type girls before “American Idol” even started,” Ayla said. “So when that started, I pretty much had to transform myself into the glamour role. So it was pretty funny.” Best of both worlds State Senator Brown has been moonlighting as his daughter’s manager, trying to keep her affairs in order. He’s been working hand-in-hand with Inglese and BC’s compliance office to make sure Ayla doesn’t break any rules and jeopardize her eligibility. “She’s still getting offers to sing and perform, which she can do,” Brown said. “We just need to get permission from the coach, and she’s been wonderful, and clearance from the compliance office, and they’ve been great. We’ve been following the guidelines.” Ayla sang the national anthem at the Celtics home opener last month. She needed to get documentation and permission before setting foot in the TD Banknorth Garden. “Right now, I have a request that I just faxed over to compliance,” Brown said. “People want Ayla to donate t-shirts and CDs and stuff like that for their charity group. . . . As long as we document it, and let them know what it’s for, where the proceeds are going, and how the proceeds are being used, they’re very understanding. It’s been pretty wonderful, I have to admit.” Brown had to miss one game last week, a double-overtime loss to Ohio State, because of an injury. She turned an ankle in practice, and was on crutches for three days, but returned to action Friday against Central Connecticut. She hasn’t been quite the human torpedo, losing a bit of her foot speed since her return while wearing an ankle brace, but she is still effective defending under the basket. “I love both things with all my heart. As long as I’m able to do them. And it’s made me who I am,” Brown said. “It makes me complete when I can faithfully say I’m a singer and a basketball player at the same time. It’s not one overshadowing the other, because I’ve loved both since I was a baby.” Her teammates do enjoy the occasional unscripted moment, when Ayla will exercise those golden pipes. “One time I walked in the locker room, and the shower was on. I heard Ayla belting it out like she was at home in her bathroom,” Marshall said with a laugh. “She’s an awesome singer. I love hearing her sing.” Where will Brown be 10 years from now? What will she be doing after college? Her dad sees her playing in the WNBA. Ayla? “I want to do a lot of things. I’m majoring in communications. I’d like to be a sports broadcaster or in entertainment at some point in my life,” she said. Her mother Gail Huff is a Channel 5 news reporter. “But I’d really like to continue singing and see where I can get with that. I know that won’t last my whole life, but I guess I’ll take it one year at a time.”
http://sports.bostonherald.com/college/bas...rticleid=169767