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#1 hitmakers Rodney Jerkins, Shep Crawford highlight landmark project distributed by Image Entertainment.

      NEW YORK, NY - Four-time Grammy nominee Tamia is set to release her 4th album, Between Friends, on Tuesday, November 14 through a new venture between her own imprint, Plus 1 Music Group and DVD distribution dynamo Image Entertainment (Nasdaq: DISK). 

      The soulful chanteuse worked exclusively with two of the industry's most sought-after talents, Grammy-winning producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins and songwriter Shep Crawford, to help demonstrate her musical growth. 

      "Can't Get Enough," the album's sultry first single, is currently in rotation on urban AC formats across the country and was the #1 added new single to radio stations the week of September 19. 

      "Image Entertainment is thrilled to be working with Tamia on her first independent project," says George Steele, Vice President of Audio Operations, Image Entertainment.  "Our extensive relationships with retail and digital partners enable us to cross-promote Tamia's new album on an unprecedented number of levels." 

      In addition to providing unique distribution channels, Image Entertainment will design an innovative digital marketing strategy to further maximize Tamia's visibility as the new spokesperson for Chevrolet Tahoe. 

      Discovered by music legend Quincy Jones in 1995, Tamia's musical pedigree and widespread appeal are the driving force behind her longevity. In 2004, the singer embarked on her first major national tour, joining top-selling artists Beyonce, Alicia Keys and Missy Elliot for the sold-out "Ladies First" concert series.  But even with four Grammys, combined album sales of 1.1 million and a string of hit collaborations to her credit, including lovers' anthems "So Into You" with rapper Fabolous and "Spend My Life With You" featuring Eric Benet, Tamia felt lost in the major label shuffle.  Slighted by constant industry executive turnover but still eager to continue growing as an artist, the Canadian born and bred beauty was at a crossroads.  After more than a decade in the music industry, Tamia craved ownership and formed Plus 1 Music Group. 

      "Having been with major labels my entire career, I was ready to assume more creative control," Tamia explains.  "When I took a step back from the music scene, I realized how disposable the industry had become and decided to go back into the studio in an effort to create songs that are a reflection of where I am in life both personally and professionally - a mother, wife, friend, and now, entrepreneur."  Between Friends is a direct result of Tamia's steadfast goal to give fans an album that captures the essence of the artist they already know and love while offering a more mature perspective on love, relationships and life.

      Musician and songwriter Shep Crawford, who contributed to classics such as Tamia's mega-hit "Officially Missing You," Heather Headley's soul-stirring "He Is," and Deborah Cox's chart-topping "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here" and more, spent hours in the studio encouraging Tamia to push the creative envelope. 

      "Shep is all about what's good in the industry," Tamia exclaims.  "We first went into the studio to just vibe, see what we could come up with…and the more he kept saying 'think outside the box', the more I realized that it actually applied to different aspects of the project."  Upon evaluating various distribution deals, Tamia chose Image Entertainment to facilitate her needs and has since experienced a renewed energy and passion for her new role as 'sole controller' of her musical destiny. 

      Between Friends hits record stores Tuesday, November 14.  For more information or to request an interview with Tamia, please contact Tracy Anderson or Sheila Eldridge at Miles Ahead Entertainment, 201-722-1500.    For a sneak preview of music from Tamia's album and exclusive photos, please visit www.tamiaworld.com. 

About Image Entertainment
   Image Entertainment, Inc. is a leading independent licensee, producer and distributor of home entertainment programming in North America, with over 3,000 exclusive DVD titles and approximately 200 exclusive CD titles in domestic release and approximately 300 programs internationally via sublicense agreements.  For many of its titles, the Company has exclusive audio and broadcast rights and, through its subsidiary Egami Media, Inc., has digital download rights to more than 1,500 video programs and over 150 audio programs containing more than 2,500 tracks.  The Company is headquartered in Chatsworth, California, and has a domestic distribution facility in Las Vegas, Nevada.  The Company's subsidiary Image Entertainment (UK) maintains a content acquisition office in London, England.  For more information about Image Entertainment, Inc., please go to www.image-entertainment.com.

About Chris Smith Management
   Chris Smith Management is a Toronto-based, full-service artist management firm with offices in New York, Jamaica and Toronto.  CSM's client roster boasts a number of Grammy-award winning and platinum-selling Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, R&B, Reggae and Alternative artists, including Nelly Furtado (Dreamworks); Tamia (Plus 1 Music Group/Image Entertainment); The Philosopher Kings (Sony); Prozzak (Sony Music); Fefe Dobson (Island/DefJam) and more. 

   CSM as a company has garnered a number of prestigious awards and accolades, including 2002 Management Company of the Year (Canadian Music Week), and Artist Management Company of the Year 2001 and 2002 (Urban Music Awards). CSM has been profiled in a variety of international music and lifestyle publications, including Billboard Magazine, Elm Street Magazine and Pollstar, to name a few. For booking info, please visit www.chrissmithmanagement.com  or call 416-362-7771, ext 23.      

                                                                                          
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source:
Sheila Eldridge
Miles Ahead Entertainment
Sheila@milesaheadentertainment.com