SOURCE: PME Records
September 04, 2007 14:00 ET
"American Idol's" Sarah Burgess Inks Record Deal, Records First Single
DENVER, CO--(Marketwire - September 4, 2007) - Best remembered as the auditioner whose father
didn't know she had snuck out to New York, only to be awarded Idol's Golden
Ticket to Hollywood, Sarah Burgess made a connection with the American
public with her story of determination in the face of resistance from those
not as convinced. After an emotional audition and tearful aftermath, a
bond had been forged between the viewers and an emerging artist. In the
months that followed, Sarah was interviewed on almost 100 radio and TV
stations to relate her resonant story.
Suddenly, inexplicably, Sarah was dropped before she reached the Top 20.
But it turned out to be great news. After waiting until her 19
Entertainment contract was up, PME Records helmsman Craig Patterson has
moved fast. Despite interest from other labels, Patterson got Burgess to
sign on the dotted line on September 27th, just three days after her Idol
contract finally expired. Though the details are under wraps, the contract
is an innovative one for the recording industry, giving Burgess partnership
in her career, unlike standard one-sided contracts. PME is known for such
contracts, having used them to the advantage of artists like jazz pianist
Harold O'Neal and acclaimed singer/songwriter Kreg Viesselman.
Within days of the signing, Burgess was opening for Daughtry and Day of
Fire at the Colorado State Fair. "We couldn't have been happier with the
job she did," explains Patterson. "She tore that place apart."
The same week, Burgess was at PME recording her first single, "Didn't
Matter That," for release worldwide on September 20th, accompanied by a
massive radio, Internet, and press push. The single was written by Mikal
Blue and Colbie Caillat. Mastered by Herb Powers, Jr. (Justin Timberlake,
Mariah Carey), the single is an irresistibly catchy modern Pop/R&B kissoff,
demonstrating a girl's power of independence. Included on the single is a
stunning rendition of Gerry Rafferty's "Whatever's Written In Your Heart,"
an almost-forgotten tune originally heard on the album "City to City."
Sarah's solo album, "One," is set to be released November 30th. Some
heavy-hitting session players are recording for the album, including Greg
Mathieson (Christina Aguilera, Barbra Streisand), Doug Jackson (Ambrosia,
Kenny Loggins), and the world-renowned Philharmonika Bulgaria, recorded in
Sofia, Bulgaria.
On the Web:
Sarah Burgess' "American Idol" audition:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jKSVQDWhow
MySpace, with sneak preview of "Didn't Matter That":
www.myspace.com/sarahburgessmusicdotcom
Official Homepage:
www.sarahburgessmusic.com