VAST Gets Nude With Carson Daly and Jonathan Rifkind's 456 Entertainment Tuesday, February 24th

Business Wire, Feb 23, 2004

Entertainment Editors

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 23, 2004

After a four-year hiatus, VAST releases its highly anticipated third album, Nude, on 456 Entertainment, the new independent label founded by Carson Daly and Loud Records co-founder Jonathan Rifkind.

"Having a respected and visionary artist like VAST for our first release demonstrates 456's commitment to releasing great music," says Daly. "VAST has proven itself with its first two major releases and has maintained its fan base after four years out of the market. Together we will create the mainstream recognition this critically-acclaimed artist so richly deserves."

Adds Rifkind, "456 was formed to be a home for creative gifted artists, and VAST is an act that fits with our ideology."

VAST (Visual Audio Sensory Theater) is regarded as one of the most adventurous and revered bands in rock, having developed a cult following and earning the praise of fans and fellow musicians as one of the world's biggest "underground" bands. During the four-year span between releases, VAST has created an unprecedented online community, satiating the appetites of its fanbase by creating exclusive internet releases via its website, www.realvast.com.

Jon Crosby, VAST's founder, songwriter primary musician and sole permanent member, recorded Nude throughout 2003. The twelve new tracks of atmospheric and darkly textured rock were produced or co-produced by Crosby, and mixed by Jason Corsaro (Soundgarden, David Bowie, Madonna). Josh Turner co-produced eight tracks with Crosby, and Jon Goldstein teamed up with Crosby for one track.

An exclusive, limited-edition early release of Nude is available at 456's website, www.456entertainment.com. These early versions of the album include expanded artwork and a lyric sheet (not included in the official release), with the first 2,500 autographed by Crosby.

"456 understands what VAST has achieved online and they understand that it's not business as usual in the music industry anymore," says Crosby. "They create an artistically free environment for their artists."

Nude will be in stores on Tuesday, February 24, 2004, and plans are currently being made for an extensive U.S. tour this spring.