IGA GETS OCTONE, FORMS OCTONE/A&M WITH JAMES DIENER

So that’s why the new Maroon 5 album wasn’t on the RCA Music Group release schedule. Interscope Geffen A&M has just announced the formation of A&M/Octone Records, which will be home to the big-selling, Grammy-winning L.A. band, along with and breaking alt-rockers Flyleaf. The label’s first release will be the long-awaited studio follow-up to Maroon 5’s 2002 debut album, Songs About Jane, which sold 10 million units worldwide.

A&M/Octone will be headed by CEO/President James Diener, formerly President of Octone Records and SVP A&R/Marketing for J Records and RMG. In forming the label, A&M/Octone is acquiring Sony BMG’s interest in OctJay, a joint venture between Sony BMG and Octone Records. The roster will also include Octone developing acts Michael Tolcher and Dropping Daylight, as well as new signings and acts moved from other IGA labels. Current A&M roster artists will remain on A&M proper. A&M/Octone will be based in New York and report into IGA Chairman Jimmy Iovine.

Coming to A&M/Octone along with Diener are GM David Boxenbaum and EVP/Head of Promotion Ben Berkman. Other label executives will be announced shortly.

Said Iovine: “A&M is one of the jewels in our family of labels, which has thrived under the leadership of Ron Fair. Ever since he became Chairman of Geffen Records, I have been thinking about the next chapter for A&M. Once I got to know James Diener, and recognized his accomplishments with Octone, I saw the opportunity to marry these two imprints in order to create a new exciting company, in the tradition established by Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss, ideal for these dynamic times.”

Commented Diener: “The launch of A&M/Octone represents an important new artist-development opportunity for the industry. I couldn't be more excited, enthusiastic and determined to honor the heritage and tradition of the A&M legacy. On behalf of myself, my Octone executive team and our artists, we are uniquely grateful to Jimmy Iovine and the entire Interscope family, as well as Doug Morris and the Universal Music Group, for this endorsement of support and partnership."

Diener began his career in the music business in 1992, rising to the post of VP A&R/Marketing at Columbia Records. In 2000, Diener simultaneously formed Octone Records, an indie label distributed by BMG, and was appointed VP A&R/Marketing at J Records, where he signed and developed platinum singer/songwriter Gavin DeGraw.