The Power of Dance Mixes to Drive Chart Hits

Mariah Carey's long-awaited single "Triumphant (Get 'Em)" featuring Rick Ross and Meek Mill hit #1 on the Billboard Dance Club Play charts (October 23rd). This single was injected with an irresistible club-banging energy by Dutch DJ producer Laidback Luke making his kinetic dance version of the song certified as Mariah's 16th #1 Dance Hit. 

As DJs and mixers are moving from behind the board and into the spotlight, Laidback Luke has become one of his genre's most visible practitioners. 

"Triumphant (Get Em)" extends a celebrated string of hit mixes that includes tracks for artists including Madonna ("Turn on the Radio,"), Steve Aoki & Lil Jon ("Emergency"), Rita Ohra, Subfocus, Tiesto and others. 

For younger audiences, more accustomed to hearing music through a variety of mediums - YouTube, social media, and peer-to-peer sharing - creating an ideal environment for the dance music experience can propel a song into the listener's consciousness.

With his epic "Super You & Me Events," Laidback Luke, who was born in Manila and raised in the Netherlands, has thrown massive parties in locales including Ibiza, Amsterdam, London, Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Las Vegas and Seattle, where he invites dance music superstars like Chocolate Puma, Afrojack and Calvin Harris as special guests. His "Speak Up" bus tour reached over 125,000 fans, with whom he has communicated in over 100,000 tweets. (A new tour is planned for 2013). 

In 2004, Laidback Luke founded Mixmash Records as a vehicle for his own releases. Eight years later, A-list names such as Tiesto, A-trak, Steve Aoki, Steve Angello, Afrojack, Sidney Samson, Tocadisco, Avicii are all part of Mixmash's imposing catalog of 100+ releases. 

Laidback Luke is managed by well known veteran music manager Olga Heijns, principal of Unmanageable Artists B.V. based in the Netherlands. Olga is known for bringing the careers of several well known DJ's to the next level, including Laidback Luke. His legal counsel is Helen Yu of Yu Leseberg, based in Los Angeles, California. 

Helen notes the increasing influence of dance music on the pop charts.... "When thousands of people are transported by an extended remix in a club or festival setting, it underscores the communal experience the kids want. As Electronic Dance Music (EDM) continues its ever-expansive sphere, dance music is evolving into a dominant and increasingly mainstream force."

Huge Congratulations to YG, TY$ & DJ Mustard!

YG and Ty$ are co-writers of the Billboard Hot 100 megahit, "Young & Wild & Free" an anthem of liberation & a flat out good time performed by Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa featuring Bruno Mars. The song debuted #1 on iTunes in October 2011 & has been a consistent Billboard Top 10 (currently #7) on the Hot 100. 

"YG," is one of Los Angeles' premier rising hip hop superstars. He is currently on a nationwide tour with "Tyga," bringing his own brand of unique swag to the stage. YG continues to be a tastemaker of the new West Coast sound which is fast becoming a movement. YG was signed to Island Def Jam by well respected music exec, Max Gousse, who has been a supporter since the begining of YG's breakthrough radio hit in 2011 with "Toot It and Boot It." YG is managed by veteran managers Stampede (who also manage Snoop) & published by Rondor Music. His recent single "Snitches Ain't Shit" features Snoop, Nipsey Hussle & Tyga, and followed up with the release of equally edgy "I'm Good" which promises to be a radio fav!

"Ty$" is a much sought after Los Angeles based recording artist and producer, well versed in incorporating his own style of classic melodies and club banging beats. Ty$ says, "Snoop came up with the concept for Young, Wild & Free, which is based on a melody in 'Toot It and Boot It' which Snoop liked to sing to his kids. He was in the studio one night and created this new song, which has been blessing for both YG and I." Ty$ recently signed with Big Jon of EMI Music Publishing. 

DJ Mustard produced this year's mega chart topper "Rack City" by Tyga and audiences can't keep it off their tongues! DJ Mustard, a Los Angeles based producer is quickly making his mark as one of the best new producers in music today. Mustard notes, 'I met Tyga through YG. From there, I made a beat for Rack City on a Wednesday in 10 minutes. Sometimes you know its right especially when it feels right.' DJ Mustard also produced the 2 follow up singles for YG, "Snitches" and "I'm Good."

Helen Yu - "It's exciting to be working with this group of extremely talented artists, producers & writers. It's been a long time since we've seen a group of friends all from the West Coast (specifically LA), who are top notch level creatives such as YG, Ty$, DJ Mustard, Tygaand all their other friends, who are the nucleus of this new West Coast sound and movement. I'm really proud to be working with them."

Music Producer Kenny Oliver ("Audiobot") Making Music for Superbowl XLVI!

With Madonna’s show-stopping half time performance at the 2012 Super Bowl XLVI, which included the party rocking duo LMFAO joining the diva and, to the delight of billions of viewers, inserting “Sexy And I Know It” into her performance….it was quite a thrill for young producer, Kenny Oliver – known as “Audiobot” - who co-produced and wrote “Sexy And I Know It” with LMFAO (Audiobot’s first Billboard Hot 100 #1 song). 

“Sexy And I Know It” had several other Super Bowl plays, as the song was also used by iconic American candy M & M’s in a Super Bowl commercial where a red M & M shedded its shell, gyrating to the track in a prime spot.

Barely a year ago, Audiobot was working on his ProTools rig in his hometown of Riverside, CA, when his friend passed on a remix of LMFAO’s “Party Anthem” to “Redfoo” through Facebook.  From there, it’s been like a “speeding bullet” for Audiobot to music’s inner circle.   He also did the promo remix (which is being offered free for the first million downloads) of Madonna’s brand new single “Give Me All Your Luvin,” which she premiered at her Super Bowl halftime performance.

Audiobot has since co-produced and co-written additional tracks with LMFAO, totaling 5 on the current album.  He has also been working with will.i.am, the Black Eyed Peas front man, on his solo project, #willpower,  including co-producing and co-writing the first single, “T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)” featuring guests Jennifer Lopez and Mick Jagger. 

Entertainment attorney, Helen Yu, Esq. who represents Audiobot says, “I love Audiobot’s story.  Truly a modern day testament to social networks on line ‘connecting’ people rather than disconnecting.  Kenny’s talent, drive and creative ability are clearly pointed at Kenny becoming one of music elite’s new hit making music producers.  With DJ culture quickly growing in the United States, the sky’s the limit for Audiobot.”  

Television audiences will also note Latin music superstar, Ricky Martin performing a bilingual version of “Sexy and I Know It” when guesting as a Spanish teacher on the hit television show “Glee.” 

A Million Pieces Are On A Roll

EMERGING POP/ROCK BAND CELEBRATE SELF-TITLED SCALLYWAG RECORDS EP RELEASE WITH BIG WIN AT MTVU's "THE FRESHMAN"

(Los Angeles, CA) - Emerging Pop/Rock act A MILLION PIECES are moving forward full-throttle. The Scallywag Records artist is celebrating the release of their self-titled debut EP, along with a big win at mtvU's "The Freshman," which will place their "Laserbeams" music video into rotation on the popular college broadband outlet effective May 30. The group's "Laserbeam" video was previously selected to premiere on MTV's LOGO Network as part of its NewNowNextPopLab.  A Million Pieces was produced by Jerrod "Skins" Bettis (original OneRepublic drummer) and is described by the band as "edgy pop music with an attitude."

A Million Pieces is Morgan Freed (lead vocals), Peter Vanderloos (guitarist), Ryan Brown (bass) and Stephen Soss (keyboards/assorted instruments) along with drummer Skins.

For more information, please visit facebook/A-Million-Pieces and twitter/ampmusicla.

A Million Pieces backstage at The Key Club. Pictured L-R: front row, Maxi Maxi (hair & make-up artist); Middle row, Helen Yu, Esq.(Manager); Morgan Freed (lead singer); Jerrod "Skins" Bettis (producer); Stephen Ross (keyboards/assorted instruments); Peter Vanderloos (guitarist); Noel Zancanella (producer, friend of A Million Pieces) and Ryan Brown (bassist).

Printz Board Masterminds Music's Biggest Pop Show on Earth

August 2010 issue of Keyboard Magazine

Los Angeles entertainment attorney Helen Yu has represented Board for over a decade. "Printz is a rare and amazing talent.  It's one of those things... the second I met him a decade ago, I just knew unquestionably that this guy had the talent and skill to go all the way."

See below to read the article in its entirety.

Featured in Keyboard Magazine, August 2010 issue. Visit www.keyboardmag.com for more.

Yu Leseberg Client Keith Harris Signs to Universal Music Publishing

Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) today announced the signing of an exclusive publishing agreement with Yu Leseberg client Keith Harris, GRAMMY and Juno-winning writer/producer. The publishing deal encompasses Keith's entire catalogue, including the Black Eyed Peas "Imma Be" which hit No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart this week and is No. 1 on the iTunes singles charts. Through the agreement, UMPG immediately represents Harris' publishing rights for the US and Canada and will represent Harris' world-wide publishing in July 2010, upon completion of his deal with EMI Music Publishing.

"This is a very special milestone for my career as a producer/writer/musician. I'm extremely thankful to the Peas, management, the Harris Productions team, and my new family at Universal Music Publishing," said Keith Harris.

The publishing agreement was negotiated and lawyered by entertainment attorney Helen Yu, whom has represented Keith Harris for many years.

"Congratulations to Keith for writing a worldwide hit with the Black Eyed Peas. 'Imma Be' is one of those songs that sings positive energy and passionate determination in every language. Great work by James Cheney in bringing this amazing client to us," said Tom Sturges, Head of Creative, Universal Music Publishing Group.

"I'm extremely excited to be teaming up w/ Keith Harris. The success he's having right now is just the beginning, and I look forward to the future as his career continues to develop. His talent as a producer is undeniable," added James Cheney, Director of Creative Affairs, Universal Music Publishing Group.

The Keith Harris co-written and co-produced "Imma Be" is the fourth single from the Black Eyed Peas fifth album The E.N.D. (Interscope). The song marks the group's fourth successful top ten hit from the album and was performed by the group during the 52nd GRAMMY Awards. The song has hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles, No. 1 Hot Digital Songs, No. 1 on Hot Digital Tracks, and No. 1 on iTunes. Harris also co-wrote and produced the Black Eyed Peas "Meet Me Halfway" which hit No. 1 on the UK Singles chart, Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, and Top 3 on the Hot Digital Songs charts.

The publishing deal also encompasses Harris' co-writes in such notable recordings as "Heat" - Mariah Carey; "American Boy" - Estelle; "Be Ok" and "Let's Rock" - Chrisette Michele (2009 GRAMMY award winner for Best Urban/Alternative Performance); "Picture Perfect" - Chris Brown; "Baby Love" - Nicole Scherzinger; "Will vs. Superblack" "Impatient" and "Fly Girl" - Will.I.Am; "All That I Got" and "Close To You" - Fergie; "Till the Wheels Falls Off" and "Weekend" - Kelis; "About You" - Mary J. Blige; "In Da Club" - Genuwine; "Revival" - Jully Black (2008 Juno Award Winner for R&B Soul Recording), remixes for the Michael Jackson Thriller 25th Anniversary album, and more.

Keith has been the drummer for the Black Eyed Peas and Fergie since 2003. He is currently on the road with Black Eyed Peas for The E.N.D. World Tour 2010.

PR Newswire, March 2, 2010

LAMONT DOZIER: An Architect of Modern Music's Pop Sound

(Los Angeles, -- August 28, 2007) A new feature film documentary about hit-songwriter and producer Lamont Dozier, the mastermind behind such milestone smashes as "Stop in the Name of Love," "Baby Love," "I Hear a Symphony," and "Reach Out, I'll Be There," promises to reveal a vital chapter in American music history. While the legendary Motown artists such as The Supremes, The Four Tops, The Temptations, and Martha and the Vandellas are well known -- and their songs have been playing on the airwaves virtually non-stop since their creation -- Lamont Dozier, the writer and producer of these songs, has remained largely out of the spotlight.

All of this is about to change with what promises to be an engrossing and revelatory documentary about this prime architect of modern pop music and the creative genius who influenced legends like Babyface, Joss Stone, Lennon/McCartney and countless others. Lamont Dozier has essentially shaped the definitive soundtrack for an essential era in modern American music and culture.

With 54 #1 charting songs, including 13 consecutive #1 hits, Dozier has been named by Billboard magazine as the #2 songwriter of all time and has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Post-Motown, Lamont helped shape the modern 80s UK Pop sound by writing, producing and aligning himself with 80's electronica diva, Alison Moyet (#1 song, "Invisible"), Phil Collins (the Grammy winning/Oscar-nominated #1 hit "Two Hearts"), Simply Red, Boy George, Pete Waterman, Aretha Franklin and many others, who continually kept Dozier at the creative forefront.

The film is directed by visionary indie auteur AJ Schnack who is well-versed in capturing musicians on film, having previously directed a film about the front man of Nirvana, Kurt Cobain: About a Son. About a Son was nominated for the Independent Spirit Award, and debuted at the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival. About a Son offered piercing insights into the life, music, and times of the troubled rocker. Schnack's first feature film was also a music documentary, about the Brooklyn-based band They Might Be Giants, entitled Gigantic (A Tale of Two Johns.)

The documentary is being produced by Helen Yu (who is also a well-known Hollywood entertainment lawyer) for Seattle based Nola's Salon Entertainment. Helen Yu's extensive relationships, both in the major studio and independent film worlds, are a major component as she has envisioned a call sheet of first-class talent to bring this project to the marketplace. The film's line producer, Anne Clements, is an award winning producer. Her prior film, Quinceaera, took the Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival and also won an Independent Spirit Award in 2006.

Dozier's on-screen stories are complemented by a series of interviews with such contemporary luminaries as Elton John, Joss Stone, Eric Clapton, John Legend, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Phil Collins, Diane Warren, Pharell Williams, Glen Ballard, Dave Stewart, Alan Warner, Pete Waterman, and Michael Bolton that will underscore Dozier's undeniable role as a key originator in the history of American popular music.