Deerfield, Ill., November x, 2001 –– Tomorrow’s music stars can use all the help they can get while working their way to the top. Ruston-based band squint just received a $3,500 boost from one of its newest fans, Jim Beam. The money – a no-strings-attached grant from the B.E.A.M. (Benefiting Emerging Artists in Music) program – will help squint record a new album.

The B.E.A.M. program, created by Jim Beam® Bourbon, is awarding $100,000 in grants to unsigned musicians during 2001. Grants are available for emerging artists of all genres and can be used for any music-related financial need that helps further one’s career, such as recording costs, new equipment, or tour support. Musicians and music business aspirants from the United States who demonstrate a dedication to their work are invited to apply. Applications are available on the Jim Beam Web site at www.jimbeam.com.

Indie-rock band squint, composed of band members Young Charles on bass, Tote on drums, Matt Friedrickson on guitar and Dane Adrian on vocals, has traveled far in the past five years. Relocating to Louisiana in 1998 from a small town in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the band has since produced its first album, beeker, and toured approximately 50 percent of the country, using its own funds. The band currently is working with producer Ed Stasium on its second album, to be released in 2002.

“The band has gotten by so far with no outside assistance,” said Tote. “Now with B.E.A.M.’s financial support we can record a new album with an excellent producer and can create an album to be proud of.”
Pat DiNizio and Matthew Sweet co-chair the B.E.A.M. Advisory Board, which is comprised of national recording artists and industry executives who oversee the B.E.A.M. program’s music initiatives. DiNizio, legendary songwriter and frontman for the Smithereens, interviews all grant recipients and represents the B.E.A.M. program at music conferences. Sweet, who is widely credited with influencing much of the power-pop music of the 1990s and today, speaks with media and emerging musicians across the country about the opportunities available through the B.E.A.M. program.

“I can attest that it’s tough to make it in this competitive industry,” said DiNizio. “I’m glad we can help talented and deserving bands like squint and hope the grant from Jim Beam will help squint further its career.”

The B.E.A.M. program awarded a total of $50,000 to 27 unsigned musicians in its first year and a total of $75,000 to 31 musicians in 2000. After receiving hundreds of applications during each of the first two years, the program’s success convinced Jim Beam to increase the funds available to emerging artists to $100,000 in 2001.

“We understand how hard it is for musicians to get noticed,” said Stephanie Moritz, public relations manager, Jim Beam Brands. “We’re proud to have a resource like the B.E.A.M. program which assists musicians and gives them the opportunity to advance their careers.”

Following a careful review of applications by the B.E.A.M. Advisory Board and a round of phone interviews with DiNizio, twelve applicants from throughout the country, including squint, were selected to receive this year’s second round of grants.

Interested musicians can get more information by visiting the Jim Beam Bourbon Web site at www.jimbeam.com or by writing to the B.E.A.M. Advisory Board at P.O. Box 5439, New York, NY 10150. All applicants must be unsigned musicians and be at least 21 years of age.

Jim Beam Brands Co. is an operating company of Jim Beam Brands Worldwide, Inc., an international distilled spirits and fine wines company that manufactures and markets more than 80 brands in 160 countries. Jim Beam Brands Worldwide, Inc. has leadership positions in bourbon, with Jim Beam , the number one selling bourbon worldwide; Knob Creek® bourbon and The Small Batch Bourbon Collection™; scotch, with The Dalmore® Single Malt Scotch; and cordials, with DeKuyper , the number one cordial line in the United States. In addition to spirits, the Jim Beam Brands Worldwide, Inc. portfolio includes Geyser Peak , Canyon Road and Barwang wine brands. Jim Beam Brands Worldwide, Inc. is part of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO), the consumer products company.

~Close Window to Return to Random Caring~