Epic Records Newcomer Kat De Luna Releases Debut Album 9 Lives on August 7th

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fiery, young newcomer Kat De Luna is releasing her debut album 9 Lives on Epic Records August 7th 2007. The bi-lingual songstress has already been heating up the summer with her sizzling hit, “Whine Up” featuring dancehall king Elephant Man. The single fast reacted at radio, quickly climbing the Pop Radio charts in a matter of weeks thanks to the early power rotation support from Z100 in NY and Kiss in LA. The song is not only a smash on radio, it’s a dance craze catching the attention of fans everywhere with its infectious video, already featured on MTV’s TRL “First Look” and BET’s “106th and Park.” The “Whine Up” dance has inspired MySpace and YouTube fans all over the country to submit their versions online.

“DeLuna’s launch single offers ultimate seasonal sizzle — over the airwaves, or the beach, down the highway and across dance floors. A “Whine”

Kat’s album 9 Lives is a “worldly brew” as Kat describes, of pop, reggae dance hall, hip-hop, merengue, R&B and bachata (sound of her Dominican roots) with hints of her classical training in opera infused throughout the album. She recently made her television debut on Live! with Regis and Kelly on July 9th and critics are also taking note. Billboard says “DeLuna’s launch single offers ultimate seasonal sizzle — over the airwaves, or the beach, down the highway and across dance floors. A “Whine” to be heard proud the world over.” Entertainment Weekly raved, “Summer Dance Floor Smash of ‘07’”and Z100 radio claimed Kat’s single as “the song of the summer.”

Her second single, “Am I Dreaming” is a catchy merengue-tinged ballad that is reminiscent of the romantic style of Selena. Kat is set to shoot the video in her homeland of Dominican Republic where she will capture the Caribbean feel of the song.

The 19-year old Dominican beauty, who R. Kelly hailed as a “prodigy” got her start as a classically trained opera singer at the New Jersey School of Performing Arts, known for its famous alumni including Whitney Houston, Sarah Vaughn and Savion Glover. Though financial situations were rough for the Dominican Republic and New Jersey raised singer, Kat found an outlet for her talent, performing at local carnivals, talent shows, and showcases and studying musical greats such as Aretha Franklin and Billie Holiday for inspiration.

After a brief stint in the Latina, hip-hop girl group named Coquette, Kat soon realized her destiny as a solo recording artist and began shopping a deal with several record labels. She caught the attention of Epic Records President, who signed her immediately to a recording contract after she performed an a capella rendition of a Whitney Houston song.

Now with her debut album, 9 Lives, Kat De Luna is ready to show the world the depth and many sides of her talent and personality. She has upcoming appearances at the Teen Vogue “Fashion Live Event” on July 26th, “Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson” on August 8th, CBS Arthur Ashe Kids Day Event on August 25th and WWE’s “Summerslam” event on Pay Per View on August 26th.

9 LIVES, IN STORES AUGUST 7^TH