Branded Ltd. Announces US Indie Bands Evaline and Aziatix To Perform at Music Matters LIVE With HP Music Festival in Singapore

SINGAPORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Branded Ltd. announced that the world’s music and online entertainment industries will be descending on Singapore at the end of May 2011 for a triumvirate of music and entertainment events showcasing Asian online entertainment, music industry and live music scene.

“Being the region’s leading F&B and Entertainment Precinct, we see Clarke Quay as the perfect venue of choice for the live music festival, bringing together both Singapore and international independent artists in a celebration of music amidst our vibrant backdrop”

The Music Matters LIVE with HP music festival is the grand finale of the week that also includes Music Matters and Digital Matters industry forums. From 24^th to 28^th May 2011, Branded presents three signature events, bringing the digital entertainment, music and live music industries together under one roof for the first time in Asia.

Music Matters LIVE with HP is a live international music festival featuring a dynamic line-up of over 40 international and Singaporean bands performing at numerous venues around Clarke Quay from 26^th to 28^th May 2011. All of the bands are in town for one reason; to be discovered by the industry and new fans.

“We are in a time of quantum transformation for the music and digital entertainment industries and there’s no escaping the fact that this region is at the forefront of developing breakthrough online entertainment experiences. Right now, Asia is the place to be, and Singapore is the perfect choice for us to take the Branded events to the next level,” said Jasper Donat, Co-founder of Branded Ltd. and President of Music Matters.

Added Robin Seow, Vice President, Marketing, Asia Pacific and Japan, Personal Systems Group, Hewlett-Packard, “HP is proud to partner with Music Matters to lead the way in creating a unique event for bands and music enthusiasts to pursue and achieve their passion for music. Since 2009, we have been at the forefront of fusing music and technology with the introduction of Beats Audio™, an award-winning technology exclusive to HP that delivers studio-quality sound on a computer. At Music Matters, HP is expanding the Beats Audio™ advantage that is used by the world’s leading artistes like Dr. Dre, Alicia Keys and JJ Lin to the region’s most promising music talent and music lovers.”

“Being the region’s leading F&B and Entertainment Precinct, we see Clarke Quay as the perfect venue of choice for the live music festival, bringing together both Singapore and international independent artists in a celebration of music amidst our vibrant backdrop,” said Keith Low, Centre Manager of Clarke Quay.

The festival will present stellar bands from USA, Europe, Asia and Australia together with some of Singapore’s best and most loved home-grown talent such as Typewriter, Jack and Rai, and 53A in Clarke Quay.

Participating bands from the US include Evaline, an Alternative Rock band from California that has supported many of the biggest American rock bands as well as R&B Rap group Aziatix, comprising three extremely talented individuals born in the US but with their own hugely successful musical careers within Asia.

Organisers also announced that they will be providing an opportunity for at least three more Singaporean acts to perform at a showcase of Singaporean talent on Thursday, 26^th May.

“We welcome the staging of Music Matters and Digital Matters for the first time in Singapore. We are excited that these events will be leveraging our growing entertainment scene and the strengths of our digital media sector to add to their dynamism and success. In addition, as a key platform for the music and entertainment industry in Asia, we believe Music Matters and Digital Matters will augment Singapore’s position as a flourishing business and leisure destination, and add to the vibrancy of our exciting calendar of events along the way,” Said Edward Chew, Director, Exhibitions and Conferences, Singapore Tourism Board.

To support Singapore musicians, Branded Ltd will donate US$50,000 worth of passes to enable local musicians to meet with the global music industry’s elite executives attending Music Matters 2011. Music Matters enables Singapore musicians to learn from experienced producers and performers, and attend mentoring sessions with artist and repertoire executives to hear creative advice regarding their music career.

Music Matters For Japan

Music Matters embraces the ability of music as a communication and fundraising tool to make a difference. In 2011, Music Matters will produce a track featuring Asian bands and artists, pushing listeners and viewers to donate directly to a number of Japanese charities. Japan is the world’s second largest music market, and through the Music Matters for Japan initiative Asian musicians will reach out to support those recovering from the tragedy and the ongoing relief efforts that continue to make a difference to people rebuilding their lives.

In previous years Music Matters has raised funds for Unicef’s Sichuan and Myanmar relief efforts. In 2010, Music Matters partnered with generous sponsor, Gibson Guitars, to fund a music education program for Cambodian River Kids. Music Matters has also profiled MTV Exit and Hard Rock’s music charity initiatives.

Digital Matters, Music Matters 2011 and Music Matters LIVE with HP are proudly supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore, Hewlett-Packard and Clarke Quay.

For more information on the conferences and the music festival, including band line-up, visit www.digitalentertainment.asia.

About Branded Ltd.

Branded Ltd. is a leading Asian media and entertainment brand marketing agency. Branded has successfully partnered brands with a number of the world’s leading entertainment attractions including: Walking with Dinosaurs, the Rolling Stones, Coco Lee, Black Eyed Peas, Jamie Cullum, We Will Rock You, James Blunt, ARTHK, Chicago the Musical and even Barney the Dinosaur.

Branded also has unique experience in the media and technology space having been the exclusive sales agent for the CASBAA Convention since 2003. Branded also created the MediaWorks event in partnership with Haymarket (the publishers of Campaign). For further information, please refer to www.digitalentertainment.asia.

About Music Matters and Digital Matters

Music Matters is the pioneer music industry event in the Asia Pacific region and is a gathering of key players in the global music industry. Going from strength to strength, 2011 is a hallmark year with a new look, new location and new expanded programme. Leading online entertainment and music companies discuss what’s next for the digital music industry from the boardroom to the beat on the street. From industry heavyweights to the world’s Youngest Professional Guitar Player, Music Matters 2011 is the place to discuss the business of music in Asia.

Digital Matters 2011 showcases technology innovation, multi-screen screen viewing, online content monetisation, social media and deeper consumer engagement. Founders, CEOs, global digital leaders and one "TV Anarchist" share their insight into the online entertainment, publishing and commerce revolution. Digital Matters is produced in association with CASBAA.

About HP

HP creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people, businesses, governments and society. The world’s largest technology company, HP brings together a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure at the convergence of the cloud and connectivity, creating seamless, secure, context-aware experiences for a connected world. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com.

About the Singapore Tourism Board

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is a leading economic development agency in tourism, one of Singapore’s key service sectors. Known for partnership, innovation and excellence, the Board champions tourism and builds it into a key economic driver for Singapore. STB aims to differentiate and market Singapore as a must-visit destination offering enriching experiences through the "YourSingapore" brand. For more information, please visit www.stb.gov.sg

About the Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau

The Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau (SECB), a group of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), is the lead government agency for the business events sector in Singapore. Its mission is to champion business travel and business events as key drivers of the tourism sector and enablers for cluster growth in Singapore. It also assists business event organisers, corporations and associations by providing comprehensive and impartial information on Singapore’s MICE facilities, incentive venues and industry partners. The SECB is a member of the BestCities Global Alliance, the world’s first and only convention bureau alliance with eight partners in five continents.

About Clarke Quay

Located along the iconic Singapore River, Clarke Quay sits on a historical commercial site dating back to the 19^th Century. Today, Clarke Quay has been boldly restored and refurbished into five beautiful waterfront godowns under a climate controlled canopy lit by coloured lighting, creating a modern and cosmopolitan ambience amidst the tradition and history. On its premises is an amazing array of over 60 distinctive F&B, entertainment, retail and lifestyle outlets. Find the city’s trendiest nightspots and cuisine from across the globe, all at Clarke Quay- the Soul of the City. Visit www.clarkequay.com.sg for the latest F&B and Entertainment Promotions.

About CapitaMalls Asia

CapitaMalls Asia Limited is one of the largest listed shopping mall developers, owners and managers in Asia by total property value of assets and geographic reach. CapitaMalls Asia has an integrated shopping mall business model encompassing retail real estate investment, development, mall operations, asset management and fund management capabilities. It has interests in and manages a pan-Asian portfolio of 91 shopping malls across 49 cities in the five countries of Singapore, China, Malaysia, Japan and India, with a total property value of approximately S$23.8 billion and a total GFA of approximately 74 million sq ft.

Shopping malls in the portfolio include ION Orchard and Plaza Singapura – which are located in one of the world’s most famous shopping streets, Orchard Road – Raffles City Singapore and Clarke Quay in Singapore. Our landmark shopping malls in China are Xizhimen Mall and Wangjing Mall in Beijing; Raffles City Beijing and Raffles City Shanghai.

The portfolio also includes Gurney Plaza in Penang, Malaysia; Vivit Square in Tokyo, Japan; as well as Forum Value Mall in Bangalore, India. CapitaMalls Asia’s principal business strategy is to invest in, develop and manage a diversified portfolio of real estate used primarily for retail purposes in Asia, and to strengthen its market position as a leading developer, owner and manager of shopping malls in Asia. (www.capitamallsasia.com)

Note to editors: The performance schedule will be announced shortly.