Album cover (courtesy of Epic Records)
Hollywood, CA — On May 13th, Epic Records, in conjunction with the Estate of Michael Jackson, will release XSCAPE, an album featuring new music by the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The project is executive produced by Epic Records Chairman and CEO L.A. Reid.
After mining by the Estate of Jackson’s archives, Reid was granted unlimited access to the treasures spanning four decades of material on which Jackson had completed his vocals. Reid then teamed up top producers to “contemporize” the songs while retaining Jackson’s essence and integrity, creating the best music you’ve never heard.
Producers
The list of producers include global hitmakers Timbaland, Rodney Jerkins, Stargate and John McClain, and the new album will feature eight brand new recordings.
A Deluxe Edition of XSCAPE will include a selection of the recordings in their original form. Both the standard and Deluxe Edition’s are available April 1st for pre-order on iTunes and elsewhere.
Why the title “XSCAPE”?
The title of this album honors Michael’s album naming process. He always chose a song from the album to name his projects and, beginning with THRILLER, used only one word titles, each with an edgy quality to them. This is true of the new project.
John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson said, “Michael was always on the cutting edge and was constantly reaching out to new producers, looking for new sounds. He was always relevant and current. These tracks, in many ways, capture that spirit. We thank L.A. Reid for his vision.”
Special Sony Campaign
XSCAPE is a long awaited collection of exciting new music that will thrill the legions of fans of one of the world’s most revered and best-selling artists, as well as attract a whole new generation discovering his artistry for the first time. In conjunction with the release of XSCAPE, Epic / Sony Music will launch an unprecedented global campaign with the One Sony sister companies, Sony Corporation, Sony Mobile Communications, and Sony Network Entertainment International drawing from all of Sony’s strengths and consumer reach.
“Michael has long been a treasured member of the larger Sony family,” said Kazuo Hirai, President and CEO, Sony Corporation. “Starting with the release of ‘Off The Wall’ in 1979, Sony Music Entertainment has since released all of Michael’s recordings. We are thrilled and privileged to be collaborating as One Sony to celebrate Michael’s latest legacy, and bringing his fans an exclusive experience through our upcoming initiatives with our products and services.”
More news about Michael Jackson’s upcoming album will be revealed in the coming weeks. Keep visiting www.michaeljackson.com for new details.
Watch the promo teaser below: