MIKE PATTON's IPECAC RECORDINGS Inks Distribution Deal With FONTANA

Fontana, the independent distribution arm of Universal Music Group, the world's leading music company, has signed an exclusive distribution deal with Ipecac Recordings, the record label owned by lauded artist, songwriter and producer Mike Patton (FAITH NO MORE, MR. BUNGLE, FANTÔMAS, TOMAHAWK, MALDOROR, LOVAGE) and his manager, Greg Werckman (Alternative Tentacles Records, Mercury Records). The announcement was made on Friday (August 4) by Steve Pritchitt, Executive Vice President & General Manager of Fontana, Patton and Werckman.

Under the new agreement, Fontana will work closely with Ipecac on expanding the label's reach in the marketplace, building and extending its brand and helping Ipecac to capitalize on the many new and emerging opportunities across all retail and new media platforms.

"I've wanted to work with Mike and Greg for some time," stated Pritchitt. "Over the past few years, Ipecac has experienced tremendous growth, thanks to its dynamic roster and the drive and vision of Mike and Greg. They are true entrepreneurs, and are exactly the kind of music people we want to work with here at Fontana. And we're especially delighted to get under way immediately with Mike on his new PEEPING TOM project."

"We share so many things in common with Jim Urie (President, Universal Music Group Distribution),Steve and the many good people at Fontana," added Werckman. "They too place the artist above all. They love music. They continue to grow and develop while aggressively looking for ways to get our music in the hands and ears of the music fans. We are all music fans. Instead of pessimism about the state of the music industry, it is all about looking forward with optimism with what we have to offer. The music does indeed define us!"

Currently, the self-titled debut from rockers PEEPING TOM, Mike Patton's most accessible work since his days with FAITH NO MORE, has been exploding throughout the music scene: its first single, "Mojo", debuted at #1 on Billboard's coveted Heatseekers chart; the video for "Mojo" has become one of the most added songs at Modern Rock radio; and its video has been added to MTV, as well as a featured choice on Music Choice and Yahoo! Music. Additionally, PEEPING TOM is now on tour with GNARLS BARKLEY. "Peeping Tom" features a lengthy cast of guest performers including: Norah Jones, Dan The Automator, MASSIVE ATTACK, Kool Keith, Bebel Gilberto, Amon Tobin, Kid Koala, DUB TRIO and Rahzel.

Ipecac was founded 1999 by Patton and Werckman, and quickly became known for its eclectic tastes and dynamic roster. Werckman and Patton, the critically-acclaimed songwriter and founder of the multiplatinum-selling FAITH NO MORE, assembled a roster that includes PEEPING TOM, FANTÔMAS, MALDOROR, TOMAHAWK, BIG BAND, KAADA/PATTON, GEN PATTON, THE MELVINS, ISIS, DÄLEK, and KID 606 & KAADA. The label's releases also range from comedy ("Great Phone Calls") to western swing ("The Lucky Stars"); from Icelandic singer songwriter (MUGISON) to Icelandic bizarre (GHOSTIGITAL featuring the SUGARCUBES' Einar Orn); and from the classic masters (ENNIO MORRICONE) to the new classics (BOHREN AND DER CLUB OF GORE). They have partnered with artists such as Josh Homme (QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, EAGLES OF DEATH METAL, DESERT SESSIONS),Jim Thirlwell (STEROID MAXIMUS),Yuka Honda, Mickey from WEEN (MOISTBOYZ),Paul Barker (PINK ANVIL),YOUNG GODS, and the LOCUST & THE RUINS. Ipecac also recently released a coffee table-style book ("Neither Here, Nor There") celebrating the first 20 years of the legendary MELVINS.