Crave debuts as Sony Music Independent Label
Rick Bisceglia named president

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      NEW YORK--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Feb. 12, 1997--Epic Records Group 
Chairman David Glew today announced the launch of Crave, a new Sony 
Music Independent Labels record company founded by recording artist 
Mariah Carey, and the appointment of Rick Bisceglia as the new 
label's president.
     Crave will be a free-standing label with its own A&R, marketing 
and promotion staffs.  It will join 550 Music and the WORK Group as 
part of Sony Music Independent Labels, a label overseen by David 
Glew.  Epic Records Group will provide Crave with marketing services, 
sales and administrative support.
     "I have watched and admired Mariah Carey's achievements as she 
has risen to become the most successful female singer of the 
1990s," commented Mr. Glew. "She has successfully written and
produced songs, for herself and others, so to bring these and other 
abilities to bear as the creative force behind a record label is a 
natural progression for her.  Rick Bisceglia knows artists and how to 
build careers, and he has the experience needed to run a label.  I am 
genuinely excited at the prospect of working with Mariah and Rick to 
establish Crave as a reflection of their combined talents and as the 
newest addition to the Sony Music Independent Label family."
     The creation of Crave marks another milestone in Mariah Carey's 
impressive career and is a natural addition to her growing list of 
achievements, which includes sales of more than 80 million records 
worldwide, 11 No. 1 Pop singles, five No. 1 R&B singles, three No. 1
albums and numerous awards. 
     "Rick and I have the same vision for Crave," commented 
Ms. Carey. "Our main goal is to have a close-knit label where artists
can feel comfortable, where we can discover some great music and get 
it the attention it deserves.  As an artist and producer, I 
understand the need for creative freedom and how important that is 
to the process of making music.  Letting artists be themselves and 
getting their music out to people -- that's what Crave is all about."
     Rick Bisceglia leads Crave following 15 years at Arista 
Records, leaving as its senior vice president.  At Arista, Mr. 
Bisceglia played a key role in building artists' careers, and his 
success is reflected in countless platinum and multiplatinum 
releases.
     "This is the opportunity of a lifetime," remarked Crave 
President Rick Bisceglia. "The chance to work with someone of 
Mariah's stature and talents, and with Dave Glew and his team, was a 
dream come true.  To have Sony Music worldwide is as good as it gets, 
and we can't wait to make great music and put our new label on the 
map.  Mariah and I are going to combine our strengths to build 
careers for artists whose talents deserve to be heard."
     Ms. Carey and Mr. Bisceglia will work together as partners 
overseeing Crave's creative and business activities.  Crave releases 
will be distributed worldwide by Sony Music.  The label's 
headquarters will be located at 20 West 55th Street in New York 
City.
     Crave will support a diverse artist roster, covering a wide 
spectrum of genres and music with global appeal.  The label's first 
signing is a new female vocal group, Allure, whose first single is 
"Head Over Heels."
     Crave will shortly announce its executive staff, with further 
employee announcements to come in the near future. 

      CONTACT: Sony Music Entertainment, New York
               Patricia Kiel, 212/833-5047
                         or
               Epic Records Group, New York
               Melani Rogers, 212/833-4180