MCA Records Brand Begins Spin To Oblivion By: Tamara Conniff The Hollywood Reporter LOS ANGELES - The restructuring of MCA Records and the move to eliminate the MCA brand began Monday, when about one-third of the label's staffers were let go, sources said. The cuts had been expected. A spokeswoman for Interscope Geffen A&M declined to confirm how many employees were affected. According to sources, the layoffs extended across the board and to all levels. "We have begun a restructuring process at MCA Records," the spokeswoman said. "Further details about the structure and staffing of the label will be announced shortly. We are grateful for the contributions made by the employees affected by these changes." The MCA brand name will cease to exist as of next week, sources said. MCA's remaining staff and artist roster will move under the Geffen Records banner. Jordan Shur, president of Geffen Records, is expected to helm the new Geffen. Many key MCA staffers will remain, including Craig Lambert, MCA senior vp promotion, who was named interim head of MCA after former president Jay Boberg left his post in January. Sources indicated more staff changes are likely. The spokeswoman declined to comment on Shur's role or the elimination of the brand. The move to bring MCA under Geffen figures to once again transform Geffen into a full-service label. When Seagram acquired Universal Music Group in 1999, Geffen's staff of 145 was stripped down, and the label subsequently merged as an imprint under the Interscope Geffen A&M banner. MCA's artists include Mary J Blige, Blink-182, New Found Glory, Live, A-Teens, Common, Avant, Sigur Ros, Cafe Tacuba, the Roots and Something Corporate. Geffen has a small roster that includes Cold and Counting Crows. It remains unclear where all of MCA's artists will land. Many will go to Geffen, some will be cut, and others may fall under Interscope, sources said.

Originially Published In The Hollywood Reporter On June 9, 2003







WLC © 2004. All Rights Reserved.