98 DEGREES’ JEFF TIMMONS SIGNS SOLO DEAL WITH SLG RECORDS
“Whisper That Way” In Stores August 24

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jeff Timmons, founding member of the multi-platinum selling group 98 Degrees, is about to embark on his first solo venture. Timmons and his company, Rising Phoenix Media, has signed a joint venture agreement with SLG Records, a division of the Savoy Label Group, to release his solo CD, “Whisper That Way”. The project will be in stores on August 10, 2004.

Timmons has been busier than ever since the breakup of 98 Degrees. The singer/songwriter has not only written and produced “Whisper That Way”, but has kept busy hosting cable and television shows such as “Studio 3” on WKYC, Cleveland’s highest-rated morning show and he is planning to star in his first feature film this Fall. In the midst of all this, he will be heavily promoting the title track to the new record to A/C and Hot A/C Radio all summer long—visiting radio stations, setting up giveaways, contests and guest dj-ing. The first single, “Whisper That Way”, will impact the mainstream A/C radio format June 21st.

“I really wanted to create this album on my own—from writing the songs, to producing the record—as it was my first chance to show everyone who I was as an artist,” explains Timmons. “After reviewing my options as an artist, it made more sense to maintain creative control over my first solo effort and also have a say in some of the marketing decisions. By signing with SLG, I get the benefit of working with a young, growing company, run by experienced industry veterans such as Strauss Zelnick and Steve Vining.”

“Whisper That Way” is immensely personal and it blends the beautiful vocal harmonies Jeff was known for during his 98 Degrees days, this time using only his voice, with a mixture of pop, R&B and a few more adult contemporary songs. 98 Degrees fans will be happy to know there are plenty of pop ballads as well , including the CD’s first single and title track, “Whisper That Way.” The 13-track project, with all songs written and produced by Timmons, also features “Baby J,” an ode to his son that any parent will relate to; a vocal/piano duet with platinum-selling AC pianist/songwriter, Jim Brickman (“Be The One”); the breakup ballad “Better Days” and more.

SLG Records is a division of the Savoy Label Group which is the North American unit of Columbia Music Entertainment (formerly Nippon Columbia), the oldest music company in Japan. Newly reorganized and now headed by Chairman Strauss Zelnick, Columbia Music Entertainment has reemerged as a significant force with a stable of newly signed platinum-selling artists.