Geffen Records seals joint venture pact with Joe Simpson's JT Records

SANTA MONICA, CA. (Geffen Records) - Geffen Records has inked a joint venture deal with Joe Simpson's new imprint JT Records, it was announced today by Geffen President Jordan Schur and Joe Simpson. Simpson is the manager/father of Geffen superstar Ashlee Simpson (whose No 1 debut album "Autobiography" is now certified triple-platinum) and Jessica Simpson, and is also manager of rising singer Ryan Cabrera. Geffen will handle all marketing, promotion and production on behalf of JT Records. The first JT Records signing, the all male quintet Barefoot, is slated for release in 2005.

Said Jordan Schur, "In bringing in Joe Simpson and JT Records, Geffen Records acquires a real pop sensibility as Joe Simpson understands that world so well. As Geffen has already established a real comfort level with Joe and his staff over the course of the Ashlee Simpson campaign we have hit the ground running with JT Records first signing: Barefoot. This is a tremendous step for Geffen to bring in Joe and JT Records as it is rare to find a true visionary in the current state of music that matches his ability to find timeless real artists with the work ethic and heart that he insists upon for not only his company but for his artists as well."
Said Joe Simpson, "I feel honored to be part of the Geffen family. We share the same dreams and approach to music and music artists. I feel like I am home."

JT Records (named for Simpson and his wife Tina) calls its first signing, the all-male quintet Barefoot, a cross between Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and Third Eye Blind. The group is currently in the midst of meeting with writers and producers and recording demos in advance of their debut next spring. JT Records' headquarters will be based in Los Angeles.