Kirtland Records Announces New Country Label Imprint, Sea Star Records

DALLAS, TX (Sea Star Records)- Sea Star Records, an imprint of the Dallas based Rock Label Kirtland Records, has announced NICK ASHTON as their flagship Country artist. Nick Ashton's debut album, CRUSH, is scheduled for release Fall 2006 on Sea Star Records. U.S. and Canadian distribution will be through SONY/RED Distribution.

John Kirtland, owner of Kirtland Records, has always depended on his creative inspiration to lead his decisions. His experience as a member of platinum selling Deep Blue Something gives him insight about the label's potentially lucrative assets – its artists. Branching out into the Country genre just made sense for the rock-based label

Kirtland explains, 'Since our headquarters are based in Texas, we have a natural connection to Country music. When I first came across Nick and his music, it was an obvious progression and growth for the label.'

The culmination of Nick Ashton's musical life first began in San Bernardino, California where his father was a bass player and singer who gave up the traveling musician life to be home for his growing family. Encouraged by his father, Ashton started playing music himself at around age thirteen. The sound of his forthcoming Sea Star Records debut album, CRUSH, represents the melding of Ashton's laid-back Cali country-rock influences and the crackling virtuosity of the Nashville aces who bring a cutting-edge, radio-ready shimmer to his songs.

The newly formed country imprint, Sea Star Records, will hold offices in California and Nashville working closely with the staff of Kirtland Records. LOUDMOUTH pr has been hired to work independent publicity for Sea Star Records. Texas based Kirtland Records, has a satellite office in Los Angeles, along with a nationwide promotion staff. Kirtland Records catalog includes four multi-platinum Bush records (among them 16 Stone and Razorblade Suitcase.) Kirtland's eclectic rock-oriented artist roster also includes such promising up and coming artists as the Burden Brothers (featuring Toadies singer Vaden Todd Lewis and former Reverend Horton Heat drummer Taz Bentley), the Pat McGee Band, Bril and The Hourly Radio.

Country fans around the nation will soon hear Nick Ashton's engaging sound across the radio airwaves. This California-to-Nashville transplant has a unique and soulful vocal style with a country rock edge with melodies that are memorable, and lyrics that are honest and intelligent. Ashton's debut single, 'Botox Queen,' from the forthcoming album, CRUSH, is currently being tested in markets around the country.
For more information on Kirtland Records, visit www.kirtlandrecords.com