Billy Don Burns and IndieMafia Records releases first US release, Feb 22, 2005

YOUNGSTOWN, OH. (IndieMafia Records) - IndieMafia Records is excited to announce its debut CD release: country artist Billy Don Burns' HEROES, FRIENDS & OTHER TROUBLED SOULS, which hits stores February 22, 2005. Under a recently signed agreement between IndieMafia and Cleveland-based Rust Records, the disc will be delivered to U.S. retailers by Fontana Distribution.

The album, which includes 12 originals plus a cover of Johnny Cash's "Give My Love to Rose," was co-produced by Burns, with help on various tracks from Jerry Laseter, Jeff Williams, Hank Cochran, Charlie White and John Scott. It initially will be available at Best Buy stores in five states targeting outlets in the Northeast Ohio, Nashville/Memphis and Texas Music Chart regions (Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas).

The first U.S. single, "Rock On," is a poignant ode to troubadours, from "minstrel children" to older and wiser (but still defiantly rocking) road warriors. The song, recently released to Texas Music Chart reporting stations, is one of three on the album penned with songwriting legend Hank Cochran ("I Fall to Pieces").

The first international single release, "Keith Whitley Blue," one of 12 Burns originals on the album, already has stormed to the No. 1 position on the Country HotDisc International chart. The driving acoustic two-step, accentuated with harmonica, mandolin and banjo, manages to simultaneously bemoan and revel in the hard living that killed Whitley and Hank Williams. It's just one example of Burns' ability to look himself in the mirror and, with plenty of dark humor, unapologetically tell the world what he sees.

Other highlights include "Dark Side of the Spoon," a harrowing look at addiction; "Patsy," a heartfelt tribute to the irreplaceable Ms. Cline, with guest vocals by Cochran and Willie Nelson; the album-opening "Mississippi," featuring Tanya Tucker; and a remake of Burns' hilarious "Haggard and Hank."