MAY 2000 - ESSENTIAL RECORDS' DUO RELEASES WHERE I WANNA BE ON SEPTEMBER 26TH

All The Way To Heaven - The Enhanced Maxi Single stays at #1 on Soundscan Singles Chart for 14 weeks and counting

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) May 2000-Essential Records' critically acclaimed new girl duo V*Enna will release its highly anticipated debut album, Where I Wanna Be, on September 26th. The project, which was produced by Mark Pennells and Zarc Porter (World Wide Message Tribe), follows V*Enna's successful entry into the retail environment, All the Way to Heaven - The Enhanced Maxi Single. The maxi-single debuted at the #1 position on the Soundscan Singles Chart, has remained there for 14 weeks to date, and garnered the group a #6 position on the Contemporary Hits (CH) charts with the title track.

"It is so unique to have two girls from opposite ends of the earth come together, share the same vision, musically blend and be the best of friends," said Robert Beeson, President of Essential Records. "When you hear V*Enna it is like they belong together. That kind of chemistry can't be constructed. Some of the biggest projects that I have been involved with have a God-given blend, and that is what these girls have." 

Bringing to mind the styles of Britney Spears, Janet Jackson and Christina Aguilera, V*Enna blends the high-intensity pop style that is capturing European audiences with the youthful energy favored by American audiences. The duo offers an alternative message from many of their pop counterparts through lyrics of purity and hope in Christ. Merging together a dual focus of evangelism and discipleship, V*Enna's touring plans are built around a combination of school-based concerts and traditional performances in both the United States and Europe. 

"This is the most long-term development plan, and most extensive pre-promotion system that we've implemented for a new artist since the release of Jars of Clay," stated Essential Records Marketing Director Nina Williams. "Our basic marketing plan will consist of executing a broad consumer awareness campaign, which will include aggressive radio, retail and media support." 

The title cut from the full studio recording Where I Wanna Be will be released to Adult Contemporary (AC) and CH radio formats in June along with a full range of promotional activities. National radio campaigns for Where I Wanna Be have been taking place since the release of their debut single All The Way To Heaven back in February. V*Enna will also be the featured artist in the Essential Records 3rd Annual "Back To School" campaign beginning in September that provides contest winners with school supplies such as V*Enna backpacks, pencils, and notebooks. 

V*Enna makes their US touring debut this summer to more than 300,000 listeners through a series of festival appearances with Caedmon's Call at Creation West, Spirit West Coast, and others, plus appearances at Atlantafest and KLTY's Celebrate Freedom. Additional promotion at all major festivals are also in development. 

By September Essential Records estimates that more than 80,000 V*Enna sampler cassettes will have been distributed into the marketplace through retail and festival promotions. V*Enna will be the featured artist in the Family Christian Stores New Music Now program during the fall of 2000 in the chain's almost 400 stores. Where I Wanna Be will also be included in the Provident Music Group "Hot, New & Coming Soon" Viewscan promotion to more than 300 stores throughout September and October. In addition, catalog advertising with all major chains and buying groups is planned.

V*Enna has already received media recognition in such publications as Billboard, which called their maxi-single "pure, innocent fun with a message", CBA Frontline, and on the cover of Christian Retailing. Features and reviews are planned for CCM, Campus Life, Brio, Brio Online, You! Magazine, MTV Online and many others. 

Internet promotions are already underway at www.v-enna.com and www.essentialrecords.com. In addition to these promotions, extensive partnerships with ListenFirst.com, MusicForce.com, iBelieve.com, and many others are taking place. Development of a music video for "Where I Wanna Be" is also in progress, with filming taking place this summer, and an early fall release.