AOL Members Vote New York Rock Group Last Week Winner of 'First Break'.

Entertainment Editors

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 28, 2003

Band Receives Atlantic Records Demo Recording Deal and Sessions@AOL Appearance in Landmark Online Talent Search

Talent Search Member Submissions Begin for First Break 2

America Online, the world's leading interactive services company, today announced that New York rock quartet Last Week is the winner of AOL Music's First Break contest. In this groundbreaking online talent search, AOL members were asked to submit their own original music in a contest to win an Atlantic Records demo recording deal and an appearance on the popular Sessions@AOL. Members then had the exclusive opportunity to cast their votes to determine the winner.

"First Break is a natural extension to our core programming which starts with discovering new music," stated Mike Rich, Executive Director of Programming at AOL Music. "The program builds upon our ability to expose new talent by engaging our enthusiastic base of music fans on AOL early in the discovery process. We are thrilled to see members recognize Last Week and we look forward to following their career!"

"It's increasingly challenging to develop new artists in today's saturated media environment," said Atlantic Records Co-President Craig Kallman. "We're very pleased to partner with AOL on this exciting initiative, which taps directly into an active online community including both aspiring musicians and avid, involved listeners. By AOL members picking Last Week, we already have a strong sense of how the band will resonate with music fans. With a built-in AOL fan base and the exposure that AOL brings artists, Last Week is already one giant step ahead of the pack, and we're all looking forward to hearing their finished demo."

Hailing from Long Island, NY, Last Week is a high-energy rock group that draws inspiration from the diverse musical tastes of its members. Ido Zmishlany (guitar, lead vocals), Matt Reich (lead guitar, vocals), Neal Saini (drums) and Yaniv Packin (bass) all contribute equally to the band's original lyrics, music, and infectious pop-rock-charged sound. In addition to their new fan base of AOL members, Last Week has built a dedicated, local following through riveting live shows at popular venues including CBGB, The Lion's Den, The Limelight, Kenny's Castaways, The Elbow Room and The Backstage, as well as on college campuses along the East Coast.

Matt Reich of Last Week said: "We love being in this band and we take our music very seriously; we want to get it out to the world and hope that people like it. AOL has really helped to get us the big break we've been working toward. We were able to get our material out to a national audience of AOL members, compete with some really talented artists, and win this competition that lets everyday music fans vote based on creativity and skill. We're all grateful to AOL and Atlantic Records for this amazing opportunity, and to everyone who voted for us."

AOL Music is currently requesting submissions for First Break 2. The contest calls for any unsigned AOL Member artist to submit two original pieces of music for consideration at AOL Keyword: First Break. From the thousands of original submissions AOL Music receives, an expert panel of judges selects a total of ten finalists based upon song writing, performance and musical ability. For an entire month, AOL members are able to vote for one of five finalists, followed by a second month of voting for the five remaining finalists. The top vote-getters from each month go head-to-head in a final month when AOL members vote for the ultimate winner. Complete contest rules can also be located at KW: First Break.

About AOL(R) Music

AOL Music, a division of America Online, Inc.(R), reaches the largest audience of online music fans in the world through a rich array of programming, products and services that make it easy to discover, experience, listen to and buy music online. AOL Music's offerings are available at the number one Internet music destination, the AOL Music Channel, and throughout the AOL service, AOL Broadband Services and AOL's family of Web brands including Netscape, CompuServe, AIM, ICQ, Spinner, Winamp and SHOUTcast. America Online, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of AOL Time Warner Inc. (NYSE:AOL). Based in Dulles, Virginia, America Online is the world's leader in interactive services, Web brands, Internet technologies and e-commerce services.