ARTISTdirect Records Names Two Key Execs.

Business/Entertainment Editors

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 13, 2001

Industry veterans Jim Swindel and Marc Benesch have joined the executive team at ARTISTdirect Records, it has been announced by the company's chief executive officer, Ted Field.

Swindel comes on board as executive vice president, Sales and Marketing, and Benesch joins as executive vice president, Promotion. Both appointments are effective immediately.

Swindel, a 25-year veteran of the record business, will oversee all sales and marketing efforts aspects of the label's roster, beginning with upcoming releases by singer/songwriter Custom, and hip-hop trio NAAM Brigade. He will also work closely with Field and Vice Chairman Marc Geiger on the development of other digital music ventures.

"I have admired Jim's work for many years, and am very excited to have him join ARTISTdirect," commented Field. "His expertise in not only sales and marketing, but in many aspects of the record industry, will make him a valuable addition to our staff."

Prior to joining ARTISTdirect Records, Swindel was president of Amplified Entertainment, a company he helped build into the industry leader in the delivery of streamed and downloaded promotional music content. He spent three years as senior VP, Sales and Joint Venture Operations, at Arista Records (1996-1999) where he worked with Sean "Puffy" Combs, Sarah McLachlan, TLC and Toni Braxton, among others.

In 1992, he was named president of Qwest Records, working closely with Quincy Jones and Mo Ostin, as well as acts like New Order and Tevin Campbell. He joined Virgin Records in 1987 as vice president Sales, and then was promoted to senior VP/general manager, overseeing campaigns for such artists as Paula Abdul and Roy Orbison.

He was named VP Marketing and Sales at Island Records in New York in 1984, working releases by U2 and Robert Palmer, and prior to that, spent seven years with A&M Records as a Marketing manager (1977). He began his career in the mid-'70s as a sales rep in Seattle for Phonodisc, and before that, MCA.

As executive VP, Promotion, Benesch will oversee all facets of the promotion department, and all radio formats. Benesch's music industry career stretches over more than two decades. He began in the mailroom at Columbia Records, and over a 10-year period, rose to the position of senior vice president, Promotion, working artists such as the Rolling Stones, Billy Joel, Pink Floyd and the Beastie Boys.

He then joined the original six-person staff that started Interscope Records; as senior vice president, he was responsible for the radio careers of Dr. Dre, the Wallflowers, Nine Inch Nails and 2-Pac, as examples. He then spent three years as general manager at Priority Records where he oversaw the day-to-day operations of the company, and was instrumental in the careers of the entire roster, including Ice Cube, Master P, and Snoop.

Prior to joining ARTISTdirect Records, he was senior VP, Promotion, at TVT Records.

"Simply put, Marc Benesch is the best in the business," said Field. "He has a unique perspective of the contribution that radio makes to the success of an artist, and we are extremely fortunate to have him. I couldn't be happier that he is joining our team."

About ARTISTdirect

ARTISTdirect Inc. (Nasdaq:ARTD) is a music and media company that combines an online music network with integrated offline assets to provide a single-stop solution for music fans, artists, labels and advertisers.

ARTISTdirect.com (www.artistdirect.com), a comprehensive online destination, blends music programming, community, e-commerce retail and digital music services.

Through the ARTISTdirect Talent Agency, the company also manages offline musical tour booking and develops event-marketing programs extending sponsor reach. Through its co-venture, ARTISTdirect Records, the company operates a record label. The company has headquarters in Los Angeles.