Gene Simmons' Canadian Label

11/26/08 1:24pm

KISS bassist, reality television star and shrewd businessman Gene Simmons is in Toronto this week laying the groundwork and scouting talent for his relaunched '80s label, Simmons Records.

The imprint is a partnership between Simmons, Universal Music Canada and ex-politician and megabucks Magna International executive and heiress Belinda Stronach, whose interest in music also includes an investment in Toronto artist development company Big Bold Sun Music.

"The idea is to have the bands we sign develop a strong Canadian identity first in Canada, then move them onto the world stage," Simmons told the Toronto Star.

Simmons is looking to sign three Canadian artists a year to the label, and apparently has his eye (but hopefully not his tongue) on Toronto hip-hop/funk group Down With Webster. While pop and rock-based acts will likely be the main focus, the label will also consider rap and country artists if they can show "something different."

A Canadian-made reality TV show will be used to help promote and market the acts on the roster. Simmons is also looking to tie them to merchandising, product advertising, movies and other TV shows, since the label's deals will make it a partner in recording, publishing, touring, merchandising, licensing, television and product placement revenues.

Simmons is an expert at such things, since his business interests have covered books, comic books, a wide variety of KISS-themed merchandise, TV, magazines, DVDs and even open-wheel car racing.

"Canadian labels have been trying to do something like this for years," Simmons told the Star. "What's different this time is me. I know how to make things happen."

Simmons was making things happen at Toronto's Horseshoe Tavern on Tuesday night, taking in the 15th anniversary celebrations of 102.1 The Edge on-air personality Dave Bookman's Nu Music Nite.