Hillsborough, N.J. Singer/Songwriter Lisa Coppola Receives $2,500 Grant
From Jim Beam Bourbon
B.E.A.M. Program Supports Emerging Artists Throughout the Country
Deerfield, Ill., June 4, 2001 -- Tomorrow’s music stars can use all the help they can get while working their way to the top. Hillsborough-based Lisa Coppola just received a $2,500 boost from one of her newest fans, Jim Beam. The money - a no-strings-attached grant from the B.E.A.M. (Benefiting Emerging Artists in Music) program - will help Coppola promote her newly-released album, A Rose By Any Other Name which is available via her website www.lisacoppola.com.
The B.E.A.M. program, created by Jim Beam® Bourbon, is awarding $100,000 in grants to unsigned musicians during 2001. Grants are available for emerging artists of all genres and can be used for any music-related financial need that helps further one’s career, such as recording costs, new equipment, or tour support. Musicians and music business aspirants from the United States who demonstrate a dedication to their work are invited to apply. Applications are available on the Jim Beam website at www.jimbeam.com. The entry deadlines for the remaining two rounds of grants are June 30 and September 29, 2001.
A former background singer for Billy Joel, Lisa Coppola supports herself via her versatile four-and-a-half-octave range. Elastic and dynamic, Coppola’s vocals blur the boundaries between love-gone-bad country and heartfelt, confrontational rock.
“I have been fortunate to be able to sing for a living, but finishing this album really dried out my savings. Thanks to the B.E.A.M. grant I will be able to put some money behind the promotion of this album as well,” said Coppola. “My musical career has gone in many directions since the time I first stepped on stage at age 16. After recently stepping out on my own, the recognition from Jim Beam really affirms that I am heading in the right direction.”
Pat DiNizio and Matthew Sweet co-chair the B.E.A.M. Advisory Board, which is comprised of national recording artists and industry executives who oversee the B.E.A.M. program’s music initiatives. DiNizio, legendary songwriter and frontman for the Smithereens, interviews all grant recipients and represents the B.E.A.M. program at music conferences. Sweet, who is widely credited with influencing much of the power-pop music of the 1990s and today, speaks with media and emerging musicians across the country about the opportunities available through the B.E.A.M. program.
“I can attest that it’s tough to make it in this competitive industry,” said DiNizio. “I’m glad we can help talented and deserving musicians like Lisa Coppola and hope the grant from Jim Beam will help her further her career.”
The B.E.A.M. program awarded a total of $50,000 to 27 unsigned musicians in its first year and a total of $75,000 to 31 musicians in 2000. After receiving hundreds of applications during each of the first two years, the program’s success convinced Jim Beam to increase the funds available to emerging artists to $100,000 in 2001.
“We understand how hard it is for musicians to get noticed,” said Stephanie Moritz, public relations manager, Jim Beam Brands “We’re proud to have a resource like the B.E.A.M. program which assists musicians and gives them the opportunity to advance their careers.”
Following a careful review of applications by the B.E.A.M. Advisory Board and a round of phone interviews with DiNizio, fourteen applicants from throughout the country, including Lisa Coppola, were selected to receive this year’s first round of grants.
Interested musicians can get more information by visiting the Jim Beam Bourbon Web site at www.jimbeam.com or by writing to the B.E.A.M. Advisory Board at P.O. Box 5439, New York, NY 10150. All applicants must be unsigned musicians and be at least 21 years of age.
Jim Beam Brands Co. is an operating company of Jim Beam Brands Worldwide, Inc., an international distilled spirits and fine wines company that manufactures and markets more than 80 brands in 160 countries. Jim Beam Brands Worldwide, Inc. has leadership positions in bourbon, with Jim BeamÒ, the number one selling bourbon worldwide; Knob Creek® bourbon and The Small Batch Bourbon Collection™; scotch, with The Dalmore® Single Malt Scotch; and cordials, with DeKuyperÒ, the number one cordial line in the United States. In addition to spirits, the Jim Beam Brands Worldwide, Inc. portfolio includes Geyser PeakÒ, Canyon RoadÒ and BarwangÒ wine brands. Jim Beam Brands Worldwide, Inc. is part of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO), the consumer products company.
Jim BeamÒ Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey,
40% Alc./Vol. © 2001 James B. Beam Distilling Co., Clermont, KY, USA
B.E.A.M. program is correctly pronounced as individual letters B-E-A-M, not as one word.