Simmons Records to Create New Market for Canadian Bands

Gene Simmons plans to get Canadian bands into the mainstream with the revival of his Canadian record label SIMMONS RECORDS, through partnership deals and a reality TV series. "We'll follow them from the time they start making their first album," he says.

"For years, the only way Canadian acts could make it was to go to the States and more or less become an American band," Simmons told Toronto media.

Gene Simmons plans to develop bands identities in Canada first before looking for international merit. He is partnering up with Magna auto parts heiress and former Member of Parliament, 43 year-old Belinda Stronach of Newmarket, Ontario.

Belinda was caught up in a publicized frenzy of gossip earlier this decade by media tabloids and newspapers after being present at a dinner party with former President Bill Clinton, where the two were photographed together.

Simmons and Stronach have known each other for years. Frank's Energy Drink, promoted by the Simmons Abramson venture, is actually a drink that was created by Belinda's father, Frank Stronach.

Gene's plan is to sign three Canadian acts to his label each year, and is currently interested in snatching up hip hop group Down With Webster. He plans to get a cut of the money from pretty much every funnel of profit from all musical talent he signs to his label through the controversial "360-degree" deal. This would include touring, merchandising, publishing, licensing, television, and product placement revenues, according to Simmons.

The Toronto Sun has a video here.
The Toronto Star has an article here.