Hilary McRae To Release Debut Album On Hear Music

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Twenty-one-year-old artist Hilary McRae will release her debut album on Hear Music in spring 2008, making her the first developing artist signed to the label launched by Starbucks Entertainment and Concord Music Group earlier this year. The album features a stunning mix of contemporary pop and old-school, horn-drenched R&B, all anchored by McRae's rich, soulful voice. McRae, an accomplished pianist and vocalist, penned all of the album's songs.

"Hilary has a great soulful sound and we are excited to play a significant role in the launch of what will be a long and successful career, " said Ken Lombard, president of Starbucks Entertainment who oversees Hear Music. "Hear Music has a strong belief in fostering the talent of quality musicians and we believe we've found a gem in this artist."

McRae collaborated with producer Zach Ziskin on the album. The duo met when Hilary recorded her first demos as a 16-year-old. In addition, McRae enlisted the talents of Charlie Calello, who has arranged music for legends such as Frank Sinatra and Bruce Springsteen, to put together the horn section on the album.

"I am so honored Hear Music will be releasing this record, " said McRae. "As an artist, I pour my heart out in every note I compose and sing. It is amazing to have the support of a label who works with that same passion."

Last summer, Hilary had the chance to tour parts of South America with Latin super-star Christian Castro as a keyboardist and vocalist in his band. While on the road, she was inspired to write songs for her album. The Florida native got her first taste of musical success when she auditioned for the Berklee College of Music. After performing an original song she was accepted to the prestigious music school on scholarship.

On November 1, Starbucks customers in the U.S. will have the opportunity to discover Hilary McRae's music for themselves as Starbucks offers more than 1.5 million free downloads of Hilary's song "Consider Me Gone" as part of the company's Song of the Day program.

Song of the Day is an unprecedented free digital music promotion to celebrate the arrival of the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store at Starbucks. From October 2 to November 7 at more than 10, 000 Starbucks locations in the U.S., customers may receive Song of the Day cards redeemable on the iTunes Store for Mac or PC (www.itunes.com) for a complimentary song hand-selected by Starbucks Entertainment.

Hilary McRae's album will be released at Starbucks locations in the U.S. and traditional music retail in the spring of 2008.

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