Michael Jackson: A Tribute Event Fit For an Icon

SONY MUSIC TEAMS UP WITH PARTNERS SONY MOBILE AND VODAFONE TO HOST INCREDIBLE AUCKLAND MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE EVENT ON MAY 9th

IN ADVANCE ON XSCAPE ALBUM RELEASE ON MAY 13

To celebrate the release of XSCAPE on May 13, an album of brand new, never before heard music by the internationally beloved music icon and King of Pop, MICHAEL JACKSON - Sony Music have teamed up with partners Sony Mobile and Vodafone to host an incredible tribute event this Friday (9th May) in advance of the album release, dedicated to celebrating the life, music and artistry of an icon.

The event will feature one of New Zealand’s best contemporary artists OWEN DIPPIE spray painting a giant-sized portrait of Michael Jackson throughout the day, once completed the art work will then be gifted to New Zealand charity CANTEEN, as a sign of respect to the late artist who was well known for advancing the needs and lives of children worldwide. The event will be open to the public from 12-6pm this Friday at Vodafone Headquarters, Viaduct Ave, Auckland Central.

A selection of tracks from the new album which fans will be hearing for the very first time will be played at the event, through the brand new, unreleased SONY XPERIA Z2 handset that when purchased, comes with the full album plus a bonus track – not available anywhere else, sold exclusively through Vodafone on May 19th. DJ REMINISE will also be onsite mixing classic Michael Jackson audio and video hits throughout the afternoon.

Sony Mobile will also have this brand new handset on display for customers to experience ahead of release which presales from the 12th May. Three of these handsets will be given away to lucky fans at the event.

Not only will attendees at the event be able to have a play with the impressive new Sony Xperia Z2 handset, watch a live artist and listen to new Michael Jackson music - during the afternoon over $7500 worth of prizes will also be given away including copies of the new album.

MORE ABOUT XSCAPE:

On Tuesday 13th May, Sony Music in conjunction with the Estate of Michael Jackson will release
XSCAPE, an album of brand new, never before heard music by the internationally beloved music icon and King of Pop. The project features eight new tracks, which the world will be hearing for the very first time on the new album.

XSCAPE is executive produced by Epic Records Chairman and CEO L.A. Reid, who, after an initial mining of Jackson’s archives by the Estate, was granted unlimited access to the treasures representing four decades of material on which Jackson had completed his vocals.

Reid curated the final list of recordings to deliver to the producers, who retooled the production to add a fresh, contemporary sound that retains Jackson’s essence and integrity. It’s a process Reid calls “contemporising.” The album’s lead producer, Timbaland was one of a handful of producers Reid believed had the gravitas, depth and range to creatively engage with Jackson’s work. Additional producers include global hitmakers Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, Jerome “Jroc” Harmon and John McClain.

“Modern music and artistry would look and sound completely different if not for the groundbreaking contributions Michael Jackson gifted to the world,” remarked L.A. Reid. “Michael left behind some musical performances that we take great pride in presenting through the vision of music producers that he either worked directly with or expressed strong desire to work with. We are extremely proud and honoured to present this music to the world.”

MORE ABOUT SONY XPERIA Z2:
Sony Mobile Communications introduces Xperia™ Z2, Sony’s best ever premium waterproof smartphone combining its best display, sound, camera and camcorder experience as well as an exclusive entertainment offer and a growing ecosystem of companion products. Xperia Z2 is the newest addition to Sony’s premium Z series and will launch exclusively through Vodafone.

Customers who purchase the Xperia Z2 will also receive a digital copy of XSCAPE, an album of new tracks from the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Xperia Z2 owners will be able to get the album with their Xperia Z2 through the Xperia Lounge app.

Available on pre-order from May 12; exclusively through Vodafone.

ENDS

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