Heineken Names Monochrome the Global Winners of Thirst Studio 2006

Heineken Names Monochrome the Global Winners of Thirst Studio 2006

Romanian Artists, Livio, Roby and George G. are Crowned Global Winners, Head In-Studio with World-Renowned Producers, Gabriel and Dresden

LAS VEGAS, May 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Friday night, Heineken proudly announced Romanian artists Livio, Roby and George G., also known as "Monochrome," as the winners of Thirst Studio 2006. Their winning track 'Rise Up,' which combines unique beats with a minimal deep house style, topped regional winners from eight other countries, including Croatia, Denmark, Dubai, Hungary, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam to take home the Thirst Studio winner's title.

Heineken's Thirst Studio seeks out some of the hottest artists across the globe and provides them with the opportunity to collaborate with world- renowned producers. The Global Winners of Thirst Studio 2006 were announced at Tao Night Club in Las Vegas, and then immediately went in-studio for a collaboration session with super-producers Gabriel and Dresden to remix 'Rise Up.' The newly remastered track was then performed for the first time last night at Tao by the Romanian trio, and Gabriel and Dresden.

"We are excited to announce Monochrome as the winners of this year's competition. They are a unique talent on their rise to the top -- just what Thirst Studio strives to recognize and support," said Mike McCann, director of integrated marketing, promotions and sponsorship, Heineken USA.

Monochrome is not new to the music industry -- they have been creating and producing tracks together for the past seven years and performing live for crowds up to 9,000 people. The skilled trio has eclectic tastes and credits their musical influences to a variety of different artists. Some of their favorite tunes are from Canteen, Daft Punk, Depeche Mode, The Doors and The Verve.

"The Heineken Thirst Studio competition has been an amazing experience for all three of us. We think it's a great opportunity for our career," said Monochrome. "We've been given a chance to work with the most appreciated producers and meet many new artists from all around the world."

As the winning artists, Monochrome received exclusive studio time with the powerhouse duo of Gabriel and Dresden to remix their winning track. Named Best American DJs at this year's Winter Music Conference, Gabriel and Dresden have produced a long list of dance club favorites and worked with prominent talent including Annie Lennox, Jewel, Sara McLachlan, Britney Spears and Madonna, Paul Oakenfold, The Killers and more.

"We are excited and honored to be part of Heineken Thirst Studio project. They have really recognized the power and global acceptance of dance music and found a way to inspire the next generation of producers," said Gabriel and Dresden.

In celebration of music and creativity, Heineken is hosting Thirst Studio Global Sessions in Las Vegas -- a weekend of events at Tao Night Club and Tao Beach -- featuring the sounds of some of the world's most renowned and influential talents such as Gym Class Heroes, Steve Aoki, DJ Vice and A-Trak among numerous others. Kanye West is hosting the Thirst Studio Global Sessions party tonight at Tao, and the party continues onto Sunday, making for a full weekend of fantastic music.

As part of the winners' prize package, Livio, Roby and George G. will play at a number of worldwide Heineken Music events and receive exclusive prize package from Pioneer including two DVJ-100s, a digital deck offering the best of both CDJ and DVJ worlds.

For more information on Monochrome, visit http://www.thirststudio.com/.

About Thirst Studio

Since it's inception in 2002, Thirst has been on an incredible journey. It began with one DJ, one music genre, and has grown to feature multiple performers and multiple genres on a global scale in the search for fresh music talent. Over 300,000 people have attended a Thirst event and over 7,000 aspiring DJs and musicians have participated in the Thirst program.

Over the years Thirst has provided local talented DJs with the once in a lifetime opportunity to play alongside internationally known artists and performers, maximizing their exposure and status. Thirst winners have received a large amount of exclusive music hardware and software, widespread national media attention and career tips, advice and first hand experience from International DJs.

Along the way, Thirst has un-earthed some incredible talent -- Thirst 2005 global winner DJ Ronin is about to embark on a tour of Thirst Studio events around the globe, during which he will perform in Ibiza on July 12th at legendary Ibiza nightclub Pacha.

About Heineken USA

Heineken USA Inc., the nation's premiere importer, is a subsidiary of Heineken International BV, which is the world's most international brewer. Brands imported into the U.S. include: Heineken Lager, the world's most international beer brand; Heineken Premium Light, Amstel Light, the largest- selling imported light beer brand; and Buckler non-alcoholic brew. Heineken USA is also the exclusive USA importer for the Tecate, Dos Equis, Sol, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from FEMSA Cerveza of Mexico. Please visit EnjoyHeinekenResponsibly.com.

Source: Heineken

CONTACT: Tamara Moore of Heineken USA, +1-914-681-4153,
tmoore@heinekenusa.com; or Dustin Sveum of Manning, Selvage & Lee,
+1-212-468-3061, dustin.sveum@mslpr.com, for Heineken

Web site:

http://www.thirststudio.com/
http://www.enjoyheinekenresponsibly.com/

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