Myra's Debut Album Set for June 26 on Buena Vista Records

(c) Disney

Myra's Debut Album Set for June 26 on Buena Vista Records
Fifteen-Year-Old Recording Artist Secures Aaron Carter Tour, First Feature Film Role and Primetime Network Debut

"Recording my first album is a dream come true," says 15-year-old MYRA. The debut signing by Buena Vista Records streets on June 26, 2001. The pop label began laying the groundwork for the release by sending MYRA on the road as opening act for Jive Records star Aaron Carter in February. She's been invited back to tour again with Aaron Carter on his upcoming Nickelodeon sponsored tour. Additionally, her version of the Motown classic "Dancing In The Street" was the end-title for the animated feature "Recess: School's Out" earlier this year. The accompanying music video aired several times a day on The Disney Channel and received significant airplay on Radio Disney.

"We are thrilled to be working with MYRA," says Jay Landers, Sr. VP, A&R for both Walt Disney Records and Buena Vista Records. Landers, who has overseen numerous recordings with such legends as Barbra Streisand and Celine Dion, says of the young singer, "Putting it simply, she has that quality which separates the good from the great ... she's the real thing."

MYRA was raised in California. Her parents are both from Mexico and her love of Latin music is reflected in several of the album's key tracks. "I grew up listening to all kinds of music," explains MYRA. "From Rock to R&B ... Salsa to Mariachi, I just love different flavors and rhythms. Mostly though, I admire singers like Aretha Franklin and James Brown. I have my own style, but they're so inspiring."

MYRA worked on the record with many of the best songwriters and producers in music today: Guy Roche & Shelly Peiken (producer/writers for Christina Aguilera's "What A Girl Wants"); Diane Warren (hit writer for Celine Dion, Aerosmith, Ricky Martin, Faith Hill, LeAnn Rimes and countless others); Narada Michael Walden (Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey); Keith Cohen (Prince, Madonna); and much in demand production team The Matrix (Christina Aguilera) have all contributed their noted talents to the debut recording. MYRA continues, "I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to learn from all these really great people. We've worked hard and I can't wait to get out there and perform these songs."

After the Aaron Carter dates in February, MYRA performed at the NARM Convention in Orlando and returned to Los Angeles to audition for her first movie role. MYRA was consequently cast in the Walt Disney Pictures film, "Max Keeble's Big Move" scheduled for a Fall, 2001 release. Then, on March 31, MYRA joined Hoku and A*Teens at Disneyland in support of the "Radio Disney Jams 3" CD with a live, national broadcast of interviews and performances on Radio Disney.

Additionally, MYRA made her television debut on an interstitial for the ABC primetime special "Disney's Hot Summer Jams" airing in June, and then returns to the road on numerous dates for Radio Disney. A national summer tour has been confirmed with Aaron Carter, the A*Teens and Leslie Carter, beginning June 16 in Phoenix. She'll also be performing in New York on Aug. 11 with teen stars O-Town. "Performing live is the best thing of all," says MYRA. "I'm a people person, and I've already been across the country, singing in many different cities. It's just been the best experience."

Landers adds, "Our first single 'Miracles Happen,' will be coming in June and is the featured song in the upcoming motion picture 'The Princess Diaries' directed by Gary Marshall ('Runaway Bride,' 'Pretty Woman'). The buzz on the movie is fantastic, and we're thrilled to have this wonderful opportunity. The track will be supported by a video and extensive support starting at Radio Disney. After that, we have several tracks to choose from for the next single. This album is deep with singles."

Landers continues, "We considered several titles for the album, but kept coming back to what it's all about, great singing ... so it will simply be titled `MYRA.' I'm confident it's going to surprise a lot of people."

"About two years ago, I wrote my dreams and goals down on a piece of paper," says MYRA. "I always wanted to be a singer. I have four brothers and sisters, and my parents have always encouraged us to value hard work and to believe in our dreams. I'm so thankful that my Mom and Dad have been there to guide me. I still have that same piece of paper and I've added a new goal -- to give something back to everyone who has inspired me to pursue my singing."

For more on MYRA, visit her Web page at www.Myrafan.com.

-- Posted June 26, 2001

Source: Company Press Release