Keoki and Moonshine Part As “Friends”

Electronic label Moonshine released Keoki from his contract – confusion ensued. From Moonshine:

Moonshine Music, the premier North American independent electronic music label addresses the false and misleading statement, not authorized by Keoki’s counsel, but nevertheless released by One Love Artist Management, in connection to the release by Moonshine Music of the artist from his contract.

Keoki, originally signed to Moonshine Music in 1994 for a multi-album deal, has in fact been released from any further obligations to the label. Moonshine cited declining sales for his recent releases in its decision to terminate the record contract with Keoki. The label chose not to exercise any further options on Keoki’s recording contract. Moonshine notified Keoki of this decision more than a month ago. In the interest of not blemishing the career and future endeavors of Keoki, Moonshine opted not to issue any public statements on the matter.

“The facts stand for themselves,” states Steve Levy, President of Moonshine Music. “With Keoki’s sales in decline, it was not in Moonshine’s best interest to continue the current working relationship.” Levy continues, “This was not a matter of ‘creative differences’ as issued by Ms. McCune-Pettitt of One Love Artist Management, as creative issues had not even been discussed. It was purely a business decision. I am disappointed that his representative is trying to make an issue out of this since we have had a friendly and successful relationship with Keoki over many years.”

Keoki has acknowledged that the press release misinterpreting his statements was issued by One Love Artist Management without his counsel’s authorization. He regrets the inaccurate statements made therein on his behalf. “My release from Moonshine was amicable, and I wish to thank them for the near decade of success, creativity and artistic development I enjoyed with the label.”

I quite enjoyed the last Keoki disc, although it was perhaps a bit too much all over the electronic map. I’m sure he will land on his feet.