Tuesday, Jul 22, 2008    Text size: 

HOUSTON — Gentlemen’s club operator Rick's Cabaret International has signed on to pilot an in-store music promotion with newly launched Encore Music Productions.

Rick's Cabaret International operates upscale gentlemen's clubs, nightclubs, bars and restaurants in the U.S. and has a licensing program in Latin America.

Chuck Oliner, vice president of radio promotions at Koch Records, launched Encore Music Productions last week. EMP will act as a liaison of sorts and will procure rock, dance and hip-hop music to be played in Rick’s locations nationwide.

Allan Priaulx, who handles corporate communications for Rick's Cabaret, told XBIZ that the two companies have been working on the project for almost a year.

“We are delighted to participate in this project,” Priaulx told XBIZ. “For ourselves, we get the opportunity to promote hot new music in our clubs before anyone else. I think this is an important marketing avenue for the music world. And our beautiful dancers add value to the music.”

Club Onyx, Tootsies, XTC Cabaret and Rick’s Cabaret have been selected to debut the project. Priaulx said music companies would be able to reach a wide audience given the clubs’ geographically diverse clientele — from upscale to college students.

“EMP and Rick’s share the same vision for expansion,” Oliner told XBIZ. “This is a great opportunity for the clubs to continue to play great music for clients and dancers. And record companies get a chance to increase exposure to their artists and reach a new audience.

EMP also is producing what the company calls Executive Music Cards, which have the club logo on one side and will provide access to a free streaming of a song on the other side.

“Our DJs have long set trends within our industry in regards to music,” Priaulx said. “And now our clients will the opportunity to sample new music before its released.”