The highly acclaimed singer/songwriter India.Arie has entered into a label deal with Universal Republic Records, with her new label to be called SoulBird Music. India.Arie musical partner and R&B sensation Anthony David will be the first artist to release an album under the new banner, with his much anticipated major label offering, Acey Deucey, scheduled for in-store release on June 17.

“I’m excited that Tony will be the first artist to be released on SoulBird,” stated India.Arie, “Tony is a great talent and one of my oldest friends. I have so many memories with him. Not only did he encourage me to start performing professionally, but it was Tony who suggested I use my first and middle name as an artist. There was even a time when he spent his rent money for me to experiment in the studio.”

Describing Anthony’s sound as ‘Bill Withers meets Mos Def,’ India.Arie adds, “ I love his music for how he speaks from a man’s emotional perspective in relationships, and his views on learning about life as a young man of the hip hop generation."

Monte Lipman, President and CEO of Universal Republic Records also comments, “India.Arie’s vision and sensitivity toward artists makes her a natural to launch an enterprise like SoulBird, and Anthony David is the ultimate artist to christen the label. His tremendous poise and ability to deliver great R&B songs coupled with his great relationship with India.Arie uniquely positions him as one of our breakthrough acts this year. Everyone at Universal Republic is excited to be a part of this great new endeavor.”

India.Arie will be actively involved in the stewardship of SoulBird and the promotion and support of Acey Deucy. She explains that SoulBird (which is another name for a butterfly), “is meant to evoke the Energy of the music rather than the Style.” She has always rebuffed being stuffed in a box titled “neo-soul” and instead says “in this era SOUL is not a sound or a color, it’s an intention. James Taylor has it and so does

Al Green, John Mayer has it and so does Anthony David. That’s the kind of music I want SoulBird to represent; music with intelligence and heart, music that moves people in their souls AND their bodies. Music with wings. “

The cathartic first single from Anthony’s new album, “Words,” is a stirring duet co-written by the duo, mirroring the enduring friendship and spirit of collaboration between the two artists who have known each other for more than a decade. “We were friends for 3 years before I ever knew she could sing,” says Anthony. Inspired by her amazing talent, Anthony would soon begin to nurture his own career, writing the song “Part Of My Life,” which became a cornerstone of India.Arie’s Grammy nominated (to date she’s scored an incredible 16 Grammy nominations and 2 Grammy wins) 2001 breakthrough album, Acoustic Soul.

Anthony’s new single, which was propelled into the spotlight by Atlanta’s #1 Arbitron-ranked radio station V-103 (WVEE) is from Anthony’s acclaimed independent release, Red Clay Chronicles. “Words” will be delivered to all major R&B radio stations nationwide on April 15.

A one-time backup singer for India.Arie, the versatile singer/songwriter has released two highly regarded solo albums, his 2004 debut Three Chords And The Truth, (‘The best record to come out of Atlanta since Usher’s’ raved the Atlanta Journal Constitution) and the 2006’s Red Clay Chronicles, which featured a who’s who of Atlanta musicians, including Kiesha Jackson, daughter of Millie Jackson – ‘Pure magic…’ hailed Soul Tracks, remarking that the CD ‘continues his trajectory as one of the brightest new soul performers to watch.’ Anthony’s SoulBird/Universal Republic debut, Acey Deucey, will comprise the best of his incredible repertoire from both albums.