NEW YORK, June 10, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fuse, the national music television network of The Madison Square Garden Company, today announced that it will be expanding its music-related programming line-up with the launch of three all new original series -- Insane Clown Posse Theater, G-Thing and Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce (working title). Following a successful first season, Fuse is also set to begin production on the second season of Warped Roadies.These new shows – all rooted in music -- reinforce Fuse's mission to bring strong, vibrant music content to the television landscape.
Production for the second season of Warped Roadies will start with the first stop on the Vans Warped Tour 2013, which kicks off on June 15th. This season will shadow old and new cast members as they hit the road for America's largest tour. Following the young crew from city to city, the show gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary Vans Warped Tour and the lives of the men and women who make it possible. Warped Roadies is produced by Magilla Entertainment (Bayou Billionaires, Moonshiners, Long Island Medium) with executive producers Matthew Ostrom, Brian Flanagan, Laura Palumbo Johnson and co-executive producers Stacey Angeles and Brent Burnette.
For the first of three brand new shows, Fuse has taken its own digital video series, featuring hip hop duo Insane Clown Posse commenting on today's top music videos, and created Insane Clown Posse Theater, a weekly 30-minute linear program. After gaining significant attention on Fuse.tv, the show is making the jump to the television screen, where it will feature Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope's twisted take on what's new in music and popular culture. Every week, Insane Clown Posse will view a mix of music videos and viral clips and provide uninhibited commentary, as only they can. Insane Clown Posse Theater will feature comedy sketches and interviews with special guests in addition to the band's video observations. Insane Clown Posse Theater is produced by Fuse and is set to premiere on Wednesday, July 24th.
In addition, Fuse has completed production on two previously announced series, G-Thing and Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce. G-Thing will give viewers a look into the lives of G-Fella, an Italian-American rapper, and his larger-than-life family as they try to launch the first "family style" run record label: Tracketeering Music. G-Thing is executive produced by Fuse and Paulina Williams, and will premiere on Wednesday, July 24th.
Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce explores the underground world of the New Orleans hip hop scene known as Bounce. The series focuses on local hero and outrageous personality Big Freedia and fellow artists Mr. Ghetto, Sissy Nobby and others as they struggle to take their music to the next level of success. Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce, set to premiere Wednesday, September 18th, is executive produced and directed by Jeremy Simmons, executive produced by Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, and Tom Campbell and produced by World of Wonder (RuPaul's Drag Race, Million Dollar Listing, Life with La Toya). Both G-Thing and Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce have been picked up for an 8-episode run.
"There are infinite stories to be told and dynamic characters to be found in the world of music," said Mike Bair, president, MSG Media. "We're thrilled to bring back a fan favorite, along with three new series that will build on our foundation of in-house and third party productions, further delivering on our mission to carve out a true home for music programming on cable television."
Fuse is a national television network that provides a unique, multi-platform destination for music lovers, connecting fans with their favorite artists and delivering the most comprehensive coverage of the music industry today. Warped Roadies, Insane Clown Posse Theater, G-Thing and Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce are part of Fuse's original music programming lineup, which also includes: Fuse News, Fuse's daily flagship music news program anchored by Alexa Chung and Matte Babel; The Hustle, the network's first foray into scripted programming which sheds light on the challenges that aspiring artists face as they try and break into the hip hop world; and music and pop culture trivia show Funny or Die's Billy on the Street starring Billy Eichner. It also includes Top 20 Countdown, Trending 10, and artist documentary series Popped. Additionally, Fuse covers live concerts and events, and boasts comprehensive coverage of music festivals throughout the country, including South by Southwest, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo and the Voodoo Music Experience.
About Fuse
Fuse, the national television network dedicated to music, brings viewers closer to their favorite artists and bands by featuring original series and specials, exclusive interviews, live concerts and video blocks – all rooted in the music experience. Celebrating the hit makers of today, familiar favorites and edgy newcomers, Fuse accommodates the wide ranging tastes and attitudes of its 18-34 year-old audience with compelling music programming on-air, on-line, on-demand, in HD and via mobile technologies. Fuse is a part of MSG Media, which includes television networks MSG, MSG Plus, MSG HD and MSG+ HD. MSG Media is a division of The Madison Square Garden Company (Nasdaq:MSG), along with MSG Sports and MSG Entertainment. MSG Sports includes the New York Knicks (NBA); the New York Rangers (NHL); the New York Liberty (WNBA); the Connecticut Whale (American Hockey League); and MSG Entertainment includes concerts and events at Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, the Theater at Madison Square Garden, the Wang Theatre in Boston, the Beacon Theatre, the legendary Chicago Theatre as well as the Forum in Inglewood, California and manages wholly-owned live entertainment properties including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the Rockettes. Additional information about Fuse can be found at www.fuse.tv.
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