Imogen Heap
"She has that certain something. It would be unfair [on other acts] to say she's a priority but she's the one we've most clearly got a focus with and will market outside the UK. She's quite mature in her songwriting and I don't see it as a UK sound; more worldly."--Tony Quinn, ALMO Sounds general manager
By the age of 18, Imogen Heap was already known in the British music industry. In 1996 she performed at the Prince's Trust Concert before 150,000 people.
Imogen Heap initially signed with Rondor Music for publishing. She told Music World, " First of all I was just going for publishing and looking for a development deal but I met James and went from there. I loved James Dewar."
Rondor president Ralph Simon suggested she be signed to Almo Sounds for recording. Rondor was the parent company to Almo Sounds. Imogen was 18 years old when she signed. Heap's initial recording sessions were produced by Dave Stewart. Most of these went unused. Guy Sigwsorth and David Kahne were brought in as producers. Simon also brought in an independent marketing consultant to help Imogen find her audience.
The singles "Shine" and "Come Here Boy" were released in Britain in March and May 1998. I Megaphone was released on June 16, 1998 in the U.S., August 8 in Australasia, August 17 in Britain, and in September in Europe.
- Almo Sounds Gives U.K.'s Heap Major Push. Dominic Pride. Billboard, July 11, 1998.
- Imogen Heap. Stephen Jones. Music Week, March 14, 1998.
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