Billings, MT-- Pope Jane, the all-female trio who last September turned down two major label offers because of poor contract structure, is pre-releasing tracks from their upcoming fourth independent release, "Industry Whore."

The preview tracks include “Build to Last,” “Explain,” and “Forgive Myself.” The full "Industry Whore" album is scheduled for release in May.

The album comes during a time in the music industry where high production values, lots of skin, and one-hit-only prowess dominate the criteria for record labels when considering a band for signing.

"This album is unlike any other Pope Jane album we have generated. If you're familiar with Pope Jane's sound, then when you hear the tunes, you'll understand the title of the album," said Danielle Egnew, lead vocalist.

Pope Jane, who has developed a huge fanbase and sold thousands upon thousands of CD's based on their poignant lyrics, very strong vocal presence, and outstanding original songwriting, has purposefully taken a different path for this latest release.

"Industry Whore” is a tongue-in-cheek parody, a protest of sorts, of what pop music must be in order for it to be considered 'commercially valid'," said Egnew, "And it was just a hoot to make! I mean, the songs are all still good, but wow, talk about 'poppy'! It's a great album for what it is, but the album's purpose is blaringly clear."

The pre-release is taking place in the form of free downloads to the public on mp3.com. Pope Jane's latest material is NOT on the band's mp3.com site, but lead vocalist Danielle Egnew's solo site: http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/217/danielle_egnew.html

"We are no longer with our former management, and that organization set up the mp3.com site for the band...and can't remember any of the administrative passwords! So we have to re-establish another Pope Jane mp3.com site...and until then, people can download the ‘Industry Whore’ material from my site," commented Egnew.

Will this release turn off die-hard Pope Jane fans?

"Oh, I don't think so," Egnew indicated. "We have a pretty intelligent fanbase. I think they'll get it, considering the overwhelming public outcry against such over-saturated bubble-gummy music right now. And even though I tried to write lyrics that mock the 'ooh-baby-baby' pop structure, the lyrical content still ended up being more heady than it probably should be for what this album is. I'm not good at the ‘ooh-baby-baby's’."

More on Pope Jane can be found on their website, http://www.popejanemusic.com.

For more info or to arrange an interview, contact: Faith Ballantine Armonaitis
201-288-6312 — FaithPRNJ@yahoo.com
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ABOUT POPE JANE --
Pope Jane is an all-female, pop/rock AAA trio based in Billings, Montana. The band is comprised of Danielle Egnew on Lead vocals/guitar, Holly Jerke on Bass and backing vocals, and Kristen Coyner on Drums and backing vocals. Pope Jane's powerful live performance has landed them the featured requested opener spots for the likes of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart, Indigenous, and an array of other national acts. Their discography includes three albums: "Pope Jane" (1995) [out of print], "Relief" (1998), and "Hide Me From the Moon" (2000.) Pope Jane has been part of a children's compilation CD, "We're All Kids On This Bus," with their children's song "Everybody Cries Sometimes," to benefit children's advocate group, The Lost and Foundation.