NIKE, Inc. : Converse launches original short-film series

NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. (January 12, 2012) - Today, Converse Inc. launches an online series of original short-films featuring a dynamic pool of musicians each filmed at , a new recording studio in the Williamsburg neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY that allows musicians to record at no cost. Each film series explores a different element of the recording studio experience and together the short-films will give artists the means to expose their music to a much larger audience via .

"We are extremely excited to share the recording experience within Converse Rubber Tracks to a larger audience," said Jed Lewis, Converse Music Marketing Director.  "Each and every musician that walks thru the studio doors experiences something special. As a brand we want to continue to support the artistic community that has embraced us and made Converse the brand that we are by sharing their stories and original work."

Converse Rubber Tracks is providing a new platform for musicians to overcome one of the biggest hurdles in their career - affording studio time. The new original short-film series will give music fans around the world an insider's view of the recording experience. The original series include:

Oh Hello - Converse sits down with artists in the recording studio at Converse Rubber Tracks and learn about their sound, personal inspirations and stories behind the music. The series includes a short film featuring up-and-coming punk rock band Avenue X with special guest drummer Marky Ramone.

Track of the Week  - Each week, a track recorded by a Converse Rubber Tracks artist will be selected as the Track of the Week. To accompany the free stream of their track, the artist will discuss details about their original track in a short-film including behind-the-scenes studio footage. This week's Track of the Week  features Beijing indie-rock band Hedgehog.

The Geek Out - Recording in a studio requires a team of educated musicians and studio professionals. This series takes an in-depth look at the technical element of recording in a studio by sitting down with one of the studio's engineers and dissecting a specific element of the studio. New to The Geek Out series is a short-film featuring Converse Rubber Tracks engineer Alex McKenzie's mic set-up for a bombastic sound.

Ready Set - Get an exclusive peek of musicians at the studio recording a live-session from the space. This month's Ready Set series features recording artist Elizaveta.

Rubber Meets the Road  - A unique multi-episode series in which viewers will see into the life of a touring band on their way to record new music at Converse Rubber Tracks. The series will feature a tour of each band's hometown and the different experiences they encounter on the road to the studio - from living in a van on the road to the shows they perform en route to Brooklyn, NY. The Rubber Meets the Road  series kicks off with Chicago based experimental rock band YAWN.

Sounds of Brooklyn - Take a tour thru the borough of Brooklyn led by musicians who reside in one of its many neighborhoods. Each musician will explore remote locations, interview the neighborhood's unique characters and capture a one-of-a-kind sound on tape. 

Gear Hunt - Head out with the Converse Rubber Tracks gear hunters on their search for obscure equipment. Hear them talk about their favorite find, how they came across it and embark on the mission with them as they scour old studios, garage sales and junk shops in search of that perfect, rare find.

About Converse Rubber Tracks
Converse Rubber Tracks is a state-of-the-art recording studio that is located in the Williamsburg neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY. The 5,200 square-foot, full-service recording space aims to support emerging artists by providing them access to a top-level recording studio at no cost. Artists and bands of all genres and ages from around the world are encouraged to apply and, upon acceptance, may reserve time in the studio to work alongside a team of experienced engineers. Fully equipped with the best instruments and equipment supplied by Converse Rubber Tracks partner Guitar Center, artists will spend time creating their work and in the end retain all the rights to their music. Through Converse Rubber Tracks, Converse is giving back to the creative community that has embraced the brand throughout its over 100 year history. Converse Rubber Tracks provides a platform for artists to unleash their creative spirit that will change the world.

to receive more information about Converse Rubber Tracks studio and details on the registration process.

About Converse
Converse Inc., based in N. Andover, Massachusetts, is a wholly owned subsidiary of NIKE, Inc. Established in 1908, the Converse brand has built a reputation as "America's Original Sports Company"™ and has been associated with a rich heritage of legendary shoes such as the Chuck Taylor® All Star® shoe, the Jack Purcell® shoe and the One Star® shoe. Today, Converse offers a diverse portfolio including premium lifestyle men's and women's footwear and apparel. Converse product is sold globally by retailers in over 160 countries and through 58 company-owned retail locations in the U.S. For more information, visit Converse on the web at .

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Press Contact:

Keith Gulla
Converse
646-563-7318 / [e-mail]

Melissa Garbayo
Converse
646-563-7455 / [e-mail]

Sonia Aneja
Cornerstone
212-652-9323 / [e-mail]

Allison Elbl
IDPR
323-822-4851 / [e-mail]