This marks the first time the music retailer has stocked adult films on a nationwide scale.
“Atomic Vixens” features exclusive tracks from unsigned bands found on MySpace.com and “Joanna’s Angels 2: ALT Throttle” showcases mainstream punk bands Rancid and Har Mar Superstar.
“Placement in Tower affirms the nationwide demand for our recent titles,” VCA creative director Drew Rosenfeld said. “With the market so saturated, we seek to distinguish ourselves, aligning with the industry’s top directors, hottest talent and great musical acts.”
The company also is seeking placement for rap star Kurupt’s “Uncut XXX,” which currently can be purchased at the Virgin Megastore. An R-rated version is available in Musicland stores. VCA is promoting this movie through ads in hip-hop magazines and a special photo spread in King, featuring music video girls.
VCA’s Vice President of sales and marketing Peter Reynolds sees these developments as the further blurring of the line separating porn and mainstream.
“The Tower deal has opened the door for VCA to have a solid presence in [its] stores nationwide,” he told XBIZ. “I’m interested in attracting new fans to VCA and to porn in general, and I believe we’re offering something totally different from everyone else. Blending music with directors that have truly unique visions is what it’s all about.”
Adult industry veteran Roy Karch was the first to broker a deal for Tower Records to carry adult videos. In 1983, Tower's Sunset Boulevard location stocked the complete line of Gourmet Video on VHS.
Tower Records was started in 1960 in Sacramento, pioneering the concept of a music megastore known for its large selection. The store’s parent company, MTS Inc., filed for bankruptcy in 2004 after losing money for 13 straight quarters. The company continues to operate more than 90 retail outlets.
