Cherrytree Records is going independent after signing a deal with Warner’s ADA.
Founded in 2005 by Martin Kierszenbaum, Cherrytree became best known as an offshoot of Jimmy Iovine’s Interscope, where Kierszenbaum was a senior A&R exec.
However, that UMG contract expired in December, and Cherrytree has been awaiting another partner since.
Its new deal will see the record label division of the Cherrytree Music Company enter into a global partnership with ADA, the independent distribution and services arm of Warner Music Group.
Meanwhile, Kobalt will handle Cherrytree’s publishing administration.
The label’s first release under its new terms will be from 14-year old singer Skylar Stecker (pictured). Her album, This Is Me – The Signature Edition, will come out in June.
“I’m proud to announce that our new, fully independent infrastructure corresponds exactly with our philosophy.”
Martin kierszenbaum, cherrytree Music Company
Discussing his new set-up, Kierszenbaum, Chairman of the Cherrytree Music Company, said: “We started Cherrytree Records with the same artist-centric approach and independent spirit that have guided us through our first decade of extraordinary musical and cultural adventures.
“I’m proud to announce that our new, fully independent infrastructure – including ADA as our exclusive label distributor and Kobalt as our publishing administrator – corresponds exactly with our philosophy and gives us the resources and agility to serve our artists with even more flexibility and bespoke support.
“I want to thank Eliah Seton and Kenny Weagly whose dynamism and progressive thinking made the decision to distribute Cherrytree Records’ releases through ADA a very easy and comfortable one.”
Eliah Seton, President of ADA Worldwide, commented: “This partnership is a natural alignment of two companies who want to connect fans with the music they love.
“Artists are the core of ADA’s business, so I am thrilled that Cherrytree Records, a label with an impressive roster of signature artists and new hot acts, is entrusting us with their distribution and label services.”
The Cherrytree Music Company provides label, management and publishing services to a boutique roster of artists, producers and mixers.
In its first ten years, Cherrytree has launched the 15 million selling debut album by Lady Gaga, and records from Feist, Ellie Goulding, Robyn, La Roux, Far East Movement and Disclosure’s debut, while also shepherding Sting’s recording career.
Some of those artists no longer sit under the Cherrytree roster, thanks to a contractual clause with UMG that stated Interscope had its pick of Cherrytree artists after the end of the deal.
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