Absolute Label Services has signed a worldwide digital distribution deal for catalogues obtained by indie label Cherry Red through the Warner Music Group divestment process.
Cherry Red announced its acquisition of artist catalogues as part of Warner Music Group’s divestment program at the end of 2017.
The deal includes 13 discographies, including Dinosaur Jr, Renaissance, Four-play, Third Ear Band, Greenslade, Marc Almond, Howard Jones (pictured), Kim Wilde, Mel & Kim, Curved Air, Be-Bop Deluxe, Barclay James Harvest and Chris Squire.
Absolute will provide an independent route to market, offering global digital distribution for the catalogue.
“It feels like the independent sector is getting smaller every day in our world, but we’re going to work to make sure these great albums benefit from our shared work ethic and philosophy.”
Simon Wills, Absolute Label Services
Absolute Label Services Director Simon Wills said: “We are so pleased to be working with a label as distinguished as Cherry Red Records. It feels like the independent sector is getting smaller every day in our world, but we’re going to work alongside the fantastic team at Cherry Red to make sure that these great albums benefit from our shared work ethic and philosophy.”
Adam Velasco, MD of Cherry Red, said: “These deals mean another exciting year ahead for Cherry Red. We are honoured to expand our catalogue even further and represent such a varied and thrilling range of music. We will work alongside the artists to release enduring artifacts that will nurture their formidable legacy.”
Founded in 1998, Absolute has worked on album campaigns for the likes of Sigma, Steps, Def Leppard, Lemar, Ladyhawke, Newton Faulkner, McFly and many more in recent years.
Founded by Iain McNay in 1978, UK record label Cherry Red had early successes with artists ranging from the Dead Kennedys to Everything But The Girl, The Monochrome Set and Felt.
Cherry Red now acts as an umbrella for more than 20 individual imprints and catalogue specialists, including RPM, Reactive, Esoteric, BBR, él and Grapefruit – releasing more than 400 albums each year. Recent releases include Kylie Minogue, Todd Rundgren, Procol Harum, Jah Wobble, Hawkwind, the Fall, Swervedriver and The Moody Blues.Music Business Worldwide
