Published:
Fontana and Downtown Records Partner for Exclusive Distribution Deal
NEW YORK andLOS ANGELES, Sept. 5 /PRNewswire/ --Fontana, the independent
distribution arm of Universal Music Group, the world's leading music company,
has signed an exclusive distribution deal forNorth America with Downtown
Records, the innovative independent label formed in 2006. In addition,
Interscope Records will provide strategic marketing and promotion services for
select albums. The announcement was made today by Jim Urie, President & Chief
Executive Officer of Universal Music Group Distribution (UMGD), Interscope
Records' Luke Wood and Josh Deutsch, Downtown Music's Chairman & Chief
Executive Officer.
The initial Downtown release throughFontana will be the
highly-anticipated new album from Cold War Kids, "Loyalty to Loyalty" on
September 23, 2008. The record marks the band's follow up to their
ground-breaking Downtown debut, "Robbers and Cowards." After Cold War Kids,
Fontana will release albums from Downtown artists including Mos Def, Eagles of
Death Metal, Kid Sister, MSTRKRFT, among others.
"Josh's remarkable achievements with Downtown clearly define creative
leadership at its very best," stated Mr. Urie. "His determination, talent and
passion for music make him, and his team, the perfect partners forFontana. In
a short period of time, they have built a home for truly inventive, highly
creative artists and we are delighted to partner with them and to be
associated with such wonderful talent."
"We are very excited about Downtown's relationship with Fontana
Distribution. I am especially looking forward to working with Jim Urie and his
talented and enthusiastic team as we all ready for success with our upcoming
slate of exciting releases," said Mr. Deutsch. "The unique relationship we
have created with Interscope provides the opportunity for Downtown to continue
evolving as an independent music company, and at the same time partner with
one of the most innovative and creative companies in the industry. Jimmy
Iovine has been an inspiration to Downtown, and along with Luke Wood, who is
one of the brightest stars in the music business, we are certain that we will
benefit from this dynamic collaboration."
"In such a highly competitive business, Josh stands out as one of the most
talented and resourceful creative executives," added Mr. Wood. "In addition to
his achievements as a songwriter and producer, Josh has created a dynamic and
successful company in Downtown. We view our relationship as a natural
evolution and a win-win for both Interscope and Downtown."
AboutFontana
Fontana Distribution, the independent arm of Universal Music Group
Distribution (UMGD), provides unparalleled sales and marketing support, as
well as back office services, for a diverse roster of labels and their
artists.Fontana distributes more than 100 labels including Vagrant Records,
Telarc, Eagle Rock, VP Records, American Gramaphone, Six Degrees, Nitro, SMC,
Trustkill, Delicious Vinyl, ESL, Modular, Ministry of Sound, Ipecac, Strange
Music, Music World, VH1 Classic Records, MySpace Records and many others. In
addition,Fontana distributes select projects from Universal Music Group
labels worldwide.
About Downtown Music
Downtown Music comprises an independent record label and music publishing
company formed in 2006 by Josh Deutsch, Terence Lam and John Josephson. The
label's roster includes Grammy winners Gnarls Barkley, Cold War Kids,
Santogold, Spank Rock, Justice, Mos Def, Eagles of Death, Carla Bruni, Brett
Dennen, Kid Sister and others. Downtown Music Publishing owns or controls
over 3,000 titles recorded by artists including Aretha Franklin, Mary J.
Blige, 50 Cent, Hannah Montana's Miley Cyrus and the cast of High School
Musical 2. The company also represents writer/artists signed to Downtown
Records such as Cold War Kids, Spank Rock, Brett Dennen, Carla Bruni and
others. Downtown is also a joint venture partner in RCRD LBL, the premiere
online, ad-supported digital music label offering free downloads in a blog
format.
SOURCE Universal Music Group
Copyright © 2008, PRNewswire
Copyright © 2008, NewsBlaze,
Daily News
Tags: ,ENT,MUS,JVN,NY-CA-UMGD-Partner
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