Chrysalis Records signs global distribution deal with Secretly Distribution

UK-born Chrysalis Records has inked a global distribution deal with Secretly Distribution, covering all future physical and digital distribution of the label’s frontline releases.

The deal will see distribution of new projects by Laura Marling, Emeli Sandé, Ben Harper, William The Conqueror, The Wandering Hearts and new signings Marika Hackman & Gia Ford, including Chrysalis, part of the Reservoir group of companies, said in a release Monday (March 13).

To mark the new partnership, Chrysalis will release The Endless Colored Ways – The Songs of Nick Drake, with clandestine distribution. The first title,’ cello song,‘ (adopted by Fontaines DC) fell last week.

The album is a collection of 32 Nick Drake songs reinterpreted by various artists. The album is scheduled for release on July 7th.

The forthcoming release follows Reservoir’s signing of a global publishing deal with the estate of pioneering artist Nick Drake in partnership with Blue Raincoat Music Publishing in January 2021.

Now, the deal between Chrysalis and Secretly sees the two companies jointly releasing Nick Drake’s reimagined album worldwide.

“It is a great privilege to work with the only Chrysalis Records that is (again) independent and has released so many iconic albums over the last 55 years.”

Darius Van Arman, Secret Distribution

“I have long been an admirer of the Secretly group of companies and the incredible music they release across their various labels,” said Jeremy Lascelles, CEO of Blue Raincoat Music/Chrysalis Records.

“Get to know [co-founder] Chris Swanson, we felt like kindred spirits with a lot of musical tastes in common. So when it came time to re-evaluate our global distribution agreements, we knew there couldn’t be a better partner.”

Lascelles continued, “Alison Wenham, our COO, along with Chris, Darius and the Secretly team have done a fantastic job and we believe they will be an invaluable support to the Chrysalis artist roster during an exciting and busy period of new releases.” .”

Wenham, a veteran music industry executive, joined the indie label in November 2021.

Founded in 1997, Secretly Distribution serves as a global digital and physical distribution network providing development, marketing, technology, investment and support to labels and artists including Secretly partners Dead Oceans, Drink Sum Wtr, Ghostly International, Jagjaguwar and Saddest Factory Records , Heimlich Canadians, The Numero Group and 37d03d.

Sacred Bones, Captured Tracks, Run For Cover, Rhymesayers, Joyful Noise, Father/Daughter, Big Crown and Colemine have also worked with Secretly’s distribution team to distribute their works.

Commenting on the deal with Chrysalis, Darius Van Arman, Co-CEO of Secretly Distribution said: “It is a great privilege to work with the only Chrysalis Records that is (again) independent and has released so many cult albums in the last few years 55 years.”

“The Chrysalis ethos has always been about putting artists, arts and culture first, which aligns with everything that Secretly Distribution is about. Jeremy, Alison and the entire Chrysalis team truly strive to be the most creative home for the artists they work with and we are so honored to be what they believe is the right global distribution platform for their frontline artists. artist is.”

Launched in 1968, Chrysalis developed the careers of some of the biggest artists of the 70’s and 80’s including Jethro Tull, Billy Idol, Blondie, Pat Benatar, Huey Lewis and the News, Ultravox, Sinead O’Connor, The Specials and The Waterboys , among other things.

The company was acquired by artist management firm Blue Raincoat in 2016 and relaunched as a Frontline label in February 2020.

The sale was part of a more than $200 million divestment package of Warner Music records.

music business worldwide