Mumbai: Fontana, the independent distribution arm of Universal Music Group (UMG), has expanded their US-based label division Fontana International through a partnership with UK-based Cooperative Music (Co-Op). Co-Op was started as an international marketing & distribution team under V2 Music Group, both of which were acquired by UMG last year. The announcement was made by Fontana executive vice president and general manager Ron Spaulding and Cooperative Music general manager Vincent Clery-Melin.
Initial projects will include the upcoming album from Travis, ‘Ode to J. Smith,’ which will be released on 4 November in conjunction with their own imprint, Red Telephone Box. This is the band’s first release since parting ways with Epic Records last year. Also slated for a 18 November release is the US deluxe sophomore effort from Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan, ‘Sunday at Devil Dirt.’ Fontana label Vagrant Records has been hired to assist with the marketing of this release.
"Fontana is thrilled to partner with Co-Op Music and their outstanding roster of artists from around the world," stated Spaulding. "We have grown significantly since our inception just a few years ago and we’re pleased to continue our expansion through international agreements such as this one. Fontana offers our international partners the very best service in the business, across all platforms – from physical to digital and mobile."
"We’re incredibly excited to start developing Co-Op’s business in North America, and doubly excited to be doing this with the best independent distribution company out there," added Clery-Melin. "Travis’ and Isobel’s albums are the first of many more exciting projects to come. And along with Fontana’s support, we will build a great platform in the US for independent labels from Europe wishing to access the independent American marketplace."
Fontana International’s previous US releases, culled from Universal labels worldwide, have included the latest albums from Children of Bodom, Spiritualized, Tarja (former Nightwish vocalist) & MUCC. Fontana International is also home to Spinefarm Records US (www.myspace.com/spinefarmrecordsus), the Finnish metal label who have released records from Nightwish, Children of Bodom, Dragonforce and Apocalyptica, among many others. New Spinefarm Records US releases this year include limited edition vinyl picture discs of all Children of Bodom catalog titles.
