MUMBAI: Welk Music Group and EMI Music have entered into an agreement in which EMI will provide the Welk Music Group with digital and physical sales and distribution services on a worldwide basis.

In addition, EMI will provide licensing and synchronization services on a non-exclusive basis to Welk’s acclaimed roster of artists.

Welk Music Group is home to two of the most revered and influential record labels of the last half-century, Vanguard Records and Sugar Hill Records. Vanguard Records has long held a reputation for eclectic, distinctive and groundbreaking recordings; a tradition that holds strong today. From such new and distinctive artists as Greg Laswell, Shawn Mullins, Mindy Smith whose debut One Moment More went on to sell over 300,000 copies, Nellie McKay and the legendary Levon Helm, to its rich and historical catalog of artists such as: Joan Baez, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Buddy Guy and Mississippi John Hurt, Vanguard continues to pursue its successful artistic vision.

Sugar Hill Records is the preeminent roots music label. From traditional bluegrass to legendary singer-songwriters and peerless instrumentalists such as Kasey Chambers, The Infamous Stringdusters, Sam Bush, to The Duhks, Gibson Brothers, Sarah Borges and Nickel Creek, the innovative trio who have a combined sales of over two million units with their first three albums, Sugar Hill continues to set the standard for American roots music.

Welk Music Group president Kevin Welk said, “EMI offers us unique, seamless, global reach, and allows us to tap into their strong relationship network with physical and digital partners around the world. Their bold moves to transform its business will serve our labels and our artists well as we work to extend their reach to new audiences on a variety of new music platforms.”

“We are honored to have Welk Music Group and its amazing roster of artists work with the EMI family. EMI Music’s aim is to provide world class services to artists and to bring great music to fans. Kevin Welk and his team have built an illustrious catalog and active artist roster, and we are thrilled to offer EMI’s global capabilities to them. We look forward to working with the Welk Music family of labels and taking their artists to new levels of success,” said EMI Music president of commercial development Ronn Were.