MUMBAI: After the collapse of Pinnacle Entertainment, UK independent label group New State Entertainment (New State) has now inked a UK distribution deal with EMI.
New State was formed in 1996 to fulfill the increasing UK demand for dance-based compilations. Formulating product ideas, utilizing co-directors Tom Parkinson & Tim Binns background in A&R and marketing, New State became one of the leaders in the specialist UK compilation market.
As business grew so did the company, organically adding in-house design company ZiP Design, followed by PR company Cypher, making New State one of the first one stop, music industry, service shops for both major and independent labels.
New State began its own group of independent labels in 1999, growing to eight imprints, including the Maelstrom label, currently enjoying Top 3 UK chart success with Guru Josh Project – Infinity 2008.
Working with some of the dance music and lifestyle brands that include Cream, Godskitchen, Bugged Out and recently penning a five album deal with global clubbing institution Pacha, New State have also brought some of electronica’s biggest names to the UK, releasing artist albums, singles and mixed compilations from the likes of Tiësto, Paul Oakenfold, Ferry Corsten, Paul van Dyk, Armin van Buuren, Sander van Doorn, Boys Noize, Simian Mobile Disco and the Klaxons.
Tim Binns: "When Pinnacle went into administration it was a real shock and we had to move fast to tie up a deal for our 2009 and beyond release schedule. With 15 albums, both artist and compilation, on board for next year alone we knew we needed the flexibility of being an independent but have the weight of a major to back us up at retail. We saw all the main players and EMI with their newly initiated third party distribution service offered the best fit. We retain 100% indie status but have major UK sales & distribution support."
EMI Music SVP Sales and Commercial Development Matt Crosswaite said "Music Services is a division of EMI launched last month to offer artists and independent labels a broad range of services – from manufacture, digital and physical distribution to revenue generation such as sync and licensing or brand management. We’re delighted that New State has chosen EMI and we look forward to working with Tim, Mike, Tom and all the team there."
New State will continue to handle their own label, digital distribution and New State Digital aggregation business.
