(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) —
KOCH Records and Linus Entertainment have entered into an exclusive multi-tiered hybrid distribution deal for the United States. KOCH will take over the distribution of the Linus Entertainment catalog effective Oct. 1 and will also market and distribute Linus' new releases.
Toronto-based Linus was founded in 2001 by former Virgin Canada head of A&R Geoff Kulawick. In the past five years the label has established itself as one of the top Canadian independent labels, releasing albums from a wide variety of Canadian artists including Gordon Lightfoot, Ron Sexsmith, Canadian Brass, and Tuuli in addition to acquiring the catalogs of Ashley MacIsaac, Quartetto Gelato and breaking artists in Canada such as Sophie Milman, Not By Choice, and Shocore.
"I am delighted with this deal and the opportunities it creates for Linus," said Kulawick. "Having the support of Bob Frank and the KOCH team marketing our new releases makes us a formidable North American independent label with direct access to the U.S. market for everything we do."
The first release will be a Best Of package from the classical ensemble Quartetto Gelato titled "Favourite Flavours," which will be in stores November 9. One of the most popular and best-selling new classical groups, Quartetto Gelato sell out shows around the world and are on tour in the USA this fall.
KOCH will also be releasing in early 2006 the new album Pride from MacIsaac, whose catalog has sold over 250,000 units in the USA, as well as the debut album from 22-year-old Russian-born jazz singer Milman. Her debut album is a Top 10 selling jazz album in Canada.
Linus recently acquired the Hypnotic Records catalog including metal titles by Voivod, Kataklysm and Razor which will move to KOCH in 2007. –Bob Grossswiener and Jane Cohen
