(CelebrityAccess News Service) — The Nashville-based Equity Music Group has signed a distribution deal with the Navarre Corporation for exclusive distribution of its product in the U.S. and Canada. The first release will be new music Clint Black, whose first single for the label, “Spend My Time,” is already nearing Top 30 in the country music charts only three weeks after its release. The CD Spend My Time will ship February 3.
According to Mike Kraski, the president of Equity Music Group, said the association with Navarre is a perfect fit for Equity: “I met with several distribution companies who made very flattering overtures, but in the end, Navarre really understands our philosophy, and shows a genuine appreciation for our approach to the artists we are signing—particularly our first artist, Clint Black.”
Eric Paulson, chairman and CEO of the Navarre Corporation expressed his enthusiasm for the new relationship. “We look for many things when associating ourselves with a company,” he said. “With the Equity Music Group, we found a label that has all the key elements in place. Without a doubt they have signed one of the most talented artists in music today. Clint Black gives the label credibility and increases its chance for immediate success. I am also intrigued with Equity’s business model—it is a step in the right direction that is long overdue. Additionally, Mike Kraski is himself one of the most respected people in the business, and the team he has assembled to work with the label is pure quality. It is an association I see lasting for a very long and successful time.
Equity Music Group was formed in July 2003 by partners Mike Kraski, Clint Black, Jim Morey and Charles Sussman. The full-service label has taken a new approach to its relationship with its artists—a partnership. Artists at Equity will own what they create and have the opportunity to be paid from the first Soundscan. –Bob Grosweiner ad Jane Cohen
