EMI to distribute Welk labels

Artists include Joan Baez, Gibson brothers

By GORDON MASSON

LONDON — Independent record company Welk Music Group, which includes the Vanguard, Sugar Hill and Ranwood labels, has agreed a deal to allow EMI Music to provide sales and distribution services for both its digital and physical product on a worldwide basis.

Financial details were not disclosed, but EMI will also provide licensing and synchronization services on a non-exclusive basis to Welk’s acclaimed roster of artists, who include Greg Laswell, Shawn Mullins, Mindy Smith, Levon Helm, Joan Baez, Kasey Chambers, Gibson brothers, Nickel Creek and Buddy Guy, among others.

Kevin Welk, president of the family owned Welk Music Group, 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.”