[PIAS] and Wichita Sign Global Label Deal
- Bloc Party’s Kele, Mariachi El Bronx, Peggy Sue and Los Campesinos among 2011’s releases
Europe’s leading independent music company [PIAS] has signed a deal with Wichita Recordings for the world excluding North America.In the UK, Wichita will be handled by [PIAS] UK’s sales & distribution division, with an option for projects to be upstreamed and supported by the Global Project Management (GPM) team, which coordinates a raft of marketing services on a multi-territorial basis. Outside of the UK, the label’s upcoming releases will be marketed and promoted by [PIAS]’ international network of local offices and affiliates.Wichita is one of the best known independent labels in the UK. The label was founded in 2000 by Dick Green, who before starting Wichita ran Creation Records together with Alan McGee, and Mark Bowen. Over the years Wichita has signed artists such as Bloc Party, Frankie & The Heartstrings, Simian Mobile Disco, The Cribs, Best Coast and many othersThe first Wichita releases through [PIAS] will be the new albums by Mariachi El Bronx and Peggy Sue both scheduled for the 12th of September followed later in the year by albums from Wild Flag, Los Campesinos and Spectrals and an EP by Bloc Party’s Kele. 2012 will see new albums from First Aid Kit, The Cribs and Simian Mobile Disco.Edwin Schroter, [PIAS] Group Managing Director says “We are delighted to be working together with Mark and Dick and the many great artists they represent. I am sure that with their world-class roster and our broad range of services that they can tap into both in the UK and internationally, we can add another chapter to the already impressive Wichita success story”Wichita comments, “[PIAS]' enthusiasm and commitment to the independent sector has always impressed us and we are very excited to start this new relationship. From the outset Wichita has been committed to developing acts internationally as well as domestically and the [PIAS] set up will allow us to pursue these objectives across both our established artists and some exciting new signings.” About [PIAS] Global Project Management[PIAS] GPM is an artist focused solution that centrally co-ordinates, manages and drives the success of projects on a multi-territorial basis. GPM brings together the group’s existing range of in-house services on a multi-territorial basis; this includes traditional, digital & mobile marketing, sync, brand affinity and D2C e-commerce solutions. GPM is supported by significant investment into IT, finance and administrative systems that enable project managers and artists to have clear sight of developing campaigns. Based in London, UK, [PIAS] Global Project Management represents the benchmark for tailored, continuous and artist centered services. About [PIAS] [PIAS] is Europe’s leader in the provision of specialist services for the licensing, distribution, sales and marketing of music, film and comedy on an international basis. [PIAS] is dedicated to providing repertoire creators and owners with specialist, premium level services that enable them to develop and maximise the value associated with their artists, products and brands.Originally founded in 1982 and headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, [PIAS] supplies a range of highly professional services for leading repertoire owners across both physical and digital routes to market. The group has significant operations in UK, France, Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and Ireland. In addition [PIAS] has interests in USA and Australia plus an extensive international network of partners that enables it to offer its services on a truly global basis.[PIAS] also owns premium repertoire and rights through its [PIAS] Recordings stable of labels that includes the Wall of Sound, Different and Play It Again Sam imprints. Additional interests include[PIAS] Comedy and the Strictly Confidential publishing operations and joint venture film companyTwin Pics.