Essential Signs LA Label Linear Labs

  -          Label Founded by Composer/Producer Adrian Younge (Ghostface Killah)-          Future Albums Include Souls Of Mischief, and Collaborations with Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes and Raphael Saadiq-          Deal Covers Physical and Digital Distribution and Marketing in Europe 31^st July, London:- Essential Music & Marketing has signed LA-based record label Linear Labs for physical and digital distribution and marketing in Europe.The brainchild of composer and producer Adrian Younge, Linear Labs acts as an umbrella for the collaborative works and concept albums built around a specific storyline or theme that he has become known for. At the heart of the label is a commitment to analogue recording techniques in an effort to create modern works that have a timeless quality.Linear Labs is to launch with the August release of hip hop group Souls Of Mischief’s sixth studio album, There Is Only Now, which is themed around the early 90s. Younge is also working on new material with Wu-Tang Clan member Ghostface Killah, with whom he previously collaborated on the mafia-horror concept album Twelve Reasons To Die. Released by Soul Temple Records, and accompanied by a comic of the same name, the album was well received selling over 10,000 units in Europe.Future releases will include a follow-up to Younge’s own Venice Dawn project, and collaborations with Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes and Raphael Saadiq, among others.Inspired by the vinyl culture and the music of its peak, Younge first made a name for himself with his soundtrack work and solo compositions, which have been sampled by the likes of Jay-Z. The 2013 release Adrian Younge presents The Delfonics saw him collaborate with William Hart of the 60s soul singing group. He also operates The Artform Studio in LA, which offers hair and beauty treatments as well as being home to a fully operational record store.

Commenting on the agreement, Adrian Younge said: "We are happy to announce our new partnership with Essential, a brand that encompasses a craftsman-like approach to the marketing and distribution of finer music.  With Essential, our goal is to permeate the silent majority with music that is linear, analog, and tailored for the avid listener."Steve Crane, product manager at Essential added: “We’re delighted to be working with Adrian and Linear Labs, not to mention the many notable artists the label represents. Adrian’s commitment to high quality recordings and his creative vision means that every release is unique, and we look forward to helping him bring those to a wider audience.” 

About Essential Music & MarketingEssential Music & Marketing was founded in 2003 by Mike Chadwick, former MD Vital Distribution, and Martin Goldschmidt, owner of Cooking Vinyl Records.Initially launched to offer marketing and distribution services to select North American independent labels seeking to release across the UK and Europe, the company has grown into one of the UK’s leading independent distributors and service providers.Celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2013, Essential has now partnered with a wide range of independent labels, all of whom utilise the company’s range of bespoke services – from manufacturing and digital expertise, through to creative management, marketing, promotion and sales.In 2012, the company delivered 14 UK Top 40 albums, and in 2013 it scored its first Platinum hit single, Passenger’s Let Her Go, on Nettwerk Records.Essential is a member of the CV Group of companies, which include Cooking Vinyl Records, CV America, Cooking Vinyl Publishing and Cooking Vinyl Property.www.essential-music.com