Help The Independent Labels’ Riot Recovery
The Sony Warehouse Burns, The Community and Independent Music Suffers
The independent label group and distributor PIAS was hit, and hit hard, by the riots in London this week. The Sony warehouse that was burned to the ground was crucial to independent distribution, and saw both important mechanisms and physical copies burnt to the ground.
This act of mindless violence has cost the independent sector dearly, and we know many of our readers are fans and supporters of independent bands, records and labels. Domino and Rough Trade bands have and will continue to dominate the Reading and Leeds line ups as they continue to support the best and most promising bands.
So if you want to support PIAS and independent music, read the official statement below, and if independent distribution and music matters to you we urge you to donate.
(No pressure though, this is purely informative, but it means a lot to us and many others so we thought we’d share the relevant info)
Official Statement issued by [PIAS]
[PIAS] have been overwhelmed by the response and incredible support offered to both ourselves and the labels that we represent here in the UK.
Labels and artists affected by the destruction of the Sony DADC warehouse are faced with incredible pressures on their businesses in respect to the re-manufacture, re-supply and marketing required as a result of the fire. Whilst it is expected that insurance will cover the lost stock, the reality for many labels is that they will not be compensated or insured for an interruption of trade or the additional capital to reproduce the stock that they have lost and the promotion in which they have invested.
[PIAS] have been working around the clock to ensure that the wheels of supply continue to turn as soon as possible. [PIAS] and AIM (Association of Independent Music) have been in dialogue with MCPS, PPL and other companies and organisations to discuss ways in which these additional and un-insured costs can be mitigated.
Additional efforts from [PIAS] range from securing preferential rates with suppliers for affected labels; encouraging digital retail initiatives to drive and promote digital sales whilst physical stocks replenish; conducting negotiations to reduce fees that might be charged to labels in the normal course of business.
The last 48 hours has seen a genuine outpouring of support for the principle of independent labels, artists and repertoire. [PIAS] and our labels have received offers of support from both some of the largest names in the business to individuals, all of which simply want to do all they can to support the continued vibrancy and creativity associated with independent music.
In addition to the efforts to reduce actual costs through negotiation, and in response to the numerous offers of support, benefits, fundraising initiatives etc, [PIAS] have worked in conjunction with AIM to create a fund that companies and organisers of initiatives can contribute to. In this way, we have created a vehicle for enabling those involved to do so safe in the knowledge that such monies will be distributed fairly amongst the most needy labels with the sanction of both [PIAS] and AIM.
Kenny Gates, Co-Founder and CEO, [PIAS] “The fund that is being put together in a matter of hours by [PIAS] and AIM demonstrates once again the strength and solidarity in the independent music community. [PIAS] will carry on engaging, helping and supporting its labels and artists in every way possible. I am very confident that our combined efforts will result in the smallest interruption to our collective business. Again the compassion of our recording artists, our labels and the industry wide support is amazing.”
Whilst the specific details of distribution are yet to be determined and our current priority is to support the immediate needs of the labels and artists that we work with, we are also keen to establish a vehicle for the incredible generosity that has been shown towards our labels and associated artists.
Details regarding how to contribute and who to contact:
Anyone wishing to contact [PIAS] and AIM in respect to this fund should email
labelsupportfund@musicindie.com
AIM/PIAS EMERGENCY FUND BANK DETAILS:
Account Number: 07699611
Sort Code – 18 00 02 – Add any special references
Swift code – coutgb22
Iban – GB91COUT 18000207699611
Please note a combined Press Release is being distributed to all media contacts by PIAS and AIM imminently.
