Proper inks Tru Thoughts deal
20 October 2017 - Press release- Distribution agreement includes Quantic, Hot 8 Brass Band, Alice Russell, as well as early Bonobo catalogue
- Proper’s Vangel Vlaski takes on new senior business development role
Proper Music Group has signed up independent record label, Tru Thoughts, for sales and physical distribution in the UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
Expanding on an existing relationship, Proper will now work directly with Tru Thoughts’ acclaimed catalogue, fulfilling orders and holding finished goods at Proper’s new 100,000ft² warehouse in Dartford, which more than quadruples the independent distributor’s existing space.
Home to Quantic, Hot 8 Brass Band, Alice Russell and Rodney P, Tru Thoughts was set up in Brighton in 1999 by dance outfit Deeds Plus Thoughts’ Robert Luis and former club promoter Paul Jonas. It quickly became one of the UK’s most respected independent labels, with a roster featuring uniquely talented singers, American brass bands, underground UK hip hop acts and globetrotting dance music producers.
The deal comes shortly before Tru Thoughts 18th birthday. The label is celebrating in style, taking over the Roundhouse for a full day festival on 21 October, featuring live bands, DJs and MCs across three stages, including a headline set from legendary DJ-producer Quantic.
The deal has been completed by Proper’s Vangel Vlaski, who has just been promoted to senior label and business development manager. Having joined Proper in 2011, Vangel has managed clients like Kobalt, Believe and Kartel, and worked on releases from artists including Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Pet Shop Boys, De La Soul, Courtney Barnett, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, and James Vincent McMorrow.
Vangel commented: “It is great to be stepping into a new role in a company that I am so passionate about. I am looking forward to working closely with the amazing team at Tru Thoughts going forward, and, of course, to the Roundhouse birthday party!”
Paul Jonas, co-founder of Tru Thoughts, said: “We’re really pleased to be signing this direct deal with our friends at Proper. They’ve been facilitating and distributing our catalogue for a while, but it’s great to be working directly with them now. With so many exciting albums and campaigns on the horizon, we can’t wait for Proper’s team to get our records in the hands of fans across Europe and further afield.”
Drew Hill, MD of Proper Music Group, added: “I am very proud to welcome such a well regarded label as Tru Thoughts into the Proper family. I look forward to working even more closely with Vangel – his experience and expertise are invaluable to Proper, and I am confident he will thrive in the new role.”
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