Proper Sign Physical Distribution Deal With Reggae-Pioneers VP Records

13 May 2021 - Press release

Covers physical distribution in UK & ROI, with hub services for EU
Notable upcoming releases from Alborosie, Walshy Fire & Kabaka Pyramid
Sees Proper expand into Reggae, Dancehall and Soca, including Greensleeves Records reissues

Proper Music Group, the UK’s leading physical distributor, has signed a deal with pioneering reggae label VP Records to distribute their catalogue in the UK & ROI. The agreement will cover sales, warehousing and logistics, and also includes hub services – delivering product to EU-based distributors.

Making use of Proper’s extensive specialist knowledge in the physical market, the new deal highlights VP Records’ continued commitment to releasing on CD & Vinyl. Notably, their impressive catalogue of high quality reggae products features the likes of pre eminent UK reggae label Greensleeves, new contemporary artists, and in demand classic album reissues.

Tapping into an active schedule of new and re-issue physical projects from VP, the deals debut release will be Alborosie’s incredible new dub album ‘BACK-A-YARD DUB’, the sister project to the ‘Back-A-Yard’ vocal album from roots legends the Wailing Souls. This will be followed by ‘Riddimentary Selection’, a vinyl LP curated by DJ and Producer Walshy Fire (Major Lazer), and a compilation release 'Dancehall Anthems', featuring Kabaka Pyramid and the recent hit “Nice Up The Dance,” a revision of the 1979 Michigan & Smiley classic, produced by Jeremy Harding (Beenie Man, Sean Paul).

Founded in 1977, VP Records expansive catalogue includes some of the best known international artists of the genre, controlling over 25,000 master recordings. With previous releases including Sean Paul, Chaka Demus, Maxi Priest and Shaggy, the deal promises to raise the label’s visibility in the genre, pairing quality releases and expert physical distribution.

Commenting on the deal, Proper’s Managing Director Drew Hill says: “We're delighted to be working with VP to distribute their incredible catalogue of reggae, soca and dancehall music, and look forward to working with them on both classic albums and new frontline releases.”

VP’s label president Randy Chin says, “Proper is known to be the best when it comes to independent music, they share our commitment to selling physical products and we look forward to the partnership.”