More Protein, the U.K.-based label founded by former Culture Club leader Boy George (real name: George O'Dowd), has pacted with the J-Bird Music Group for North American distribution and promotion of its titles. The label began as a Virgin imprint in the U.K., and has since developed a dance music division known as Gross National Product, and a pop/rock division dubbed Things to Come.

"In the U.S. I'm often asked what I've been doing since the '80s! Now you'll know," George said in a statement, in which he is identified as "Father Figure, Creative Force, Piggy Bank, and all-round Pie-Fingerer" of More Protein. "The diversity of our music may well surprise people, but then I've built my career out of surprising people both musically and sexually. You have been warned."

In February, the latest in Boy George's "Essential Mix" (London/Sire) series was the first to be released in the U.S., and was supported by a brief major market DJ tour. The artist's own previously released solo pop and DJ titles will be among the releases through J-Bird, as will albums by More Protein artists El Hula, Kinky Roland, Frostyboy, and AKA. Release dates are yet to be determined.

J-Bird has recently taken steps to shore up its stake in the music business. Late last month, the company declared a 1-for-40 reverse split of its common stock, with the goal of moving its listing from Over the Counter (OTC) trading to Nasdaq's Small Cap index. Other artists currently signed to the label include acclaimed a capella act Rockapella, the John Entwistle Band, former Stray Cats member Lee Rocker, Jimmie Van Zant, and Impulse Ride.