JOHN VARVATOS’ MUSIC BIZ DESIGNS
Fashion designer John Varvatos has launched a record label with Republic Records. The eponymous label, created in a deal negotiated by William Morris Endeavor agent Jon Rosen, will sign acts and release reissues and compilations. Music has always played a big part in Varvatos’ menswear brand, with rock icons like Kiss featured in ad campaigns. One of its New York stores occupies the old space of CBGB; Varvatos also hosts a SiriusXM show. “John is a trend-setter, and his passion for music is inspiring,” says Republic executive vp Charlie Walk. “That was the spark that ignited this partnership.” -Alex Gale
VP LIGHTS A FIRE
Queens-based reggae independent VP Records has relaunched U.K. reggae label Blood and Fire, which shut down in 2007. Known for its reissues of overlooked reggae classics by acts including The Congos and Horace Andy, Blood and Fire was founded in 1993 by Simply Red singer Mick Hucknall and noted reggae historian Steve Barrow, among others. At the resurrected Blood and Fire, Barrow will oversee a dozen reissues, including a 12-inch of Gregory Isaacs’ 1978 single “Mr. Know It All,” scheduled for release on Record Store Day (April 19). “Blood and Fire revived the careers of many unsung producers and performers,” VP CEO Chris Chin said in a statement. “We’re delighted to be working together.” -Patricia Meschino
STUMPF LAUNCHES BOUTIQUE PUBLISHER
Rich Stumpf, formerly of Imagem, has launched Atlas Music Group, seeking to fill a void created by BMG’s rollup of midsize publishers and the dominance of the three majors. Stumpf believes songwriters have lost the personal service supplied by smaller publishers. “I want to build a diversified portfolio with catalog and new songwriters,” he says. “To do this right, you need a certain amount of capital.” He says $100 million should do the trick, and has assembled a group of investors including music players like Aronson Media Ventures and financial players like Goldman Sachs managing director Michael Dawley. Stumpf says all the investors are “passionate about songs, and get that without songs there aren’t other parts of the music industry.” -Ed Christman