Port Washington, N.Y.-based Koch Entertainment Distribution has signed an exclusive U.S. distribution agreement with Cooking Vinyl USA. The label, founded in 1986 in the U.K., has released albums from Echo & the Bunnymen, Ron Sexsmith, Camper Von Beethoven, the Mekons and the Autumn Defense, among others. Koch will begin distributing Cooking Vinyl releases on April 1.
This marks the Cooking Vinyl’s first foray in the States as a stand-alone company. Previously, its releases went through New York-based SpinArt, which is handled by Ryko Distribution. Jeremy Morrison, CEO of Cooking Vinyl’s U.S. operation, says the new deal is a step toward becoming a full-service label in the States.
Among the titles Koch will distribute in 2005 are new releases from Echo & the Bunnymen and Richard Thompson, as well as reissues from Killing Joke. Koch will also handle the 45-title catalog of Cooking Vinyl USA.
Thus far, Cooking Vinyl has primarily focused on the U.K. market, where the label has issued albums from Michelle Shocked, the Cowboy Junkies and Billy Bragg, among others.
