Southern Records in Chicago has signed exclusive distribution agreements with four new labels. Alien8 Recordings in Montreal is an experimental rock/electronic imprint whose acts include Merzbow and Acid Mothers Temple; it will be distributed by Southern in the U.S.
Three other labels will be exclusive to Southern in North America. Chicago-based hip-hop/electronic label Chocolate Industries has released titles by Funkstorung, Prefuse 73,El-P, DJ Food, Atmosphere and Tortoise. FILMguerrero in Portland, Ore., features cinematic-styled music by Norfolk & Western, Tracker, Holy Sons and Manta Ray. Flameshovel Records is a Chicago-based rock label that is home to Viza-Noir, the Race, Judah Johnson and Low Skies.
