Distribution and label services company Kartel has launched a new in-house label and publishing company called EMK, which will focus on electronic music. Its first release will be the debut single from producer Defset.
A label services firm launching its own label might seem counterintuitive. Not so, says Kartel CEO Charles Kirby-Welch. "The recorded music business can be a challenging environment for independent artists and it is vital that real choice exists for creative entrepreneurs", he explains. "We recognise that sometimes just being a service provider and distribution partner is not enough".
"The label services and distribution model is now well adopted by the industry so it seems like the right moment to question the status quo and challenge ourselves to innovate and look ahead", he goes on. "We know that many artists need and want a dedicated team - that is something we experience on a daily basis".
That is the reason for launching EMK, he says. However, "we don't see it as a traditional label, but rather another step forward in our near 20 year journey to promote and support the artists, the music and the culture that we truly love".
Defset's single, 'Deadline', will be released on 2 Mar.