Another new cross-discipline company for you all now. Alexandre Sap, Leslie Dubest and Fabien Mareau, formerly of Recall, are setting up a new music firm called The:Hours, which will launch in Cannes this week and which will operate as a record label, publishing firm, event production outfit and consultancy. Many of Recall's artists will move to the new company, which will also sign new talent – distribution will be via a partnership with Universal. The whole venture will launch at a part at the Cannes Film Festival on 23 May.
Confirming the new venture, Sap told CMU: "There has never been a moment in history where running an independent music label has been any tougher than the present. Major labels are investing less money into developing artists and more money into proven pop stars, while digital downloading is turning the industry upside down. Despite the ever-changing record label model, one thing does remain constant: good music. There will always e good music and the need for truly ambitious and creative entrepreneurs to help spread the message".
As well as looking for new opportunities in the music space, the new company will also support the Pure Project Amazon reforestation programme, with a commitment to use only recyclable material on the label's releases, and to plant a tree for each record sold on selected releases.