Two new deals from the independent digital music aggregator folks at The Orchard, one expanding the reach of its distribution, the other expanding the catalogue it distributes.
The first deal is with Ericsson, who have announced a global deal to distribute full track downloads and master tones from within The Orchard's catalogue. The second is with Sanctuary Music, whose recorded music catalogue will now be distributed in the digital domain by The Orchard.
Here are some quotes.
Claes Odman, Vice President of Multimedia Solutions at Ericsson, told reporters: "This partnership enables Ericsson to distribute music from thousands of independent labels. Ericsson strives to offer operators and their subscribers a great music experience and we are delighted to have signed this contract with The Orchard since it will both broaden and deepen our content catalogue."
Giles Green, Executive Vice President of Sanctuary's digital operations outside of North America, said: "We are very excited to have concluded this deal with The Orchard. The partnership gives us a worldwide digital marketing infrastructure that, combined with our excellent network of independent distributors and licensees, will now be fully able to exploit our excellent schedule of releases and extensive copyrights to their full potential."
And The Orchard's top man Greg Scholl said on the first deal: "Increasingly, the leading technology companies and digital retailers worldwide appreciate the critical role independent music plays in the viability of their products, and more broadly, as the lifeblood that feeds the music industry. Our agreement with Ericsson ensures that our artists and labels can reach a global audience throughout Ericsson's extensive mobile network".
While on the Sanctuary arrangement he added: "Sanctuary is an iconic and enduring independent label that has embodied the entrepreneurial 'indie' ethic. Their roster of established and emerging artists will be a pleasure to work. We look forward to helping Sanctuary push into new frontiers in the digital space by marketing and promoting their great music in new, exciting and innovative ways across our global partner network, from China to Chile, Mexico City to Moscow, and beyond".