Cherry Red has agreed worldwide deals with Sarah Cracknell, Todd Rundgren, Claudia Brücken, and Bettye LaVette for their forthcoming new studio albums. The company has also entered into new catalogue deals with Bucks Music Group/Onward Music, including legendary artists such as Joan Armatrading and Procol Harum, and Manticore Records, as well as Anthony Phillips (Genesis) and instrumental band Sky, which collectively cover over 100 releases in coming year.
Best known for her vocals in electronic indie dance act Saint Etienne, Sarah Cracknell will release her first solo work since EP Kelly’s Locker in 2000 in early 2015. Supported by to-be-announced live dates, the album will also be available in special deluxe editions.
Known for his work in outfits such as progressive rock group Utopia, and producer credits including Meatloaf’s Bat Out Of Hell, US multi-instrumentalist/songwriter Todd Rundgren will release his latest solo album in 2015. Cementing an ongoing relationship with Cherry Red, including the release of State last year, the album (title to be announced) will see Rundgren out on the road for a series of live dates.
Former frontwoman of synthpop groups Propaganda and Act, Claudia Brücken’s third solo album Where Else will be released on October 6th. A collaboration with co-writer and producer John Williams (Proclaimers, Blancmange, Petula Clark), the album was written and recorded at his studio in North Kensington. Brücken will perform an intimate show at St. Pancras Old Church, London on September 24th.
A recording artist since the age of 16, and nominated in the ‘Contemporary Blues Female Artist’ category of the Blues Foundation’s Music Awards for the last two years, Bettye LaVette will also release her new studio album early next year. Produced by Grammy award winner Joe Henry, who also worked on 2005’s I’ve Got My Own Hell To Raise, the still-to-be-titled album will be accompanied by a live tour.
Cherry Red has also entered into a Europe-wide agreement with Bucks Music Group/Onward Music covering a number of albums from artists such as Procol Harum, Joan Armatrading, and The Move. The deal includes both the most significant works of the artists’ respective careers and previously unreleased material, with deluxe editions planned as part of the reissuing.
In addition, Cherry Red has signed a 25 album agreement with Manticore Records, originally launched by Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s production company, covering works by artists such as P.F.M, Stray Dog, Banco, and Pete Sinfield. Agreed for the world excluding Japan, the deal encompasses the artists’ entire back catalogue with Manticore, with the intention to offer expanded editions.
The company has also signed worldwide catalogue deals with ex-Genesis guitarist Anthony Phillips, covering 20 solo albums, and English/Australian instrumental group Sky for their entire back catalogue, including some previously unreleased material.
Cherry Red’s MD Adam Velasco commented: “Once again we’re delighted to be partnering with such wide-ranging talents, whether it’s for the release of new or catalogue material. It’s also great to be working with the likes of Manticore and Bucks Music/Onward Music to bring consumers renewed editions of these classic works and the ability to hear formerly unreleased gems.”
Sarah Cracknell said of working with Cherry Red: “As a kid I was always buying records on Cherry Red – whether it was Felt, The Pillows And Prayers compilation, the first Everything But The Girl single or strange 45’s by odd bands like Fantastic Something – the label was always present and part of my record collection. As I embark on my second solo record it feels great to be affiliated – hey, signed to – the label that helped set me off on my musical journey.”
On his own deal Anthony Phillips added: “’I’m delighted to be working with Mark Powell at Esoteric Recordings and being reunited with the esteemed Cherry Red Records after my one-off compilation with them in the mid 80s. Their enthusiasm has been both warm and infectious, encouraging me to take the plunge with a new song-based album soon, and I consider myself fortunate to have found such a happy home for my sizeable catalogue!”
About Cherry Red
Cherry Red is a UK independent record label, founded by Iain McNay in 1978. Renowned for its diversity, the label had early successes with artists ranging from the Dead Kennedys to Everything But The Girl, The Monochrome Set and Felt – going on to release the groundbreaking compilation Pillows & Prayers in 1982. As well as a continued commitment to new music, Cherry Red now acts as an umbrella for more than 20 individual imprints and catalogue specialists, including RPM, Reactive, Esoteric, BBR, él and Grapefruit – releasing more than 500 albums each year.
