Chrysalis Records signs global distribution deal with Secretly Distribution – Music Business Worldwide

UK-born Chrysalis Records has formed a global distribution deal with Secretly Distribution covering all physical and digital distribution for the label’s frontline releases in the future.

The deal will see the distribution of new projects from Laura Marling, Emeli Sandé, Ben Harper, William The Conqueror, The Wandering Hearts, and new signings Marika Hackman & Gia Ford, among others, Chrysalis, part of the Reservoir group of companies, said in a Monday (March 13) release.

To mark the new partnership, Chrysalis will release The Endless Coloured Ways – The Songs of Nick Drake, with Secretly Distribution. The first track,’ Cello Song,’ (adopted by Fontaines D.C.) dropped last week.

The album is a collection of 32 of Nick Drake’s songs reimagined by various artists. The album is slated for release on July 7.

Its upcoming release follows Reservoir’s signing of a global publishing deal with the estate of seminal artist Nick Drake in partnership with Blue Raincoat Music Publishing in January 2021.

Now, the deal between Chrysalis and Secretly will see both companies jointly releasing Nick Drake’s reimagined album globally.

“It is a great privilege to be working with the one and only Chrysalis Records, who are independent (again), and who have released so many iconic albums over the last 55 years.”

Darius Van Arman, Secretly Distribution

“I have long been an admirer of the Secretly group of companies and the incredible music that they release on their various labels,” said Blue Raincoat Music/Chrysalis Records CEO Jeremy Lascelles.

“Having gotten to know [co-founder] Chris Swanson, we felt like kindred spirits with a lot of musical taste in common. So, when the moment came to reappraise our global distribution arrangements, it was clear to us that there was no better possible partner.”

Lascelles continued: “Alison Wenham, our COO, has done a fantastic job pulling this deal together with Chris, Darius and the Secretly team, and we think they will provide invaluable support to the Chrysalis roster of artists as we enter an exciting and busy phase of new releases.”

Wenham, a veteran music industry executive, joined the indie label in November 2021.

Secretly Distribution, founded in 1997, serves as a global digital and physical distribution network that offers development, marketing, technology, investment and support to labels and artists, including Secretly affiliates Dead Oceans, drink sum wtr, Ghostly International, Jagjaguwar, Saddest Factory Records, Secretly Canadian, The Numero Group and 37d03d.

Sacred Bones, Captured Tracks, Run For Cover, Rhymesayers, Joyful Noise, Father/Daughter, Big Crown, and Colemine have also worked with Secretly’s distribution team in distributing their works.

Commenting on the deal with Chrysalis, Secretly Distribution co-CEO Darius Van Arman, said:  “It is a great privilege to be working with the one and only Chrysalis Records, who are independent (again), and who have released so many iconic albums over the last 55 years.”

“The Chrysalis ethos has always been about putting artists, art and culture first, which aligns with everything that Secretly Distribution is about. Jeremy, Alison and the whole Chrysalis team are truly dedicated to being the most creatively nourishing home for the artists they partner with, and we’re so honored to be what they feel is the right global distribution platform for their frontline artists.”

Launched in 1968, Chrysalis broke and developed the careers of some of the biggest artists in the ‘70s and ‘80s including Jethro Tull, Billy Idol, Blondie, Pat Benatar, Huey Lewis and the News, Ultravox, Sinead O’Connor, The Specials and The Waterboys, among others.

The company was acquired by artist management company Blue Raincoat in 2016 and re-launched as a frontline label in February 2020.

The sale was part of a more than $200 million divestment package of Warner Music-owned recorded music assets.

Music Business Worldwide