V2 Launches Indy Label Co-operative

In a move that we’re sure you’ll see more of in our post-European Union and Free Trade world, Richard Branson’s V2 label has launched Co-operative Music aimed at providing pan-European marketing and distribution to a Indy labels

According to Billboard.com, "…Through the new venture, V2 provides back office services for such labels as Wichita Recordings, City Slang and Modular Recordings. V2 will also provide “substantial investment,” according to Vincent Clery-Melin, GM for Co-operative Music."

"Co-operative Music label managers are being appointed in France, Germany, in Holland (for the Benelux region), Sweden (for Scandinavia), Italy and Spain. The executives will play a key role in working the independent labels’ repertoire locally."

“The peculiarities of Co-operative are sets us apart,” says Clery-Melin. “We guarantee in every deal with every label that we will release and work every record in every market….”

"…Initial releases under the new network include sets in the coming months from Mercury Prize-nominated Go! Team (Memphis Industries), Brooklyn trio Nada Surf and Nick Cave collaborators the Dirty Three (Bella Union)."

Wouldn’t US major labels and Indy distributors be smart to offer these kind of services to labels here? Not just sales and distribution, but offer promotion and marketing on a local and  regional level.  There certainly is enough out of work and affordable promo talent available…