Indies To Invade WalMart With “Hits” Series

Some top indie labels may be joining forces to produce a series of hit compilations similar to the hugely popular "Now That’s What I Call Music" line. But instead of pop hits these compilations will feature songs from artists like Bloc Party, the Shins, Bright Eyes, and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah.

"These bands’ records sell really well to a particular audience," Adam Shore, the publicist for Vice Records told EW.com. "But even though these artists are getting all this media exposure, they’re not necessarily crossing over to a very casual record buyer." So the labels are "…partnering with MTV2, and the focus is going to be WalMarts, big box stores, red states,
and TV advertising — to really go beyond…. We don’t really expect indie-rock stores to support this record. It’s for the casual fan.”

Vice plans to release the first disc in July and like the "Now" series, these indie compilations will probably move labels with each release. Though there’s no deal yet, "Matador has expressed interest in putting out volume two, and Sub Pop has shown interest in volume three."