Cooperative Music Lures Spunk Records From EMI
By Lars Brandle
Australian hipster label Spunk has left the EMI stable to strike a worldwide deal with Cooperative Music.
Through a worldwide licensing arrangement unveiled this week, Sydney-based Spunk will be worked through Cooperative's label management and marketing team Down Under, and via Cooperative's international network through the rest of the world.
It's a huge coup for Cooperative Music, which launched its Australian affiliate less than a year ago.
Established in 1999 by Aaron Curnow, Spunk has built an enviable roster that currently includes My Morning Jacket, Arcade Fire, Spoon, Joanna Newsom, Sufjan Stevens and the Middle East.
Until now, Spunk had a pact with EMI which dated back to the first quarter of 2006.
"Growing Spunk internationally, and more importantly helping my local artists break into new territories, are two things that I've always wanted to do," comments Curnow in a statement. "Co-Op's international network will provide opportunities to release the music of my local roster across the world, and I'm really excited to see what is possible."
The deal is effective from March, when new Spunk releases from Andrew Bird and Lambchop will hit the streets.
Spunk originally started life as a fanzine and then a part-time tour operator, touring such acts as Guided By Voices, Yo La Tengo, Smog, and Bonnie Prince Billy. This year, Spunk will celebrate its 400th release.
Based in Melbourne, Cooperative Music Australia and its network of labels are distributed by parent company Universal Music in Australia and New Zealand.