Nettwerk Inks New U.S. Distribution Deal With ADA And Announces Key Executive Appointments

Currently celebrating its 25th Anniversary, Nettwerk Music Group has announced some exciting changes and additions to the record label, including a U.S. distribution partnership with Alternative Distribution Alliance (ADA) and a number of key senior executive appointments. ADA is the industry’s leading distributor of independent music and video and home to some of the most important indie labels in the business, including Sub Pop, Beggars Music Group, Epitaph and many more. Under the agreement, ADA will handle the U.S. physical and digital distribution of current and upcoming Nettwerk releases, including albums from The Weepies, Great Lake Swimmers, BT, Ladytron, fun. and Angus & Julia Stone, as well as Nettwerk’s catalogue, which includes Skinny Puppy, Delerium, Old Crow Medicine Show, Tiësto, Be Good Tanyas and Hope Sandoval.

Ric Arboit, President, Nettwerk Records says, “Nettwerk has always been about releasing music that we love, and with that comes a strong focus on artist development. We wanted a U.S. distribution partner with not only a similar philosophy, but also one that distributes like-minded labels, and we found that with ADA. We are thrilled to announce this partnership.”

“Our goal at ADA is to partner with independent labels that have a strong culture and sense of mission, and to bring those labels an unmatched set of services that enable them to grow and manage their businesses more effectively,” said Mitchell Wolk, President of ADA. “For more than two decades Nettwerk has proven itself to be one of the premiere companies in the business and we are looking forward to this new opportunity to build and enhance their already impressive ability at finding and developing some of the industry’s most influential indie artists.”

In addition to the partnership with ADA, Nettwerk also announced some key adjustments to its senior executive staff. Dutch Cramblitt has been named VP of Sales and Liz Erman has been named Sr. Director of Marketing & Digital Strategy. Both join Nettwerk from Rhino Entertainment, where they championed releases from the likes of Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson and Eric Clapton, as well as the hugely successful Juno Soundtrack.

Additionally, Eric Fritschi, who joined Nettwerk in 2008 to head the marketing department, has been promoted to General Manager of Nettwerk Music Group. Fritschi is the former VP of Marketing at Warner Bros. Records, where he guided the careers of artists like the Flaming Lips, Barenaked Ladies and Daniel Powter. In his new role, he will direct the overall marketing strategy of the label, including the alignment of all strategic partnerships and the attainment of new talent.

“The business is changing rapidly, and Nettwerk is making every effort to stay ahead of the game,” says Arboit. “It’s great to be attracting executives with such vast experience who also understand the Nettwerk way. We’ve always done things a little differently, and these new players bring a renewed sense of innovation and creativity, as well as strategic sensibilities.”

About ADA
Alternative Distribution Alliance was created in 1993 to focus on the independent music market, where some of the biggest music acts have always built their initial followings. Today, Alternative Distribution Alliance is recognized as the leading distributor of independent record labels, handling labels such as Sub Pop, Beggars Music Group, Epitaph, Comedy Central, Hopeless, Dangerbird, Secretly Canadian, Nettwerk, Side One/Dummy, Fearless and Polyvinyl. http://ada-music.com/

About Nettwerk Records
For the past 25 years, Nettwerk Records has stood by one simple statement: We Release Music That We Love. With this declaration as our guide, plus a creative, strategic and passionate staff in North America and Europe, what started in Terry McBride's Vancouver apartment two and a half decades ago has morphed into an international powerhouse. From launching the careers of Sarah McLachlan, Skinny Puppy and Coldplay, to seeking out today's most talented artists like Old Crow Medicine Show, The Weepies, Great Lake Swimmers, fun., BT and Hope Sandoval, Nettwerk Records has released over 400 albums that have amassed worldwide sales in excess of 100 million albums. www.nettwerk.com

###

Nettwerk Media Contact:
Danielle Romeo
Sr. Publicist/Nettwerk Music Group
212-760-1540/romeo@nettwerk.com

ADA Media Contact:
Amanda Collins
(212) 275 2213
Amanda.Collins@wmg.com