Festival Distribution Rolls Up The Tent (Kinda)

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Effective July 1, Festival Distribution will cease to be... at least in the way we're used to it being. The Vancouver-based company, which has been around since '80s, will move its physical distribution to Outside Music and continue on in a online-only capacity. Outside will take over sales and servicing of all Festival-distributed music and Festival will close down its warehouse at the end of August.

A respected FACTOR-recognized distributor, Festival has been home primarily to folk and roots, jazz, world, and blues recordings. Perusing the distributors "top titles" section on its website, you'll find the likes of Ani Difranco, The Wailin' Jennys, James Keelaghan, Tanya Tagaq, Alpha Yaya Diallo, and Shooglenify.

"The alliance with Outside Music is ideal for Festival and we are happy to be working with them,” said Festival Distribution president, Jack Schuller, in today's press release. “Lloyd Nishimura and his team have always been formidable competition. They operate an honest, hardworking and efficient business."

Schuller continued to explain that while Outside will handle the physical side of sales, Festival will concentrate on digital sales and its relationship with festivals. Schuller intends to launch a digital retail site, therecordtent.com, in the near future.

Schuller became a multitasker in recent years, expanding his operation to include label Jericho Beach Music and management company Mainstage, both of which house The Jennys, Tagaq, and Ndidi Onokwulu.

Founded in 1995, Outside distributes several international and Candian indie labels, including Sub Pop, Ninja Tune, Six Degrees, and Mint. It's music label roster includes Jill Barber, The Besnard Lakes, The Sadies, and Oh Susanna.

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