Independent rock label Sumerian Records has signed a long-term distribution agreement with Virgin Music Label & Artist Services (Virgin Music).
The deal was announced this week by Sumerian Founder and CEO Ash Avildsen and Virgin President Jacqueline Saturn.
The first music under the new pact will come from alternative rock band Palaye Royale.
Sumerian Records is a prominent independent record label, with several recent Grammy nominations, over 2.35 million YouTube subscribers, and over 125,000 TikTok followers.
Sumerian has had recent success in the US with music from the likes of Bad Omens and Nita Strauss.
Under the terms of the agreement, Virgin Music says it will provide the label with a variety of services in support of its releases.
Elsewhere, Sumerian is currently streaming its young adult scripted music drama series, Paradise City, on Amazon Prime, Roku and Tubi.
It is also currently in development on a feature film centered around MTV co-founder Les Garland.
Sumerian also recently acquired the independent comic book and gaming publisher Behemoth Entertainment, which will be rebranded into Sumerian Comics and its new slate revealed at New York Comic Con in October.
Virgin Music Label & Artist Services is a part of Virgin Music Group, the newly formed global division of Universal Music Group.
“We’re honored that Ash and Sumerian are partnering with Virgin Music, and are excited to help bring their label and outstanding roster of artists to new heights.”
Jacqueline Saturn and Matt Sawin
Saturn and Virgin Music General Manager Matt Sawin, said: “Sumerian has established a stellar track record for finding and breaking artists within the rock, alternative and metal genres.
“We’re honored that Ash and Sumerian are partnering with Virgin Music, and are excited to help bring their label and outstanding roster of artists to new heights.”
“Virgin Music and Capitol are two incredibly iconic brands in music. I hope to build Sumerian into that echelon and believe the teams at these companies are the best ones out there right now for me to do it with.”
Ash Avildsen, Sumerian
Avildsen added: “Virgin Music and Capitol are two incredibly iconic brands in music. I hope to build Sumerian into that echelon and believe the teams at these companies are the best ones out there right now for me to do it with.
“They have shown true passion and persistence in getting this deal done as well as a full understanding that Sumerian is much more than just a record label.
“I am honored to call them my new partners and thrilled for the future together. I’d also like to thank Stacy Fass and John Greenberg for their help in the deal making.”Music Business Worldwide
