EMI Pacts With Christian Indie Vertical Shift

EMI CMG Distribution and new indie Vertical Shift have signed a worldwide distribution agreement for Christian, general market and digital and mobile outlets.  The new partnership launches with new releases from successful indie bands Re:zound and Ever Stays Red in early 2008.

Ken Mary, President of Vertical Shift Records is a veteran of both mainstream and the Chrisitan comtemporary music industries and his work as a producer and musician has included such diverse artists as Alice Cooper, LaRue, Gene Simmons, Ricardo, Everybodyduck, The Beach Boys, Trik Turner, and Megadeth. The first two Vertical Shift artists will hit on March 11th with Re:zound and Ever Stay Red.  Releases by new artists Kelly Mack, Out of Ruin and Vikki Jordan follow.

Expect more similar deals in the coming year as EMI and other majors try to shore up their declining bottom line by aligning with or  even purchasing independent labels.