Exclusive: ABC Music signs its full distribution to one label

One of Australia’s largest indies, ABC Music, has ended its distribution deal with New York-based independent company The Orchard.

TMN can exclusively reveal that following a 10-month tender process on Aus Tender, where ABC Music sought both a physical and digital distributor, Universal Music Australia (UMA) won both bids.

The major label has taken over from The Orchard as digital distributor and has resigned its 30-year partnership with ABC Music as physical distributor. This is the first time UMA will represent the entire ABC Music catalogue for both physical and digital releases across all genres.

While ABC Music could not disclose who bid for the two separate appointments, nor the advance UMA paid, the open tender to bidders called for an advance that was both recoupable and non-recoupable. All profits are reinvested in the production of ABC content and programming.

The intended term of the tender for Physical is three years with two subsequent options to extend for a further one-year period (3, +1, +1). The intended term of the tender for Digital is two years with three subsequent options to extend for a further one-year period (2, +1, +1, +1).

Prior to the tender, ABC Music’s digital catalogue was hosted with The Orchard for three years; it had to be transferred and uploaded to Universal Music’s system. ABC Music told TMN that like any transition, there will always be costs associated with that whether they are, time or financial based.

As the physical and digital distributor of ABC Music, one Australia’s largest independent labels, UMA now looks after the full distribution for some of the most awarded artists in their key genres. Its roster features The Wiggles, Lee Kernaghan, Play School, triple j, Kate Ceberano and Melbourne Ska Orchestra, among others.

Natalie Waller, General Manager of ABC Music said in a statement: “I am excited to be continuing our relationship with Universal Music, and appreciate the belief that [Universal APAC President] George Ash and his team have in our ABC artists.

“ABC Music has worked with Universal Music to deliver music in Australia and New Zealand to a wide audience of music fans, and we look forward to seeing this work grow across digital platforms around the world.”

George Ash, President of Universal Asia Pacific added: “The ABC is one of the most successful Australian independent labels of all time and all of us at Universal are proud and honoured to be partnering such a great team with a roster of exceptional artists.

“A huge thanks to Natalie Waller, General Manager ABC Music and Events, and Robert Patterson, Director ABC Commercial, and all at ABC Music for the great relationship. It is a pleasure to be in business with you all and I look forward to many years of success ahead.”