Last Ride Records Lands Distribution Deal With ADA

Last Ride Records lassos a major label partnership with Alternative Distribution Alliance (ADA) Australia, the independent distribution and label services arm of Warner Music.

Formed out of Newcastle back in 2016, Last Ride Records has built its brand in the world of hard, fast and heavy rock.

The jewel in Last Ride’s crown is Sydney’s SPEED, which is currently unleashing its style of hardcore on international audiences, following a breakthrough top 10 appearance on the ARIA Albums Chart last year with the debut EP Gang Called Speed, debuting at No. 5.

Last Ride’s roster also features rising rockers Nerve Damage and Primitive Blast, legacy hardcore acts No Apologies and Iron Mind.

Additionally, the indie business has managed the Australian vinyl pressings for international acts like No Pressure and Regulate, and, in the live space, booked tours for international bands including Fiddlehead, No Warning and Angel Du$t.

“I’m pumped to be working with the team at ADA to help push the growth of the label, and hardcore as a whole in Australia and New Zealand,” comments Last Ride CEO Tom Maddocks.

“Things have been going crazy for the last few years, and it’s an exciting time here for everyone involved.”

Adds Ben Ralph senior VP ADA Australasia: “Last Ride Records epitomises the independent spirit. Tom has impressively been creating opportunities and growth within the Australian hardcore scene over the last few years and we’re honoured to play a part in continuing Last Ride’s evolution in the region.”

Through the new relationship with ADA Australia, Last Ride is scheduling the release of the debut SPEED album for 2024, plus new cuts from AWOL, Phantoms, Iron Mind and others.

Speed is currently carving it up on the road. Next up, four dates in Japan for the One Blood We Bleed tour, starting with a spot Saturday (Sept. 23) at Bloodaxe Festival.

The band’s 2023 North America tour was captured for the documentary North America Hardcore, streaming now on YouTube.