Touch and Go ceases distributing smaller labels

Record labels, like any other business, aren't immune from the floundering economy. And, based on many reports from the likes of Time Out and Pitchfork, it seemed as if local indie stalwarts Touch & Go Records had fallen victim to the poor business climate as well. The good news is that the reports of Touch & Go's death have been greatly exaggerated. The label will still continue. However, within that bit information, lies the bad news: Touch and Go will only continue as a label, with Touch & Go Distribution ceasing operation. Amongst the labels being distributed by T&G are bigger labels like Kill Rock Stars and Merge, along with smaller ones like Chicago-based Flameshovel.

Here's the press release from Corey Rusk, head of T&G (via):

It is with great sadness that we are reporting some major changes here at Touch and Go Records. Many of you may not be aware, but for nearly 2 decades, Touch and Go has provided manufacturing and distribution services for a select yet diverse group of other important independent record labels. Titles from these other labels populate the shelves of our warehouse alongside the titles on our own two labels, Touch and Go Records, and Quarterstick Records.

“Unfortunately, as much as we love all of these labels, the current state of the economy has reached the point where we can no longer afford to continue this lesser known, yet important part of Touch and Go’s operations. Over the years, these labels have become part of our family, and it pains us to see them go. We wish them all the very best and we will be doing everything we can to help make the transition as easy as possible.

“Touch and Go will be returning to its roots and focusing solely on being an independent record label. We’ll be busy for a few months working closely with the departing labels and scaling our company to an appropriate smaller size after their departure. It is the end of a grand chapter in Touch and Go’s history, but we also know that good things can come from new beginnings.”