After 15 years of releasing records through both major and independent labels, Ben Kweller has announced the formation of his own label, The Noise Company. The Austin-based label will be home to all future Kweller releases, beginning with his infectious new album, Go Fly A Kite, set to hit stores February 10, 2012.
“When I signed my first record deal 15 years ago, many artists had little understanding of, or interest in, the contracts that would eventually bind their musical future,” says Kweller. “I was one of those artists. Fortunately, I’ve been lucky to make my music with little interference. I’ve worked with some great people, most of whom I remain friends with today. Unfortunately, we’ve all been operating within an antiquated system that doesn’t work anymore. The Noise Co. is another step in creating my own system. It gives me the opportunity to work directly with people in the industry who were previously ‘off-limits’.
He laughs, “There’s a lot of geeky stuff involved, but as a die-hard music junkie and record collector, these things get me excited!” He adds, “It’s the real deal, not just an artist self-releasing his music. We have a real staff, real funding, real distribution, and I look forward to eventually helping other artists achieve their goals too.”
Distibuted by ADA in the US, the label will have a global presence as well, having already secured deals with Lively Up in Japan and Shock in Australia.
“I’m ecstatic that Shock is our distribution partner in Australia. Over the years we’ve developed such a great working relationship and now we’re taking it to the next level with the launch of my label, The Noise Company. 2012 is gonna be a great year!”
Shock Record’s General Manager, Leigh Gruppetta, adds “Ben’s progressive approach to reaching his audience is music to our ears! And having enjoyed such great success with Ben in the past we couldn’t wait to get on board with The Noise Company“.
Kweller concludes, “Business aside, I now have a direct channel to deliver music to my incredible fans.”
Go Fly A Kite will be Kweller‘s fifth studio album and will surely satiate the appetite of those “incredible fans.” The album hits hard with the unforgettably melodic and heartwarming fuzzed-out Rock ‘n’ Roll that first put Kweller on the map with his debut, 2002′s Sha Sha. With Go Fly A Kite, Kweller proves that he has progressed yet managed to keep the deft songwriting sensibility and diversity for which he is known and loved. While appearing effortless, it’s clear how hard he has worked on making one of the finest albums of his career.
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