Razor & Tie Announces Exclusive Catalog Partnership For North America With ZTT Records And Stiff Records

Razor & Tie has signed an exclusive new multi-year, multi-rights licensing deal for North America with both ZTT Records and Stiff Records. As of March 1st 2013 Razor & Tie will assume all catalog distribution in the United States and Canada.

ZTT Records began life as the definitive label of post-modernist 80’s cool, discovering – and taking to worldwide success – the likes of Art of Noise, Propaganda, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Shane MacGowan and the Popes, The Frames, and 808 State. Stiff Records started off as the ultimate 70’s DIY indie label, with a back catalogue including Kirsty MacColl, Wreckless Eric, Dr. Feelgood, The Plasmatics, Rachel Sweet, Any Trouble, and Tracey Ullman.

Razor & Tie will re-issue ZTT Records and Stiff Records prestigious back catalogue in newly expanded editions this year and will also actively seek licensing opportunities for the catalog. Razor & Tie is also launching new, direct to consumer ZTT Records and Stiff Records online merch stores which will feature an array of newly created, limited-edition items including classic logo shirts and much more to be announced soon. Visit zttrecords.merchnow.com and stiffrecords.merchnow.com.

Razor & Tie has recently succeeded in reinvigorating the catalogs of Emerson, Lake and Palmer and BRAD through extensive reissue and merch campaigns. The announcement was made by Razor & Tie Co-Owners Cliff Chenfeld and Craig Balsam. “We are excited to work with ZTT and their excellent team in reintroducing these two preeminent catalogs to the North American market. We hope to reawaken an interest in the music of ZTT and Stiff artists in their existing fan base and allow their music to energize a generation of new fans.”

Ally Horn, Managing Director, SPZ Group comments, “ZTT arrived in the USA with a bang, with Frankie Goes To Hollywood broadcasting their dιbut single, Relax, from a Sherman tank driving down Sunset Strip. At the same time, Art of Noise hit No. 1 on the Billboard dance chart with Beat Box which, along with its follow-up Moments In Love, would become cornerstones of hip hop and rap. While quintessentially English, Stiff Records’ previous American excursions include game-changing releases by Devo, The Plasmatics and the infamous Akron Compilation featuring The Waitresses. All of which means that – for both labels – a return to American shores is long, long overdue. But if you’re going to do something, you have to do it right. Which is why we’re thrilled to partner with Razor & Tie: a label that embodies the independence of Stiff, the futurism of ZTT and the spirit of adventure of both.”

Source: Razor & Tie