FRENCHKISS RECORDS EXPANDS DISTRIBUTION WITH THE ORCHARD

The Orchard To Provide Worldwide Digital and Physical Distribution for Frenchkiss Records

New York, NY — December 8, 2011 — The Orchard (www.theorchard.com) today announced that Frenchkiss Records has extended its global digital distribution deal to include physical distribution rights, effective January 1, 2012.

Frenchkiss Records (www.frenchkissrecords.com) is a New York-based independent record label founded by Syd Butler in 1999. Named “Best New York-Based Record Label” in its “Best of NYC” 2011 edition by The Village Voice, Frenchkiss is widely considered a tastemaker for independent music. It has released 50 albums since its inception and has discovered talents including The Antlers, The Dodos, Local Natives and Passion Pit to name a few.

“As a longtime partner to Frenchkiss, we’ve enjoyed supporting Syd’s singular vision and have shared in his passion to grow the label,” says Brad Navin, CEO of The Orchard. “We’re eager to expand our alliance to include physical distribution and drive sales and marketing campaigns across all retail channels.”

“I have always felt that The Orchard was an extension of my music family,” says Syd Butler, Founder and CEO of Frenchkiss Records. “We were one of the first labels to sign with The Orchard, and they have always understood our mission, our music and our passion. Growing in tandem with them has been nothing but a wonderful experience, and this next step feels like a natural extension of our relationship. Frenchkiss would not be here without The Orchard.”

The Orchard has been distributing Frenchkiss Records’ digital content since January 2004, when digital music first became influential. For seven years, The Orchard has helped grow Frenchkiss artists through its forward-thinking marketing, innovative technology solutions and outstanding client support.

The label’s decision to move its physical distribution rights to The Orchard comes at an exciting time: 2011 has been a busy year for Frenchkiss, releasing The Drums’ first record under the Frenchkiss label, Portamento, The Antlers’ second album Burst Apart, The Dodos’ fourth album No Color, as well as Young Man’s Ideas of Distance, Cut Off Your Hands’ Hollow and 1, 2, 3’s New Heaven. 2012 promises to be just as exciting, with new releases coming from The Big Sleep, Devin, RACES, Local Natives, Suckers and more to be announced.

About The Orchard^® 

The Orchard, a pioneering independent music and video distribution company operating in more than 20 global markets, provides an innovative and comprehensive sales and marketing platform for content owners. With industry-leading technology and operations, The Orchard’s creative, tailored approach streamlines its clients’ business complexity while amplifying reach and revenue across hundreds of digital and mobile outlets around the world, as well as physical retailers in North America and Europe. The Orchard was founded in 1997 to foster independence and creativity in the music industry. For further information, please visit www.theorchard.com.