There has always been a tension at the heart of Music Distribution: the need for diverse choices for labels versus the allure of scale. Last week’s events have really highlighted the fragility of an ecosystem where the focus on scale has resulted in a distribution landscape dominated by a few …

We’re thrilled to announce our new physical distribution agreement with the iconic Tru Thoughts label. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both companies as we join forces to distribute their physical releases. There really is a certain inevitability about all this. For over 25 years, Kudos and Tru Thoughts have …

What inspired you to start Ostinato Records? The vision was to shine a light on very underrepresented, and even demonized countries, with rich ancient and cultural histories, like Somalia, Sudan, Haiti—places that are very central to the world in many ways but are often presented on the margins as hopeless basketcases. …

Thirty years ago last September, Kudos Records Limited was established to provide “efficient and effective distribution services to a new breed of independent record label”*. Kudos was built on concepts of collaboration, cooperation and innovation. In 1992 we began to collectively represent a handful of quality, niche record labels, most of …

2022 was a major milestone for Kudos as we reached our 30th Birthday.  And as the year draws to a close, the Kudos team wishes to thank all our label and retail partners that have kept us so busy not just this year but over the last three decades. This year …

Thank you to Dr. Riaz Rampuri from Auris Ear Care for his recent visit to Kudos and the stellar service he provided to our staff. Working in music, and as music fans, we know how important it is to take care of your ears. Dr. Rampuri provided ear checks, cleaning …

Congratulations to First Word Records & Poly Kicks After two years as a virtual event, the AIM Independent Music Awards are back at the Camden Roundhouse on September 28th to champion the artists, labels and outstanding individuals in the independent music community.  We’re delighted to see that this year’s nominations include …

How did the label begin? Back in the period 1979–1982, there was a rich, vibrant and dynamic independent arts and music scene in Europe, North America, Japan etc. (post-punk) with relatively low rents in the cities, squatting possibilities and even housing support. This made it possible to produce art with fewer …

Tell us a bit about how Rumi Sounds got started. We founded Rumi Sounds at our record store Lefter Records in Berlin. With many artists and intellectuals leaving Turkey over the past years, Berlin grew into a place with many people interested in music from this part of the word. Rumi Sounds is our answer …

Tell us a bit about the beginnings of SN Variations, how did the label start? I had done an album, some of it recorded in Iceland. The remixes and the new track that followed were deemed too experimental by my then label, so I set up my own label to release them. …

This Friday, Kevin Brennan MP’s Private Members Bill will be debated in the House of Commons.  This Bill is an early response to the #BrokenRecord campaign and the subsequent DCMS Select Committee inquiry into the economics of music streaming. The Bill’s key proposal is the introduction of “equitable remuneration” for …

Shapes of Rhythm are a South-London based record label and radio show run by DJ and producer duo Tom Central and BodyMoves. The label is known for its variety in output, from Jazz to Disco to House, with artists such as Gaijin Blues, sneaky jesus and Octo Champ featuring on …

U-TRAX are a Utrecht-based record label, founded in 1993 by DJ Richard van der Giessen. After taking a prolonged break from the music industry, Richard restarted the label in 2018 with a stronger focus on LPs but still releasing the deep music the label is known for. We chatted with …

Launched in 2012 by DJ Chris Smith, Central Processing Unit (CPU Records) is a Sheffield based independent label specialising in contemporary electronic music. Having just celebrated their 100th release, we caught up with Chris to discuss all things CPU, plans for 2022 and asked what advice he'd give for someone …

Reggae Roast are a record label, events company and soundsystem leading the resurgence of Reggae and Dancehall in the UK. Over the years the label have played host to the likes of Brother Culture, Horseman, Ranking Joe and more; in addition to putting on legendary events all over the UK. …

Glacial Movements is an Italian record label founded by Alessandro Tedeschi (aka Netherworld) specialising in ambient and electronic arctic soundscapes. We sat down with Alessandro to talk over the label's distinct sound and his plans for the future. What led you to start your own record label?  In 2004, I strongly felt …

Lost Futures Lost Futures - a label that explores experimental and often radical approaches to dance music from the past - returns with a record from Cairo based project, PanSTARRS. An assured and intriguing blend of post-punk and electronics, ‘Ghaby Ghaby Ghaby’ is the confident and personal work of Youssef Abouzeid, …

4Bit Productions is a label run by Vienna based artist, composer and sound designer Ulrich Troyer. We sat down with Troyer to talk over his early career, what led him to start his own label and his future plans. It was a pleasure to distribute your reissue of NOK 2020 (originally …

We Jazz As on the previous Bandcamp Friday dates, We Jazz Helsinki are celebrating the occasion by offering a 10% discount with code BCF0421. The code is valid for all items until Sunday night.   Brooklyn based drummer/producer Jason Nazary (of Anteloper) makes his We Jazz Records debut with "Spring Collection", released on 25 June. WJLP33 …

Set up in 2003 by Nicolò (aka Nick) Pozzoli, Record Kicks are a North Italian label championing the funk and soul sound. Record Kicks have been working closely with Kudos Distribution since 2004. Their catalog is a curation of artists old and new, with some of the finest funk, soul, rare …

Gondwana Records Gondwana Records are offering a selection of limited edition vinyl from Matthew Halsall, Mammal Hands, Portico Quartet and more. Also, check out the upcoming release 'Truly' from Caoilfhionn Rose - available to pre-order now. Kitto Records Kitto Records have kindly decided to repress their latest release from Andrew Ashong & Kaidi …

Twenty years strong, Jalapeno Records is a cornerstone of the UK Funk and Soul scene. We spoke with label boss Trevor McNamee to talk over the label’s rich history, successes and plans for 2021. How did Jalapeno Records begin?  The label was launched in 2000 by Elliot Ireland and Alex Rizzo who recorded at …

Happy Bandcamp Day! Here are some special releases, merchandise and discounts from our labels. Gondwana Records Gondwana Records are offering a selection of limited edition vinyl from Gogo Penguin, Mammal Hands and more. Also, check out the upcoming release 'Truly' from Caoilfhionn Rose - available to pre-order now. Freestyle Records Freestyle Records have just …

Happy Bandcamp Day! Here are some special releases, merchandise and discounts from our labels. Gondwana Records Gondwana are running an autumn sale on limited edition tees, totes, slip mats, prints and more! Today is the last day so don't sleep on this. Freestyle Records Freestyle Records have just announced 'Hope' - the new single …

Founded in 2016, We Jazz Records are a label that consistently release forward-thinking, cutting edge jazz music. Based in Helsinki, Finland, the last four years have seen the label cement themselves within the Finnish Jazz scene and beyond. Not only do they own their own record store - a place for …

Happy Bandcamp Day! Here are some special releases, merchandise and discounts from our labels. Freestyle Records Freestyle Records have just announced the upcoming new album from Australian 9-piece Spiritual Jazz group Menagerie. Their highly anticipated third album ‘Many Worlds’ is available for pre-order now on the label's Bandcamp. Banoffee Pies Bristol born, Berlin based …

Wah Wah 45s started in the late 90's as a string of underground parties which were the brainchild of the late Simon Goss and his brother Chris. In '97, they were offered a residency at The Jazz Cafe and the rest is history. The last twenty years have seen Wah …

Happy Bandcamp Day! Here are some special releases, merchandise and discounts from our labels. Banoffee Pies are not holding back this bandcamp day, first up - for a limited amount of time they are offering VIP Membership, at an annual fee of £50 you can instantly get everything they release, and …

Born in Bristol and recently relocated to Berlin, Banoffee Pies is a record label, DJ act and events company set up by Ell Weston (aka DJ Autumn) back in 2014. Over the last six years the label have championed household names and emerging artists, all while sticking to the mantra …

Founded by Justin Mckenzie and Adam Moses in 2003, Jazz re:freshed is a contemporary jazz record label based in London. The label has been home to some of the most exciting talent to come out of the London Jazz scene, (think Shabaka Hutchings, SEED Ensemble, Nubya Garcia, Rosie Turton) but …

Happy Bandcamp Day! Since the first edition back in March 2020, the platform has generated over $75million in revenue on their fee-waiver Fridays going directly to artists and labels affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. To further support artists, Bandcamp have revealed it will host Bandcamp Fridays once monthly for the …

In operation since 2003, First Word Records is a collaboration between music heads Aly and Andy born out of the desire to put out music they wanted to hear. Sixteen years later the label have a diverse selection of talented signees and a string of successful releases under their belt. …

Today, Bandcamp are once again waiving their fees to support artists and labels affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. After the ongoing success of their 24 hour ‘Bandcamp Friday’ events, July sees artists and labels once again offering donations, special merch and more.  This Friday we have lined up five special bandcamp …

Today, for the second time since the start of lockdown, Bandcamp are waiving their revenue share to help artists and labels impacted by Covid-19 cover all those basic yet crucial costs and keep going despite the loss of touring income. Kudos provides a Bandcamp pick, pack and dispatch service for many …

On March 20, 2020, Bandcamp waived their revenue share in order to help artists and labels impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Bandcamp community showed up in a massive way, spending $4.3 million on music and merch—15x the amount of a normal Friday— helping artists and labels cover rents, mortgages, …

Physical Distribution With much of the world currently on “lockdown” as we attempt to manage the spread of the virus, many high street stores have had to close their doors.  This will inevitably impact the ordering habits of stores and the buying habits of their customers but many indie shops are …

The next few months will be very difficult for independent music retailers.  Most (if not all) will need to close their doors to personal callers in order to support social distancing.  “Crate Digging” is not really a suitable activity during this type of viral pandemic!   But the appetite for music will …

Kudos’s physical and digital distribution systems are de-centralised and co-located.  All sales and label managers, developers and account staff are now working from home in order to practice social distancing.  Warehouse staff remain on site in Kentish Town, but the removal of all office staff does significantly reduce personal contact.  …

As you may have seen in the news, Spotify recently floated on the NY stock exchange. Merlin (the rights agency which represents independent labels ) received an equity stake in Spotify at launch and have now disposed of these shares on the open market. Proceeds from this sale have been distributed …

With the likes of Spotify & Apple grabbing all of the headlines recently, we thought we should mention some of the smaller services (covering territories including pan-Asia, Australia, Africa and Russia) that we have recently rolled out integrations with. VKontakte / United Media Agency The agreement, secured via UMA, will allow social …

Kudos Records is 25 years old today. We are good at distributing, but bad at blowing our own trumpet. However, we felt 25 years was a milestone worth celebrating. Over £25M paid out to over 1,000 labels (past and present). 25,000+ releases distributed. 74,000+ digital tracks delivered. 11 current employees, 27 …

  Direct to Consumer sales are now an essential part of any label strategy, both in terms of generating income and developing a customer base. It enables artists and labels to build direct relationships with fans in a way that is simply not possible though the traditional label -> distributor -> …

The IFPI recently published their "State of the Industry" report for 2016.  We were curious to see how closely these industry-wide figures reflect the changes we’re seeing within our niche sector of the music marketplace so we’ve spent some time analysing our sales stats for comparison. Below are a few trends …

Kudos Records is an independent music distribution company (est 1992). We provide physical and digital distribution services to a hand-picked selection of quality, independent record labels. Due to continued expansion, there now exists an opportunity to join our sales and label management team.. Based in our busy Kentish Town office, core responsibilities …

Kudos are happy to announce a new strategic partnership with KDigital.  KDigital will sub-distribute Kudos Records' digital catalogue to local services across South East Asia and the Middle East, including Korea, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Phillippines,  Indonesia, Vietnam, Mynamar, Laos, Cambodia, India, Japan, UAE and Taiwan. Our agreement with KDigital is …

Much of the focus of the ongoing streaming debate has rightly moved away from “how much do these digital services pay?”, to “how much of this money actually finds its ways back to the artists?”. It would seem (judging from the per stream rates reported by some artists) that there are …

As you may have read in the news recently, there is a bit of a dispute brewing between the indie music sector and YouTube over its planned subscription music service. Apparently, YouTube plan to launch a subscription service, where, in exchange for a monthly fee, consumers can watch YouTube music …

In our recent Record Store Day post, we commented that if we really want to support music retail, we need an all round re-appraisal of pricing and discounts. Sadly, the music industry has an inherent inability to optimise prices. The current retail landscape The recorded music market is currently running with two …

Kudos’ physical release schedule will be pretty quiet for the next few weeks. This isn’t a seasonal issue. The early spring sunshine isn’t keeping shoppers away from the high street. In fact, March and April have traditionally been very strong trading months. The cause of this new release drought might …

We are kicking off 2014 with a rash of new label signings! Alala: Alala is the latest label from legendary DJ Bobbito Garcia, known primarily for his radio show on WKCR-NY 89.9 FM in the 90s on which he broke some of today's most well known hip-hop artists alongside partner Stretch Armstrong. …