SRH SIGNS MAJOR RECORD DEAL

Scottish Radio Holding (SRH) has signed a ground breaking recording deal with Universal Music Group (one of the worldwide big five record companies). The agreement provides for a flow of new releases from the SRH archives from some of the world’s top recording artists of the last 25 years.

The arrangement gives Universal access, under licence, to the massive `live' concert and studio recordings built up by SRH radio stations over the years and which continue to be added to. These totally unique recordings were usually only broadcast once or twice within a radio marketplace and then left to gather dust.

Now, with the agreement of the artists and record labels concerned, the record buying public can finally have access to, what many believe to be, the largest and richest archive of such material outside the BBC.

The archive contains more than 600 recordings featuring artists such as U2, Rod Stewart, Roxy Music, Elvis Costello, Madness, Thin Lizzy, the Average White Band and Simple Minds. SRH has formed River Records, through which to channel these recordings and release records under its own label on occasion. Jimmy Devlin, the ex Managing Director of Polygram Records will head up the operation under the Chairmanship of SRH Chief Executive, Richard Findlay.

Richard Findlay commented "This is an amazing archive of very high quality which we are enhancing by conversion into digital format. The artists we have been in touch with so far share our enthusiasm and with the support of Universal, whose labels represent a large part of the archive, we believe something of considerable importance can be created. Discussions with other record companies who had artists on their roster at the time recordings were made will follow as appropriate."

Jimmy Devlin said: "This archive presents an incredible opportunity bringing to the public many historically important performances. Featuring some of the worlds most important international artists, recorded at the height of their touring careers, each album will be a truly unique moment in time. I'm particularly pleased to be working with Lucian Grainge, Nigel Haywood and the team at Universal Music who have shown tremendous enthusiasm and support for this exciting project."

Nigel Haywood, UK Commercial Director of Universal Music Group, said: "Having the opportunity to release so many classic recordings from so many talented artists is a genuine privilege. In many cases these recordings have been unknown to fans, music retailers and music lovers. Consequently, their `resurrection from the vaults of time' will be eagerly anticipated by all".