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THE SHREDDERVERSE – The Shredderz have officially been released from Hell. Five musical misfits – Raz, Vincent, Weasel, Donny, Nigel, and their manager Lydia – had a chance encounter with The Devil Himself. This clandestine meeting led to a deal that set The Shredderz on a path to multi-dimensional superstardom backed by the power of darkness. The road, however, was a rocky one mired in misadventure. The consequences of a perilous business relationship with Mr. D landed the band in his fiery lair. Following some deal-altering discussions, The Shredderz have been released back into the metaverse in search of fame and fortune once again. Fans are invited to play a role in their new journey.

“Join us on our mission to unleash a relentless storm of sonic fury upon your ears! We are armed and ready to conquer every corner of the universe with our hell-powered bone-crushing riffs, earth-shattering beats and mind-blowing melodies,” said The Shredderz.

The Shredderz are marking this newfound freedom by opening their virtual world, The Shredderverse, to fans, collectors, and metalheads with the release of a trademark single. “ Shredderz” is a blistering, anthemic headbanger featuring Alex Skolnick. Metal Injection premiered the track which will be available globally on May 5. Neither Skolnick nor Metal Sucks personnel signed any paperwork with the bad guy downstairs.

“If you make a deal with me, you pay the price. I’ll be watching,” said The Devil. 

The Shredderz have enlisted other friends as they make their way toward global domination: Alex Skolnick (Testament), Gary Holt (Slayer, Exodus), Derrick Green (Sepultura), Brandon Ellis (Black Dahlia Murder), George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob), Dan Lilker (Anthrax, Nuclear Assault), Taina Bergamaschi & Jessica DiFalchi (Crypta), Dave Davidson (Revocation), and Jessica Pimentel (Brujeria, Orange is the New Black). All will appear as guests on The Shredderz debut album, due out this summer.

Meanwhile, back in THE UNIVERSE…

The Shredderz is a Web3 native, community-driven, virtual supergroup and PFP project that lives in the metaverse. They have partnered with The Orchard to integrate their vision into the global music and Web3 communities. 

On May 16, at 10AM EST, a collection of 1000  SHREDDERZ ACCESS PASSES will be available to claim for free on NFT Marketplace OpenSea. The Access Pass is a dynamic digital token and the key to unlocking The Shredderverse. By owning a pass, the fan community will be granted access to a gated channel on The Shredderz dedicated Discord server where they will be able to co-write the Shredderz’ narrative alongside the band. Serving as crowd-sourced band co-managers, the Shredderz community will have tangible input on crucial band decisions such as single choice, collaborations, merch design, artwork, touring plans and other factors that play out in real life. Holders will receive priority access to all future Shredderz drops and exclusive content.

The Shredderz is notably the first music project that features automated dynamic NFTs that are directly linked to streaming data. Powered by Web3 services platform blockchain technology Chainlink and The Orchard’s development partner Clique, Access Passes will visually change based on The Shredderz’ streaming performance on major DSPs. As The Shredderz reach streaming milestones, each Access Pass will transform to showcase new art and simultaneously reward community members as new achievements are unlocked. 

Tom Wheeley, SVP New Business, The Orchard said, “The Shredderz are the first virtual band to connect streaming data with a dynamic NFT, facilitated by The Orchard’s existing partnerships with major DSP’s and new relationships with Chainlink and OpenSea. By owning a Shredderz Access Pass, fans will become members of an engaged community that participates in determining the future of the project, and be rewarded for it with both artist access and utility.”

The Shredderz is the collaborative brainchild of veterans of the stage and industry. The Shredderz can be reached at [email protected].

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The Orchard today announced the promotion of Tricia Arnold to Executive Vice President, Global Artist/Label Services and Sales. Arnold is based in New York and will continue reporting to Colleen Theis, President and Chief Operating Officer.

Arnold has served as The Orchard’s SVP, Global Label Management and Sales since 2019. In her elevated role, she will continue to oversee the company’s global distribution strategy and international sales and label services teams. Under Arnold’s direction, The Orchard has achieved unprecedented global success for high visibility releases across the company’s 45 territories worldwide. 

Arnold said, “The Orchard is a true home for creators from across the world. That spirit affects clients and team members alike, fostering an environment for growth. I am proud of what we have achieved over the past 10 years, and look forward to discovering new ways and opportunities for our artist and label clients to thrive on a global scale.”

Theis added, “Tricia has exceptional leadership skills and extensive international experience, the last decade of which she fostered at The Orchard. In this elevated role, I’m confident she will guide our business to even greater heights while continuing to provide the best in class service to our clients and mentorship to our team.”

In 2022, Arnold and her team helped push Bad Bunny’s Un Verano Sin Ti (Rimas Entertainment) to career-high chart positions in 15 territories. She led The Orchard to commercial successes with Nas’ Kings Disease II charting in 12 global territories; Jack White’s Fear of the Dawn and Entering Heaven Alive each charting in over 10 territories; Noel Gallagher’s Back the Way We Came Vol 1 reaching #1 on the UK album charts; and recently RAYE earning her first #1 UK single with “Escapism.” Arnold’s successes with releases from Kelsea Ballerini, Phoenix, Nina Nesbitt, Magdalena Bay, DPR IAN, and $uicideboy$ continue to grow The Orchard’s profile as a global industry leader.

Arnold has been with The Orchard for over 10 years, starting her tenure in 2012 at the Company’s UK office as the European Sales & Distributor Director. Later, she was promoted to Senior Director, Retail Marketing and moved to The Orchard’s New York office. In 2017, Arnold was elevated to Senior Director, Global Sales & Marketing, and was promoted to Vice President the following year, her scope of responsibility expanding to include oversight of international label management. Before joining The Orchard, Arnold began her career at Rykodisc International and helped launch ADA Global across Europe. Today, Arnold’s teams lead global release strategy, client relations, best practices, and communication for many of The Orchard’s artists. Arnold was recently recognized by Billboard in their esteemed Women In Music issue for 2023.

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The Orchard today announced the strategic acquisition of Above Board, a dance and electronic music distribution and artist/label services company. As part of the agreement, Above Board’s roster will have access to The Orchard’s full suite of global distribution and artist and label services. Additionally, The Orchard’s existing clients in the genre will benefit from the expertise Above Board brings to the Company. London-based Above Board Founder and Managing Director Dan Hill will report to The Orchard’s Managing Director Ian Dutt. The team is now based in The Orchard’s UK headquarters.

The partnership marks a new chapter for Above Board. Since its inception in 2007, Above Board has played an integral role in developing some of the UK and Europe’s most prolific electronic music artists including Peggy Gou, Charlotte de Witte, Patrick Topping, Jamie Jones, and Maceo Plex. The Orchard’s infrastructure will enhance Above Board’s already robust service offerings to include cutting-edge technology and supply chain, digital and physical distribution, analytics and business development opportunities, advertising, publishing administration, neighboring rights, and the global reach of teams operating in 45 territories worldwide. In his role, Hill will continue to sign and develop global dance/electronic talent for Above Board, adding to The Orchard’s roster as the Company grows its global footprint in the genre.

Of the partnership, Hill said, “The Above Board team is excited about this new chapter of our company and we are now fully immersed into The Orchard’s ecosystem. The new relationship gives Above Board the global infrastructure and resources to match our artists’ and labels’ ambition, plus gives them the platform to ensure they retain the rights to their music.”

Dutt added: “We are delighted to welcome Dan and his team to The Orchard. Their standing and experience in this genre of music are second to none. It was crucial to The Orchard that we partnered with a company entirely immersed in the culture of electronic music. Collectively we want to make a positive impact in this space by providing exciting, future-facing options for producer and DJ owned independent labels globally.”

The Orchard’s already impressive roster of dance labels includes Liquid State/Dimitri Vegas, Amtrac, TMRW Music Group, Rose Avenue, and more. Recent label signings include Perfect Havoc (UK) and Solomun’s DIYnamic (Germany), among others. These partnerships contribute to the Company’s stature as the leading distributor of EDM in the US*. The addition of Above Board to The Orchard’s family of brands along with key hires in the US and Europe firmly cements the company’s expansion into the dance/electronic music genre.

Hill founded Above Board in 2007, having worked in electronic music since his early teens. His 20-plus years of music industry experience includes record labels, record shops, events management plus club promotion and an unwavering love for the genre.

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Artist distribution and services company Human Re Sources announced today the hiring of Junko Takeda as its new Vice President. Based in Los Angeles, Takeda will report to J. Erving, CEO & Founder, Human Re Sources/Executive Vice President, The Orchard. She will oversee day-to-day label relations of both Human Re Sources’ Los Angeles and Atlanta operations, and continue to build the company’s roster of artist clients with support from The Orchard. 

Takeda comes to Human Re Sources from Warner Chappell Music, where she served as the Head of A&R Operations. She brings her expertise in talent relations and day-to-day operations, boasting a successful track record that spans various sectors of the music business including: radio promotions/sales, corporate communications, global digital business, artist relations, and brand integration. Previously, Takeda worked as Chief-of-Staff at RCA Records, and has held roles at Overbrook Entertainment, Interscope Geffen A&M Records, MTV Networks, and Emmis Communications (KPWR 105.9FM). Takeda has worked alongside creatives like Lady Gaga and Will and Jada Pinkett Smith. She began her career in talent management.

“Human Re Sources has built a true home for independent artists,” said Takeda. “I am excited to work alongside J and the HRS team to connect our dynamic roster of talented artists with fans around the globe.”

“Junko has an amazing track record of elevating artists to the next level,” said Erving. “Having her expertise as we help artists like RAYE and Kelz reach their career goals is invaluable. We are a home for independent creatives and under Junko’s purview, will continue to provide them with the best services possible.”

In December 2020, Sony Music Entertainment acquired Human Re Sources. The company then became part of The Orchard’s global distribution and artist and label services brand. In 2022, the company opened a new workspace in Atlanta, and appointed Mark Jackson as the Head of Atlanta. Human Re Sources has signed and developed artists such as Brent Faiyaz, Cordae, YBN Nahmir, Pink Sweat$, Baby Rose, Bren Joy and added artists like RAYE, who recently solidified her first No. 1 in the UK with the single “Escapism,” Brooklyn-born rapper Kelz, Jensen McRae, and Grammy-nominated Ant Clemons to The Orchard’s roster.

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 The Orchard today announced the promotion and hiring of two key executives to lead strategy for the Company’s offices in New York and Nashville. Mary Ashley Johnson has been elevated to Executive Vice President, Sales and Artist & Label Management, U.S. and Canada. Katie Studley has been named Vice President, Nashville. They are based in New York and Nashville, respectively. Both will report to Colleen Theis, The Orchard’s Chief Operating Officer. 

Collectively, both executives will provide local distribution expertise, release strategy, and regional support to The Orchard’s extensive roster of artist and label clients, while focusing on expanding their reach to global audiences.

As SVP, Sales and Artist & Label Management, U. S. and Canada, a post Johnson held since 2019, she has driven revenue and market share for The Orchard to record highs, while managing teams responsible for client relationships and high level strategy on key releases across the territories. Johnson will continue that trajectory in the EVP position. Prior to joining The Orchard, Johnson spent over 28 years as an employee under the Sony Music umbrella, including 11 years at RED Distribution which was incorporated into The Orchard in 2017.

Johnson said, “I look forward to continuing to deliver record-setting success in both market share growth and artist development for The Orchard and providing best in class service to our clients.”

As The Orchard Nashville’s Vice President, Studley will oversee the office’s day to day operations. Her responsibilities include developing new business relationships as well as providing on the ground support to existing clients in the market, further expanding the company’s presence in Nashville. She will be instrumental in driving The Orchard’s mission of empowering independent creators and entrepreneurs. 

 “I am equally excited to develop new relationships within Nashville’s independent creative communities as I am honored to foster growth for the Orchard’s incredible existing roster. I’ve long appreciated the Orchard’s quality of service and the good people behind it, and I am proud to join their impressive global organization,” said Studley.

Studley joins the Orchard team from a ten year tenure at Jack White’s Third Man Records where she acted as VP, Operations and Marketing Director. In her roles, she assembled a record breaking label team, strategized the diversification of Third Man’s operations, and worked on album campaigns for artists including Margo Price, The Raconteurs, Sleep, Billie Eilish, Coldplay, Paul McCartney, and more. Previously, Studley worked in artist development and marketing at a nascent Thirty Tigers, contributing to the rapid growth of artists like the Avett Brothers and Jason Isbell. Both Third Man Records and Thirty Tigers have distribution agreements with the Orchard. 

“We are proud to appoint these two well-deserving women to key executive roles in the company,” said Theis. “Mary Ashley’s leadership, business savvy, and proven expertise has led The Orchard to unprecedented heights in 2022. In her newly expanded role, she will spearhead even bigger opportunities for our artist and label partners. We’re excited to welcome Katie to The Orchard family. As an instrumental partner on the client side, she comes to us with a deep understanding of our business strategy. Her relationships in the Nashville market and beyond will help us further connect local artists and labels to global audiences.” 

In addition to the new executive promotions, The Orchard celebrated its 25th year with record breaking successes. In 2022, The Orchard had chart-topping debuts from Bad Bunny Jack White, Nas, $uicideboy$, Blxst, Bizarrap, Sturgill Simpson, and Kelsea Ballerini. The Orchard also delivered over 200 Billboard Top 200 releases; its distributed artist and label clients had over 518 billion total streams, and the company’s market share hit an all time high.

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Rapper Inks Global Distribution Deal With The Orchard

Chart-topping Mexican rapper Santa Fe Klan scored his first AMPROFON certified gold record for the hit single “Mar y Tierra,” initially released on April 4th. The song marked the breakout artist’s first entry on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs, with over 65 million streams worldwide. Additionally, Santa Fe Klan recently signed a global distribution deal with The Orchard, a move that will provide him with access to the company’s full suite of services. The Orchard presented the artist (whose real name is Ángel Quezada), with a plaque to commemorate reaching gold status at his recent performance at Arena Ciudad de México in Mexico City. 

Claudia Ochoa, Vice President of The Orchard Mexico said, “We are proud to be a part of the developing history of  Santa Fe Klan. Ángel is an artist with unique talent, and this recognition for “Mar y Tierra ” is the first of the many milestones we will achieve together.”

Santa Fe Klan added, “I am very happy to start this new stage with The Orchard as partners. My music is the most important thing to me, and I will always want to give my best to my fans.”

Hailing from Guanajuato, México, Ángel is an emcee capable of connecting with millions of people through his reality: that of a young man from Santa Fe (the neighborhood where he was born and raised) who explores all the vices and virtues of his neighborhood through music. Santa Fe Klan blends hip hop, Mexican rap, cumbias, accordion, and sonideros to achieve his signature “sound from the barrio.” He collaborated with regional Mexican, EDM, and pop artists, and is actively exploring other musical genres. Santa Fe Klan’s fifth studio album Mundo features ballads and piano songs including “Luka,” a lullaby for his newborn son. Harboring a deep respect for his namesake neighborhood, Santa Fe Klan owns a music studio in Guanajuato where residents – especially young men – have the opportunity to record their music for free. 

In August, Mundo debuted at No. 4 on Billboard’s Latin Pop Albums Chart and sat at No. 11 on the Latin Rhythm Albums and in the top 20 on the Top Latin Albums chart. Santa Fe Klan is the second artist to earn a Latin Pop Albums chart Top 10 appearance in 2022 after his single “Soy” (featured on Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Prologue EP ) landed at No. 8 on the Latin Digital Songs.

Santa Fe Klan told Billboard Magazine,“My songs are emotions and feelings that I write at the moment. Writing for me has been very simple because it’s my truth.”

About The Orchard:
The Orchard, now in its 25th year, is a full-service music distribution company operating in more than 45 cities worldwide. The Orchard’s comprehensive artist & label services offering harnesses innovative technology, transparent data analysis, and expertise to reach fans and grow audiences. Offerings include digital and physical sales and marketing, advertising, sync and brand partnerships, rights management, video monetization, collaborator splits and royalty accounting, publishing administration and more. Championed by an exceptional community of music lovers and experts, The Orchard empowers creators and entrepreneurs to grow and adapt in the dynamic, global industry. For further information, visit www.theorchard.com

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The Orchard today announced Magic Star will become its official global division of children
and family entertainment. Under the new partnership, Magic Star’s roster of children’s brands
will have access to The Orchard’s full suite of artist and label services and global distribution network.

Originally launched in 2019 by Sony Music Entertainment UK, Magic Star developed music and strategy
for celebrated family brands L.O.L. Surprise!, The Rainbow Collections, YolanDa Brown, and more.
Will Speer will spearhead the new division as Managing Director, reporting to Prashant Bahadur,
Executive Vice President and Head of Strategy at The Orchard. Magic Star will remain in London.
The new division will expand upon The Orchard’s current children’s roster, which includes The Wiggles,
The Kiboomers, Rockabye Baby, and Kidsongs to create a robust, expanded global pipeline. Magic
Star will work closely with The Orchard to develop strategy across family entertainment and support new
music releases.

“We are thrilled that Magic Star has joined The Orchard. Our expertise in the kids and family music
space coupled with the existing global infrastructure and leading technology of The Orchard will lend
itself to how we work with our artists and brands. We are looking forward to working with the labels
currently within The Orchard as well as developing new partnerships,” said Speer.

“The Magic Star team has helped build timeless children’s brands that resonate with audiences,” said
Prashant Bahadur EVP, Head of Strategy, The Orchard. “With the new division under The Orchard,
we will continue to build upon the ideas of education, culture, and digital and social tools to reach
children and families on a global scale.”

Magic Star has amassed vast knowledge of the family content marketplace. The brand’s approach to
music release strategies lies within the four pillars of discovery when it comes to kids: educational,
digital, social, and cultural. This offers brands unparalleled expertise in tailored marketing campaigns for
both audio and visual content which specifically target the family audience.

Speer continues, “Kids and family audio consumption grew tremendously during the pandemic. Magic
Star understands that the streaming behavior of children is very different from that of adults. We have a
deep knowledge of how families spend their time as well as how, when, and why they interact with audio
content.”

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About Magic Star:
Magic Star is the Global Division of children’s and family entertainment at The Orchard. Launched in
October 2019 as part of Sony Music Entertainment UK, Magic Star is dedicated to children’s audio and
audiovisual content from pop music and spoken word to live events for the whole family. Magic Star’s
partner offerings include music engagement & marketing strategy, video creation, distribution, brand
partnerships, spoken word production and press/publicity campaigns. www.magicstarkids.com.

 The Orchard and Glassnote Records today announced a global distribution partnership. Under the agreement, The Orchard will provide the indie giant’s full artist roster with a worldwide network of services and capabilities. Started in 2007 by Daniel Glass, Glassnote Records is home to Grammy Award-winning acts like Mumford & Sons and Phoenix, as well as CHVRCHES, AURORA, Two Door Cinema Club, Daughter, and more. The label originally joined RED Distribution, a subsidiary of Sony Music Group in 2008 and now returns to the Sony Music Group family with The Orchard partnership.  

Within the last decade, Glassnote Records garnered success with releases like the Grammy-Award Winning Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix (2009) album by French indie pop band Phoenix; Mumford & Sons’ Sigh No More (2009) and Babel (2012), which won a Grammy for Album of the Year in 2013; and Childish Gambino’s Camp (2011) Because The Internet (2013) and Awaken My Love (2016) albums. 

“The Glassnote Records team has built a home for artists that supports and cultivates creativity,” said Brad Navin, CEO, The Orchard. “As a strategic partner, The Orchard will continue to empower and reinforce their creative vision, and help all artists under the partnership expand their reach in international markets.”

“The Glassnote Team is thrilled to be working with The Orchard,” said Daniel Glass, President & Founder, Glassnote Records. “The global reach and expertise of their team in both digital and traditional distribution will be an asset to our talented roster and the slate of incredible releases we have coming.”

About Glassnote
Glassnote Records is the proud home to Grammy Award winning Phoenix, Grammy Award winning and multi-platinum selling Mumford & Sons, CHVRCHES, AURORA, Two Door Cinema Club, Hamilton Leithauser, Ripe, Daughter, Flight Facilities, The Strumbellas, Dylan Cartlidge, Jade Bird and more. Glassnote has been hailed as the “Best Indie Label” by Rolling Stone, “Label of the Year” at the A2IM Libera Awards, “#1 Independent Label” by Billboard and Pigeons & Planes has described them as “a powerhouse in the world of indie labels.”

About The Orchard
The Orchard, now in its 25th year, is a full-service music distribution company operating in more than 45 cities worldwide. The Orchard’s comprehensive artist & label services offering harnesses innovative technology, transparent data analysis, and expertise to reach fans and grow audiences. Offerings include digital and physical sales and marketing, advertising, sync and brand partnerships, rights management, video monetization, collaborator splits and royalty accounting, publishing administration and more. The Orchard empowers creators and entrepreneurs to grow and adapt in the dynamic, global industry. For further information, visit www.theorchard.com.

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