Press

New York / Hannover – December 5th, 2017 – The Orchard today announced a worldwide partnership with German independent label SPV to distribute the company’s legendary catalog digitally. Founded in Hannover, Germany, in 1984, SPV is one of the world’s largest independent rock companies with an expansive catalog including releases by Whitesnake, Sepultura, Kaiser Chiefs, Motörhead, The Game, Alice Cooper, Everlast, Monster Magnet, UFO, Magnum, Prong, Running Wild and The Scorpions.

SPV has several in-house labels, including the groundbreaking metal imprint Steamhammer, as well as Oblivion, Long Branch Records, SPV Recordings, Laute Helden and many more. As the leading independent music distributor operating in more than 30 global markets, The Orchard now looks forward to expanding the reach and impact of SPV, its labels and artists in the digital world.

“It is an absolute honor that SPV has chosen The Orchard to handle its digital distribution worldwide and we are excited to be working with Frank’s great team and fantastic artists and catalogue,” Manlio Celotti, Managing Director of The Orchard Europe, said. “I firmly believe that the constellation we have created provides exactly what SPV and their artists need to reach an even wider audience. We look forward to rocking the digital world and driving growth opportunities for SPV and its artists and labels.”

“We are excited about the new digital opportunities this cooperation offers us and our labels,” SPV CEO Frank Uhle said. “Alongside The Orchard’s centralized platform and passionate global team, we feel that our catalogue is best positioned for a healthy and prosperous digital future.”

“The Orchard could not be more excited to drive SPV’s major upcoming releases and renowned catalog with the digital support they deserve,” The Orchard’s CEO Brad Navin said. “As metal continues to become a major player in the digital landscape, we look forward to working closely with the SPV team to help their artists thrive.”

About SPV

SPV, founded in Hannover in 1984, is now one of the biggest independent Rock companies worldwide. The company has several inhouse-labels, including the legendary “Steamhammer”, as well as Oblivion, Long Branch Records, SPV Recordings, Laute Helden and many more. Over more than three decades “Steamhammer” has released records of artists like Motörhead, Alice Cooper, Kaiser Chiefs, Whitesnake, Saxon, The Game, UFO, Magnum, Prong, Everlast, Blackmore’s Night, Type O Negative, Monster Magnet, Manowar. In 2016 Steamhammer celebrated their most successful year with more than 60 international chart entries, including double Top 10 entry in Germany with new records by Sodom and Running Wild. SPV releases around 130 albums per year.Upcoming Releases in 2018 will include albums by MAGNUM, ANVIL, BULLET, AXEL RUDI PELL, THE OUTLAWS, RUNNING WILD, THE DEAD DAISIES.

About The Orchard

The Orchard, celebrating 20 years in business, is a pioneering music, film and video distribution company operating in more than 30 global markets. With a holistic approach to sales and marketing combined with industry-leading technology and operations, The Orchard amplifies reach and revenue across hundreds of digital, physical and mobile outlets around the world. The Orchard streamlines content owners’ business complexity with an intuitive client dashboard, comprehensive rights management and tailored client support. Founded in 1997, The Orchard empowers businesses and creators in the entertainment industry. For further information, please visit www.theorchard.com.

The Influential Label Signs With The Orchard For Worldwide Digital & Physical Distribution

New York, NY – September 13, 2017 – The Orchard has partnered with groundbreaking indie rock label Triple Crown Records for physical and digital distribution. The partnership comes off the heels of Triple Crown’s Libera Awards win for “Indie Label Of The Year.”

Founded by Fred Feldman in 1997 and based in New York City, Triple Crown is responsible for uncovering several genre-defining acts during its twenty year history. The label is currently buzzing with new releases from Smidley and Free Throw as well as fall tours from momentous artists Sorority Noise, A Will Away and Foxing (touring alongside Manchester Orchestra).

Triple Crown’s extensive catalog includes classics from Brand New, Caspian, The Dear Hunter, As Tall As Lions, The Receiving End of Sirens, Kevin Devine and more.

“Since launching the career of Brand New, Fred and Triple Crown Records have built an enduring music culture and loyal fan base that has stood the test of time,” Alan Becker, SVP of Product Development at The Orchard, said. “In its 20th year, the label continues to sign uncompromising acts that appeal to critics and fans alike. With The Orchard’s expanded services and manpower, we look forward to helping the Triple Crown team reach a wider global audience.”

“2017 is our 20th anniversary, which is crazy! We are very excited about our upcoming release schedule with some established Triple Crown acts as well as new artists we are thrilled to introduce,” Triple Crown Records founder Fred Feldman said. “I believe The Orchard team puts us in the best position to expose Triple Crown and our artists worldwide.”

About The Orchard

The Orchard, celebrating 20 years in business, is a pioneering music, film and video distribution company operating in more than 30 global markets. With a holistic approach to sales and marketing combined with industry-leading technology and operations, The Orchard amplifies reach and revenue across hundreds of digital, physical and mobile outlets around the world. The Orchard streamlines content owners’ business complexity with an intuitive client dashboard, comprehensive rights management and tailored client support. Founded in 1997, The Orchard empowers businesses and creators in the entertainment industry. For further information, please visit www.theorchard.com.

For further information about Triple Crown Records including a full list of artists, releases and tour dates, please visit triplecrownrecords.com

Seki will manage relationships, strategy, sales and marketing for key clients and retail accounts in Japan

New York, NY – August 9, 2017 –The Orchard, a global leader in independent music, video and film distribution, has announced the addition of new staff member Ken Seki as Director, Japan.

In this newly formed position based in Tokyo, Seki will act as The Orchard’s industry representative in Japan, managing relationships with local artists, labels and retailers. With this new role, The Orchard expands its global presence and opens doors to opportunities in this key Asian market. Seki will report to The Orchard’s Vice President of Global Business Development, Tom Wheeley.

“We are beyond excited to welcome Ken into The Orchard’s growing global family,” Wheeley said. “His diverse and dynamic experience in the Japanese market makes him an ideal candidate to promote The Orchard’s business locally.”

Seki has over 25 years of experience in the Japanese music and entertainment business, with a background in recorded music, broadcasting, licensing, publishing and management. Previous to The Orchard, Seki has worked with leading entertainment companies such as YUI Music Factory, For Life Music Entertainment, MTV, Sony, Marvel Entertainment, Omnifone, LINE and more.

About The Orchard

The Orchard, celebrating 20 years in business, is a pioneering music, film and video distribution company operating in more than 30 global markets. With a holistic approach to sales and marketing combined with industry-leading technology and operations, The Orchard amplifies reach and revenue across hundreds of digital, physical and mobile outlets around the world. The Orchard streamlines content owners’ business complexity with an intuitive client dashboard, comprehensive rights management and tailored client support. Founded in 1997, The Orchard empowers businesses and creators in the entertainment industry. For further information, please visit www.theorchard.com.

New Structure to Offer Unparalleled Levels of Service; Local Staff in More Than 30 Markets Worldwide

New York NY, June 5, 2017 – The Orchard is broadening its global leadership in music, video and film distribution through a strategic expansion of its presence around the world that will enable it to deliver enhanced levels of service to the independent community, it was announced today.

Under the initiative, Sony Music Entertainment will combine its regional independent distribution groups around the world into The Orchard, and its various teams will unite as a single global team managed by The Orchard CEO Brad Navin.

The unified company will offer unparalleled levels of comprehensive service to the independent community with global reach and an experienced local staff in more than 30 markets worldwide. This includes in the U.K., where it was recently announced Sony Music’s Essential business will be integrated into The Orchard, as well as in North America where the distribution division of RED, Sony Music’s U.S. independent services company, will be merged into The Orchard. All current RED distribution label managers and account executives will become part of the Orchard team and relocate to The Orchard’s headquarters in New York.

With its new structure, The Orchard now has the capabilities to provide labels and artists from anywhere in the world the full range of label and artist marketing, sales and distribution services, across all formats, platforms and territories.

Working with artists such as Joey BadA$$, Slayer, Daya, Kelsea Ballerini, Flume, Skepta, Diet Cig, OMD, J Alvarez, Negramaro, Jorge & Mateus and Allman Brown, and labels including Thirty Tigers, Metal Blade, Som Livre, Red Bull Records, Mom and Pop, Nuclear Blast, Frontiers Music Srl, Cosmos Music, Frenchkiss Records, Relapse Records, Sugar Music, Gerencia 360, Tropisounds, and Premium Latin, the company represents the best of independent music from all parts of the world.

Stated Navin, “Our newly merged company is unique in structure, scale and reach. Coming together as one company that is both truly global and locally-focused will allow us to take the service we provide to our artist and label partners to the next level. The Orchard is the only global comprehensive digital and physical distribution platform with its own delivery, sales, distribution and reporting systems built specifically for independent clients. With a single deal clients have the ability to deliver their music to every leading global and local digital and physical retailer and reach music fans around the world.”

The joining of Sony Music’s independent distribution businesses comes at a time of accelerated international growth for The Orchard. The company also has been steadily rolling out enhanced tool sets for labels to drive efficiency and revenue. These include source of stream analysis, physical and digital catalogue management, and integrated data feeds to the RoyaltyShare artist royalty accounting platform.

Launched twenty years ago at the advent of digital music, today The Orchard’s platform of technology empowers clients by offering direct control and transparency through The Orchard Workstation. This intuitive set of tools and services of real-time data analytics, royalty services, automated UGC claiming, retail sales, interactive marketing, brand development, digital advertising, synch licensing and performance rights collections is further complimented by experienced globally oriented music professionals.

The Orchard Workstation, available to labels in 10 languages and issuing payments in local currency, provides integrated, state-of-the-art fully customized analytics. Labels may view real time business activity by project, territory, service, and source of stream over any period of time. Marketing events and social feeds may be layered onto graphs for added contextual data.

RED MUSIC – A New Indie Marketing and Label Services Leader

In connection with the creation of the new global structure for The Orchard, RED in the U.S. is being refocused as a dedicated full-service marketing agency and label services company called RED MUSIC. The new RED MUSIC is led by President Bob Morelli and will provide ongoing marketing, promotion, product management and label services support to its existing U.S. label client base now distributed through The Orchard, in addition to offering its suite of services to the wider independent community in the U.S.

RED MUSIC comprises a best-in-class indie marketing and promotion group (formerly ‘Stache Media) as well as a frontline label services group (formerly RAL), which provides Sony Music-backed labels and joint venture imprints with release planning, marketing and radio promotion.

Stated Morelli, “For our label and artist partners in the U.S., we are significantly multiplying the levels of quality service we provide with these exciting new changes. Not only will distribution clients now enjoy unmatched global reach as part of The Orchard under Brad Navin, but also our marketing and label services clients in the U.S. will now receive dedicated attention from the new RED MUSIC to make sure their releases are receiving highly customized solutions for the best possible profile in the marketplace. Taken all together we think this is a win-win for clients.”

About The Orchard

The Orchard, celebrating 20 years in business, is a pioneering music, film and video distribution company operating in more than 30 global markets. With a holistic approach to sales and marketing combined with industry-leading technology and operations, The Orchard amplifies reach and revenue across hundreds of digital, physical and mobile outlets around the world.

The Orchard streamlines content owners’ business complexity with an intuitive client dashboard, comprehensive rights management and tailored client support.

The Orchard Workstation is the industry’s leading client portal that allows labels to create digital and physical products, manage metadata and rights, execute marketing plans, manage physical inventory, and view, export and generate statements. For further information, please visit www.theorchard.com.

About RED MUSIC

RED MUSIC is a multi-faceted label services division of Sony Music. With a label group at the core of the organization, RED MUSIC is home to a diverse roster of artists. RED MUSIC’s marketing department, previously known as STACHE MEDIA, continues to offer premium services in Advertising, Streaming Marketing, Publicity, Brand + Digital Partnerships, Influencer Marketing, and Creative Services. These services, including Radio Promotion support the label group roster, as well as all Sony owned and Orchard distributed labels.

About Sony Music Entertainment

Sony Music Entertainment is a global recorded music company with a current roster that includes a broad array of both local artists and international superstars. The company boasts a vast catalog that comprises some of the most important recordings in history. It is home to premier record labels representing music from every genre, including Arista Nashville, Beach Street Records, Black Butter Records, BPG Music, Bystorm Entertainment, Century Media, Columbia Nashville, Columbia Records, Day 1, Descendant Records, Disruptor Records, Epic Records, Essential Records, Essential Worship, Fo Yo Soul Recordings, House of Iona Records, Insanity Records, Kemosabe Records, Latium Entertainment, Legacy Recordings, Masterworks, Masterworks Broadway, Ministry of Sound Recordings, Monument Records, OKeh, Polo Grounds Music, Portrait, RCA Inspiration, RCA Nashville, RCA Records, Relentless Records, Reunion Records, Sony Classical, Sony Music Latin, Star Time International, Syco Music and Volcano. Sony Music Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America.

LOS ANGELES, CA – June 5, 2017 – The Orchard has acquired all North American rights to Jordan Ross’s directorial debut Thumper, starring Pablo Schreiber (Orange is the New Black). The gritty crime thriller, which debuted at the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival, was written and directed by Ross (Emmy Award-winner for True Life) and also stars Eliza Taylor (The 100), Lena Headey (Game of Thrones), Ben Feldman (Mad Men), Grant Harvey (The Secret Life of the American Teenager) and Daniel Webber (11.22.63). Producers are Fernando Loureiro and Roberto Vasconcellos for Exhibit. Cary Fukunaga (Beasts of No Nation, True Detective) is the executive producer along with Brian Kavanaugh-Jones and Rian Cahill for Automatik. The Orchard is planning a 2017 release.

Set in a town of low-income and fractured families, Thumper is centered around a group of teens that are lured into working for a dangerous drug dealer. A new girl arrives into town hiding a dangerous secret that will impact everybody and change their lives forever.

“Thumper is a movie so real, so authentic in its direction and performances, we were floored this was Jordan’s directorial debut,” said Paul Davidson, The Orchard’s EVP Film and Television. “There’s no doubt that this affecting drama will engage audiences, and we’re thrilled to be working with the entire team on its release.”

“The Orchard is a company whose work I greatly respect,” said Ross. “Their enthusiasm for Thumper is both exciting and humbling as a filmmaker.”

The deal was negotiated by Danielle DiGiacomo, vice president of acquisitions for The Orchard, with UTA on behalf of the filmmakers. Ross is also represented by UTA.

About The Orchard

The Orchard, celebrating 20 years in business, is a pioneering independent film, TV and music distribution company that operates in over 25 global markets. The company, founded as a music distributor in 1997, is a groundbreaking leader in the film and television distribution space, known for its innovative technology that provides filmmakers with up-to-the minute trending data and analytics on their projects. Upcoming film releases include The Hero, Trophy and Super Dark Times. The company’s film division has enjoyed such recent successes as the Academy Award-nominated documentaries Cartel Land and Life, Animated; Taika Waititi’s The Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Academy Award-winner Morgan Neville’s The Music of Strangers, Alex Lehmann’s Blue Jay, Antonio Campos’ Christine and Pablo Larrain’s critically acclaimed, Golden Globe-nominated Neruda. The company is currently in theaters with Oren Moverman’s The Dinner and Jeremiah Tower: The Last Magnificent. For more information on The Orchard, please visit www.theorchard.com.

About Exhibit

Exhibit, co-founded by Fernando Loureiro and Roberto Vasconcellos, is a Los Angeles-based entertainment company dedicated to producing and financing feature films across a variety of genres. Last year, the partners produced the critically acclaimed Sweet Virginia starring Jon Bernthal, Rosemary DeWitt, Imogen Poots and Christopher Abbott, as well as Thumper, starring Eliza Taylor, Lena Headey, Pablo Schreiber. Both premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. Exhibit also executive produced The Little Hours, starring Alison Brie, Dave Franco, Kate Micucci and Aubrey Plaza (premiered at the Sundance Film Festival), First Light with Stefanie Scott, Kate Burton and Kristin Booth and Song of Back and Neck with Rosemarie DeWitt, Robert Pine, Paul Feig and Clark Duke. They are currently in post-production on the film I Think We’re Alone Now directed by Reed Morano and staring Elle Fanning and Peter Dinklage.

New company becomes the UK’s premiere label and artist services firm for independents

The Orchard and Red Essential’s two UK based businesses are to merge, it was announced today [01.06.17].

The newly formed company is to be called The Orchard. Ian Dutt and Mike Chadwick, erstwhile co-Managing Directors of Red Essential, will run the new UK business. Combining the companies harnesses the seasoned expertise of both teams, offering artists and labels an unmatched slate of services including physical and digital, sales, marketing, promotion, synch licensing, neighbouring rights, strategy and analysis in more than 30 markets across the globe.

The amalgamated companies represent decades of success in serving the independent music community, currently fostering partnerships with artists such as 2016 Mercury Music Prize and 2017 Ivor Novello winner Skepta as well as Run The Jewels, Giggs, Joey BadA$$, Lower Than Atlantis, Alter Bridge and Anderson .Paak. There are also ongoing relationships with labels including Cooking Vinyl, Cherry Red, Snapper, Red Bull Records, Demon, Thirty Tigers and the London Symphony Orchestra.

The new company – which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment and will be based in Farringdon, central London – is the leading Artist and Label Services company with comprehensive delivery, owned supply chain, dedicated sales and business development teams as well as distribution and reporting systems designed specifically to provide a consolidated experience for digital and physical clients worldwide. It is unique in structure, scale and reach, bringing expertise and skilled resources to support labels with global reach and in-market expertise.

Jason Iley, Chairman and CEO, Sony Music UK and Ireland, said: “Separately, Red Essential and The Orchard have shown they are two great, innovative artist-focused companies. By partnering, and with the backing of Sony Music globally, the merged business will continue to provide support and benefits to independent artists and labels alike that is unparalleled in the UK.”

Co-Managing Directors Ian Dutt and Mike Chadwick said: “There is no other company that comes close to what we offer. Our team’s expertise and first-class business relationships, combined with the global sales and marketing network and cutting-edge technology, gives our clients everything they need to maximize their success.”

Colleen Theis, Chief Operating Officer, The Orchard, said: “The Orchard has always worked on a global scale. Combining forces in the UK with Red Essential to create a single company with an incredible roster of independent artists and labels allows all of our clients to benefit from market strength and a strong competitive advantage, both at home and abroad. The collaboration will create unique opportunities to market and drive revenue for our clients.”

The Orchard was founded in 1997 by Richard Gottehrer and Scott Cohen. Since then, it has grown from an office on Orchard St in NYC to a global enterprise with more than 300 staff. It was wholly acquired by Sony Music Entertainment in 2015. Essential Music & Marketing was founded in 2003. It was acquired by Sony Music UK in March 2016 and merged with Sony Red to create Red Essential.

CANNES, France – May 19, 2017 – The Orchard has acquired all worldwide rights to director Archie Borders’ forthcoming film Under The Eiffel Tower. Written by Borders and David Henry, the film stars Emmy-nominee Matt Walsh (Veep), Cesar Award-winner Judith Godrèche (L’auberge espagnole), Ary Abittan (Qu’est-ce qu-on a fait au bon Dieu), David Wain (Wet Hot American Summer), Gary Cole (Talladega Nights), Ryan Eggold (The Blacklist) and Michaela Watkins (Casual). Godrèche is producing, along with Michael Fitzer, Stacey Parks and Erin Roark. Executive producers are Paul Davidson, Danielle DiGIacomo and Brad Navin. Currently prepping for a July production start in France, The Orchard is targeting a 2018 release for the film.

A bourbon salesman (Walsh) fighting off 50, unexpectedly proposes and is rejected by his best friend’s 24-year-old daughter under the Eiffel Tower. The soul crushing event sparks a wine-fueled ‘coming of middle age’ jaunt across the French countryside, a surprising friendship with a local footballer (Eggold) and sparks romantic possibilities with a beautiful and independent French woman (Godrèche).

“Under The Eiffel Tower represents the perfect combination of France, wine and a stellar ensemble cast,” said Paul Davidson, The Orchard’s EVP, Film and Television. “We are thrilled to be working with Archie, Judith, Matt, Stacey and the rest of the team to bring this endearing comedy to audiences.”

The deal was negotiated by Danielle DiGiacomo, vice president of acquisitions for The Orchard, with Paradigm on behalf of the filmmakers.

About The Orchard

The Orchard, celebrating 20 years in business, is a pioneering independent film, TV and music distribution company that operates in over 25 global markets. The company, founded as a music distributor in 1997, is a groundbreaking leader in the film and television distribution space, known for its innovative technology that provides filmmakers with up-to-the minute trending data and analytics on their projects. Upcoming film releases include The Hero, Trophy and Super Dark Times. The company’s film division has enjoyed such recent successes as the Academy Award-nominated documentaries Cartel Land and Life, Animated; Taika Waititi’s The Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Academy Award-winner Morgan Neville’s The Music of Strangers, Alex Lehmann’s Blue Jay, Antonio Campos’ Christine and Pablo Larrain’s critically acclaimed, Golden Globe-nominated Neruda. The company is currently in theaters with Oren Moverman’s The Dinner and Jeremiah Tower: The Last Magnificent. For more information on The Orchard, please visit www.theorchard.com.

Leading German and Nordic independent digital distributors join The Orchard’s global team in landmark deal

The Orchard, a global leader in independent music, video and film distribution, today announced that it has agreed to acquire a pair of leading European independent music distributors – finetunes GmbH of Germany and Phonofile AS of Norway – from holding company SendR SE.

Under the deal, both finetunes and Phonofile will become wholly owned subsidiaries of The Orchard, giving The Orchard an expanded local presence in its European operations.

Labels distributed by finetunes and Phonofile will gain access to The Orchard’s enhanced services in over 25 territories worldwide, offering physical sales and distribution, global digital marketing, playlist promotion, interactive marketing, digital advertising, synch licensing, video services, performance/neighboring rights collections, and artist royalty processing and more.

Commenting on the acquisition, finetunes Founder and Authorized Officer Oke Göttlich said, “Today is a big day for our finetunes family. We feel confident that our labels will be best positioned for a healthy and prosperous future alongside The Orchard, who is dedicated to serving independents on a global level.”

“We’re honored to welcome finetunes and Phonofile to The Orchard family. Their addition greatly enhances our local representation in two of Europe’s key digital entertainment markets,” said Brad Navin, CEO of The Orchard. “Both teams are extremely knowledgeable and passionate, and they do an excellent job representing some of the most prestigious and important independent labels in Germany and the Nordics respectively. In joining together, we believe we have an exciting opportunity to provide even greater levels of service and global reach to our local clients.”

“The addition of these two respected companies to The Orchard further establishes our strong service offering across the continent and beyond,” said Manlio Celotti, Managing Director of The Orchard Europe. “The Orchard’s independent spirit and structure makes this acquisition a true ‘win-win’ for all involved. We look forward to driving growth opportunities for the expanded client base both at home and abroad.”

finetunes and Phonofile combined their ownership in 2016 under the SendR umbrella – a holding company that is predominantly owned by finetunes founders Henning Thieß and Oke Göttlich, and that also includes shareholders such as FONO (the Norwegian independent record labels’ association) and NOPA (the Norwegian association for music composers and lyricists).

About finetunes:

We are passionate about music, artists and labels. Since 2003 our focus has been to create fair and innovative music-driven success stories for independent labels and licensing partners. With offices in the UK, USA, France and Germany we aim to provide successful marketing solutions for our products through daily, dedicated work with a personal touch. Transparency and innovation are not just buzzwords but some of the main pillars finetunes as a company is built on.

About Phonofile:

Phonofile (since 1999) is a successful and profitable digital pioneer, and the biggest of its kind in the leading Nordic markets. Our highly skilled team strive to provide independent labels and their artists with the best possible knowledge and tools for understanding and acting in the constantly changing world of digital music. From offices in Oslo, Stockholm, Gothenburg, Copenhagen, London and New York we distribute music from our innovative and ambitious labels to the whole world.

About The Orchard:

The Orchard, celebrating 20 years in business, is a pioneering music, film and video distribution company operating in more than 25 global markets. With a holistic approach to sales and marketing combined with industry-leading technology and operations, The Orchard amplifies reach and revenue across hundreds of digital, physical and mobile outlets around the world. The Orchard streamlines content owners’ business complexity with an intuitive client dashboard, comprehensive rights management and tailored client support. Founded in 1997, The Orchard empowers businesses and creators in the entertainment industry. For further information, please visit www.theorchard.com.

About SendR:

SendR – through its affiliate companies – is a digital distributor and license exploitation enabler. SendR currently enables the non-physical exploitation of more than a million media assets (audio- and video-tracks) with about 450 licensees (including Apple iTunes, Amazon, GooglePlay, Spotify, YouTube etc.). The services offered by its affiliate companies cover the entire value chain for digital media (esp. audio and video) content. Its affiliate companies are both provider and supplier for artists, record labels, licensed digital services providers and private consumers.