KOCH TO DISTRIBUTE EXPLORE RECORDS

Deal includes much-anticipated Classical reissues from prestigious Decca catalogue

(Port Washington, NY) – May 3, 2006 – KOCH Entertainment Distribution is pleased to announce that it has signed an exclusive distribution deal with Explore Records, a UK based classical record label that aims to explore the large number of existing recordings of rare and unusual repertory which have never been available internationally on CD – or which have only been available for a limited period of time on CD in the past.

Explore Records is launched with a selection of 15 titles which clearly reflects the name and spirit of the label – “Explore” – rarities and sought-after recordings which span over 400 years of Western music – from vocal works by the English composer William Lawes (1602-1645) through large-scale orchestral works by acknowledged modern masters such as Iannis Xenakis (1922-2001).The label’s repertory is not artist-driven although many acclaimed names in their respective fields of musical interest and expertise do appear.   The initial phase of releases is drawn from the Decca catalogue and its various labels; future releases will continue to explore this and other catalogues, crossing genres to embrace jazz and world music rarities. 

This diverse and fascinating repertory is brought together on EXPLORE RECORDS with highly distinctive packaging and liner notes in English, French and German. In the majority of releases the liner notes are the original LP notes - frequently written by acknowledged specialists in the style of music on the disc. Detailed recording information relating to the original release is included and those CDs containing vocal works include sung texts. A second phase of releases is planned for the second half of 2006.

“We are delighted that KOCH is distributing Explore Records in the US, and feel that their experience and commitment across the three major genres of our label – classical, world and jazz – are a perfect fit for us,” commented Cheryl Grant, Managing Director of Explore Records.

“We’re very excited to debut Explore’s high-profile catalogue in the US.  With its diverse repertoire and exquisite packaging, Explore Records will nicely compliment our current classical roster which includes some of the most prestigious classical labels in the world,” added Michael Rosenberg, President of KOCH Entertainment Distribution.   

KOCH Entertainment is the leading and fastest-growing independent music and video company in the U.S. and its operations encompass record and video labels as well as physical and digital distribution companies in the U.S. and Canada. KOCH Entertainment is the market leader among independents in both the U.S. and Canada and its record labels had the largest number of Billboard charting albums among independents in 2004/2005. 
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