Academy Recordings, described by Board member and Academy Chairman David Ferguson, as "a record company with no A&R department", is an artist-driven, digital only label that enables Academy members to release recordings via The Orchard’s global distribution and marketing platform.

Commenting on the Academy Recordings initiative, Robin Gibb said, “This is a landmark opportunity for Artists and Writers. Unfettered by the demands of the traditional album cycle and label system, I can release any musical idea I choose, in a dialogue with my fans, and actually get paid. This is a serious contender for paving the way of an entirely new approach towards making, marketing and selling music.

Initial participating Academy members include Peter Gabriel (MIDEM’s “Personality of the Year” in 2008), Robin Gibb, Chrissie Hynde, David Arnold, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, Sir John Dankworth, Iain Archer and Will Gregory, each of whom will contribute recordings, along with other Academy Ivor Novello Award-winning members. The label’s debut release will feature a multi-genre combination of newly recorded tracks and previously unreleased archive recordings.

Commenting on the deal, David Ferguson, said, “Academy Recordings represents a new way for our members to get their music to the public in the 21st Century. The Orchard, as one of the world’s leading music distributors and marketers, is a great partner for us, and we are delighted to have signed this agreement with them today. Academy Recordings ensures Artists and Writers maintain complete artistic freedom in releasing their work, and they are more fairly compensated in the process. Our releases will highlight a mix of new works combined with archive pieces that have never been available to the public before. This is a very exciting first step which we believe will strongly benefit the UK Music Writing Community.”

“Increasingly, innovators and entrepreneurs are developing radically new and exciting ways of doing something that has been around as long as humans: communicating emotions and ideas through song. Academy Recordings and the artists it supports promises an exciting new approach for artists to connect with their audiences,” said Greg Scholl, president and chief executive of The Orchard.

About the British Academy of Composers & Songwriters

The British Academy of Composers & Songwriters is the single voice for all music writers. With over 2,000 members, it is the recognised independent trade association for UK music creators.

The Academy recognises the unique talent of those who contribute to the songwriting and composing industry through the annual Ivor Novello, British Composer and Gold Badge Awards. The Academy’s Origin8 and Songwriters’ Academy initiatives aim to encourage emerging writers at the start of their career. 

The Academy lobbies at both a national and international level to protect and strengthen the value of UK music copyright. The Academy equally campaigns to create a better environment in which music writers can flourish and supports its members with a comprehensive range of services.

Academy Fellows: John Adams, David Arnold, Sir Malcolm Arnold, John Barry, Pierre Boulez, Sir John Dankworth, George Fenton, Sir Elton John, Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb, Robin Gibb, Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Peter Maxwell Davies.

About The Orchard®

The Orchard (NASDAQ: ORCD) controls and globally distributes more than one million songs and over 4,000 hours of video programming through hundreds of digital stores (e.g. iTunes, eMusic, Google, Netflix) and mobile carriers (e.g. Verizon, Vodafone, Bell Canada, Moderati, 3). With operations in 28 countries, The Orchard drives sales for its label, retailer, brand, and agency clients through innovative marketing and promotional campaigns; brand entertainment programs; and film, advertising, gaming and television licensing. A pioneer in digital music and entertainment since 1997, The Orchard fosters creativity and independence. For more information, please visit us at www.theorchard.com