First, it is extraordinary bad news that Roadrunner Records are closing their UK office. In fact, it seems they are closing just about every office around the world. It is not clear yet how big an impact this will have on their ability to promote the artists on their roster but it can't be good for anyone: for the fans; for their bands; and not least for the people that used to work in those offices. I sincerely hope that this is not just an exercise in asset stripping for short term gain by Warner Music, the parent company.
As far as promoting bands goes, I suspect one casualty will be the Secret Sessions hosted by Real Radio XS. Many (most?) of the bands at Secret Sessions have been by Roadrunner artists and the radio station clearly had a good relationship with the label. Will those sessions continue after the closing of the UK office? I suspect not.
But rather than end with such bad news, I want to finish by turning to a new signing to Roadrunner - none other than the greatest band in the world: Rush. Their twentieth studio album, and their first for Roadrunner Records is out in June but to keep us going, they have released another single from the album: Headlong Flight. If you haven't heard it yet, you can listen on Soundcloud:
Or you can watch the official lyric video:
I love it... but then I would wouldn't I. Let me know what you think.
