28th April 2022 – Downtown-owned FUGA, the world’s leading full-service B2B distributor, today announces a global distribution and marketing services deal with independent Stockholm-based label and creative studio, YEAR0001; who count acclaimed post-punk band, Viagra Boys and pioneering Swedish rapper, Yung Lean, as part of its esteemed roster.
The partnership will see FUGA working across all digital distribution, marketing and label services, including sync licensing and audience engagement, for YEAR0001 releases.
FUGA will additionally take on global physical distribution for YEAR0001, a move that ramps up FUGA’s presence within physical distribution following a series of successes, including Strap Original’s signing TRAMPOLENE, who reached `No.12 in the UK’s official vinyl album chart through FUGA’s recent partnership with leading physical music distributor, Proper Music Group. Proper join FUGA’s existing physical partners, Bertus Music Group in Europe, AMPED/Alliance in the USA, and Metropolitan Groove Merchants in Australia.
Finally, DreamTeam, the London based marketing company, will continue working with YEAR0001 and FUGA on global marketing strategy for the labels’ artist campaigns.
The first new music to be released under the agreement include Yung Lean’s globally acclaimed mixtape, ‘Stardust’, which came out earlier this month; followed by Viagra Boys’ highly anticipated new album ‘Cave World’, set for a worldwide release on July 8th 2022. The triple Swedish Grammy nominee and Impala Album of The Year award-winning punk group are currently touring the US, including an appearance at Coachella Festival, and will be touring Europe in May in the lead up to the album release. They have also just announced a global tour including venues such as London’s O2 Brixton Academy (5000 cap) and New York’s Brooklyn Steel (1800 cap).
Later releases from the label will include albums by Bladee, Ecco2k, Whitearmor from the Drain Gang collective and the new studio album by Yung Lean – a follow up to 2020’s ‘Starz’ – while both Drain Gang and Yung Lean continue on global tours.
The first in a number of hires across the Nordic region, Ebba Guhnby joins FUGA as Business Development Manager, bringing with her a wealth of experience in label management and e-commerce. Following previous roles with The Orchard and Spotify, Ebba’s deep understanding of the Nordic market and knowledge of business growth makes her a crucial addition to the FUGA team.
FUGA’s arrival in the Nordic market is a significant move for the industry powerhouse. Its continued global expansion has heightened in recent months including the promotion of Liz Northeast to UK General Manager, the hiring of Emma Cordell as Senior Communications Manager and the recent announcement of a new Berlin office.
Oskar Ekman, C.E.O of YEAR0001 said: “We’re delighted to be joining FUGA, whose reputation in leading music technology and forward-thinking analytics make them the perfect choice for YEAR0001 artists. Our partnership is the beginning of an exciting new period and we look forward to exploring the vast range of possibilities FUGA offers.”
Ebba Guhnby commented: “YEAR0001 is one of the most exciting labels out there right now, with a roster that features some of the industry’s most progressive artists. Our partnership with them marks a significant step for FUGA and its expansion in the Nordic region. We’re excited to be collaborating with a label that continues to break boundaries and supporting their growth with FUGA’s full-suite of services and technology”
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