Linus Adds Stony Plain To Its Rights Mgt. Catalogue

By David Farrell

In a deal between two of Canada’s largest independent record companies, Linus Entertainment, Inc. of Waterdown, ON, has acquired administrative rights to a catalogue of some 200 recordings held by Stony Plain Records of Edmonton.

Describing the acquisition as "a transfer of administrative obligations," the catalogue exploitation is now handled by newco, Stony Plain Rights Management division of Linus Entertainment, effective as of July 1.

Under this joint arrangement, Linus will assume responsibility for administration of Stony Plain's catalogue - Stony Plain's distribution will continue to be handled by Warner Music Canada, ADA (a subsidiary of Warner Music Group - US) and The Orchard (a subsidiary of Sony Music - Global) in addition to existing export and licensing partners around the world.

'We're happy to be working with Geoff Kulawick at Linus Entertainment and proud to be associated with the Linus Entertainment & True North Records team", said Holger Petersen, President of Stony Plain.

"Transferring our catalogue's rights management to Linus Entertainment will ultimately take advantage of their marketing, distribution, administrative capabilities, and efficiencies while providing optimal service to our artists."

"Stony Plain Records, under the leadership of Holger Petersen and Alvin Jahns, has built one of the most important catalogs of North American roots & blues music - it has significant historical value, with iconic artists, multiple Grammy nominations, Juno Awards, Gold & Platinum certifications", said Geoff Kulawick, President of Linus Entertainment.

Petersen will continue to be active in the company working with artists and arranging new recording sessions under the Stony Plain imprint.

The Edmonton-based roots label was founded in 1975 by Petersen and Alvin Jahns, former bandmates who continue to be active partners 42 years later. Stony Plain has won 13 Juno Awards and received 7 Grammy Award nominations.

The label released almost 400 albums by artists including Ian Tyson, Corb Lund, Jeff Healey, Long John Baldry, MonkeyJunk, Sue Foley, Colin Linden, Paul Reddick, Harry Manx & Kevin Breit and Kenny 'Blues Boss' Wayne. Non-Canadian artists include Eric Bibb, Rory Block, Ronnie Earl, Duke Robillard, Maria Muldaur, Jay McShann and Joe Louis Walker.

The catalogue includes titles by Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, Rodney Crowell, Jay Geils and Asleep At The Wheel.

Linus Entertainment is the leading global distributor and exporter of Canadian sound recordings, managing the rights of over 30 labels including True North Records, The Children's Group, Spring Hill Music, Solid Gold, Black Hen and Borealis Records. These labels include catalogue and current titles by Bruce Cockburn, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Gordon Lightfoot, Paul Brandt, Big Wreck, Colin James, Jimmy Rankin, Natalie MacMaster, The Guess Who, Stan Rogers, Jane Bunnett, Chilliwack, Rough Trade, The Wailin' Jennys, Canadian Brass, Classical Kids, Pavlo, Peter Kater, and The Mozart Effect Orchestra.