advertisement
FYI

Mystery Surrounds Indie Vinyl One-Stop, RPM Distribution

RPM Distribution, Canada’s foremost independent distributor of vinyl recordings, is reportedly shutting down its operations, leaving as many as 400 small independent music retailers temporarily wit

Mystery Surrounds Indie Vinyl One-Stop, RPM Distribution

By David Farrell

RPM Distribution, Canada’s foremost independent distributor of vinyl recordings, is reportedly shutting down its operations, leaving as many as 400 small independent music retailers temporarily without a supplier.


Owner Paul Herzog has been unresponsive to inquiries from various news media, including Billboard, and a call from FYI to the company’s Concord, ON headquarters during business hours yesterday was funnelled through an automated switchboard without a response.

The suggestion of the shut-down broke when Digital Music News’ Paul Resnikoff re-printed an alleged letter sent to accounts by Herzog that in part reads: “I regret to inform you that RPM Distribution will be closing all operations effective immediately.  No orders will be processed moving forward, and any existing orders in the system will be cancelled.  All returns on site will be processed and credits will be provided.  New returns will not be issued or accepted.  Limited staff will be here to facilitate and oversee accounts payable/receivables and supplier returns.  Any questions or concerns can be forwarded to info@rpmdistribution.ca.”

advertisement

According to one former client who did not wish to have a name attached, Herzog had discussions with suppliers–including Sony, Universal and Warner, before the issuance of the alleged letter to clients. The nature of the talks would have had to centre on returns on the company’s substantial inventory of records. The same source suggested that Herzog may be in the market to sell his client list, but the veracity of this information could not be verified.

The status of Sound City Music Entertainment, a music and video mail-order business owned and operated by Herzog, is unclear. The company operates stores on the Amazon, eBay and Discogs platforms.

Canada’s two other major vinyl distributors are F.A.B. Distribution and Isotope Music.

advertisement
William Prince

William Prince

FYI

Music News Digest: William Prince Announces National Tour, Abigail Lapell & Julian Taylor Amongst Folk Music Ontario Award Winners

Also this week: 11 music industry associations from across the country converge for Come Together in Toronto , The Trews launch a new album with an intimate event and more.

Juno-winning Indigenous roots singer/songwriter William Prince has just released a new album, Further From the Country, and announced a cross-Canada tour for early 2026. That trek begins in Saskatoon on Feb. 28, closing out at Toronto's Massey Hall (his third headlining appearance there) on March 21, then followed by an April 25 homecoming show at Winnipeg's Centennial Concert Hall. Support act on the tour is Boy Golden, who produced Prince's new record. Tickets go on sale Friday (Oct. 24) here. On Nov. 18, Prince, Boy Golden and Whitehorse play Canadian label Six Shooter’s Cosmic Country Night at Brooklyn's Union Pool.

advertisement

keep readingShow less
advertisement