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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.”

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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.

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Johnny Marr, English singer Morrissey, English drummer Mike Joyce and English bassist Andy Rourke of The Smiths pose for a portrait before their first show in Detroit during the 1985 Meat Is Murder Tour on June 8, 1985 at the Royal Oak Music Theatre in Royal Oak, Michigan.
Ross Marino/Getty Images

Johnny Marr, English singer Morrissey, English drummer Mike Joyce and English bassist Andy Rourke of The Smiths pose for a portrait before their first show in Detroit during the 1985 Meat Is Murder Tour on June 8, 1985 at the Royal Oak Music Theatre in Royal Oak, Michigan.

Rock

Johnny Marr Reveals Why He Turned Down an ‘Eye-Watering’ Amount of Money to Reform The Smiths

Marr and Morrissey have been estranged since the former left the band in 1987.

Johnny Marr has spoken on his decision to turn down an “eye-watering” amount of money to reunite The Smiths, saying that the “vibe” wasn’t right to get the band back together.

Marr was appearing on the Stick to Football podcast alongside former players Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Ian Wright to discuss his affinity with soccer club Manchester City and his role as guitarist in one of indie music’s most legendary bands.

This article was first published by Billboard U.S.
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