By Danica Li
Grim news: Chicago indie label Touch and Go pronounced its distribution arm well and dead in a press release yesterday, with an unknown number of pink-slipped staff to take down their concert posters and fold their vintage T’s. Little known but critical to its operations, the powerhouse’s distribution outfit has provided as many as 20 record labels manufacturing and distributing services since its conception 28 years ago.
The label itself most emphatically won’t fold and will continue to release records from its fabled back catalog. But various media sources are clueless as to whether the imprint will sign any new bands in the future. Small mercy – the records slated for release this upcoming spring season are still getting the greenlight go-ahead. Phew.