Non-traditional record label R2 lets traditional artists profit

R2, a new record label specializing in the promotion of music from the Celtic world, has just made it easier for EU artists to tap into the NA market, by offering its artists a profit-sharing business model.

(Toronto, ON, Canada, June 21, 2002) R2, a new record label specializing in the promotion of music from the Celtic world, has just made it easier for EU artists to tap into the North American market. Founded by Patrick Smyth in May 2002, R2 offers its artists a profit-sharing business model and its consumers a timely source of Celtic music at competitive prices. The labels roster, dubbed The Celtic Connection, includes previously released Celtic favourites, as well as new recordings by emerging artists.

Theres a wealth of outstanding Celtic music that never gets heard on this side of the ocean," said Smyth, President of R2. Typical business agreements in the industry have made it extremely difficult for EU artists to break into the North American market. At R2, our objective is to ensure the artists can thrive here so that we keep this magnificent musical tradition alive."

What sets R2 apart from other record labels is its profit-sharing business model. R2 offers its artists a much greater percentage of the profits with the sale of each disk than is customary in the industry. For the fans, R2 is able to reduce the costs and delays often associated with importing, by manufacturing locally. With a network of contacts across the U.S. and Canada, R2 offers a range of services, including distribution to retail, direct-to-consumer internet sales, marketing and tour management. The Celtic Connection launched with recordings by Scottish performers Calasaig (Near and Far), The Easy Club (Chance or Design), Maggie MacInnes (Spirit of Life) and Kirsten Easdale (Be Not Afraid). Additional releases, due out in July 2002, include Jimi McRae (Earthdance), Peatbog Faeries (Mellowosity), The Easy Club (Skirlie Beat) and Finn MacCuill (Sink Ye, Swim Ye).

Ive been selling my music in Europe for over fifteen years, but have exported very little into North America", said Maggie MacInnes, a vocalist and harpist with three previously released records. R2 finally gives me an economically viable way of penetrating the biggest market for my music in the world."

R2 is an independent record label based in Toronto, Canada, with a North American target. Promoting The Celtic Connection, a collection of albums linked by their Celtic roots, R2 is committed to keeping the tradition of Celtic folk music alive through a business model that is mutually profitable for the artists and the label. The company distributes music and videos in key markets across the U.S. and Canada. R2s website, which includes a sampler CD, can be accessed through www.scotsmarket.com/r2.

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For more information, please contact:

Mary Walsh, Publicist

R2 Records

Tel: (905) 763-4385
Fax: (416) 733-8717

Email: mary@scotsmarket.com