The rumors of Touch and Go Records going out of business is untrue, but the future still looks pretty grim for the seminal Chicago label. Today, Corey Rusk, Touch and Go's founder, announced that the label is cutting manufacturing and distribution services for over 20 independent labels, including Merge, Kill Rock Stars, Drag City, and Atavistic. Not only would this decision affect Touch and Go's ability to maneuver in a troubling economic environment, but this will also certainly affect the labels that might have been dependent on Touch and Go to get their music in stores. On top of this, Rusk states that he will have to trim down his staff of roughly 25.
Sigh. This is truly a sad day for independent music. Here's Rusk's statement in full:
It is with great sadness that we are reporting some major changes here at Touch and Go Records. Many of you may not be aware, but for nearly 2 decades, Touch and Go has provided manufacturing and distribution services for a select yet diverse group of other important independent record labels. Titles from these other labels populate the shelves of our warehouse alongside the titles on our own two labels, Touch and Go Records, and Quarterstick Records.Unfortunately, as much as we love all of these labels, the current state of the economy has reached the point where we can no longer afford to continue this lesser known, yet important part of Touch and Go’s operations. Over the years, these labels have become part of our family, and it pains us to see them go. We wish them all the very best and we will be doing everything we can to help make the transition as easy as possible.
Touch and Go will be returning to its roots and focusing solely on being an independent record label. We’ll be busy for a few months working closely with the departing labels and scaling our company to an appropriate smaller size after their departure. It is the end of a grand chapter in Touch and Go’s history, but we also know that good things can come from new beginnings.
