London Riots Hit Indie Labels
Major record distribution warehouse burns down...
The night of rioting and violence that took place across London and other parts of the UK last night (August 8) has even managed to affect indie music.
Alonside the countless shops, homes and personal property that was trashed or set alight, the Sony DADC warehouse in Enfield was burnt to the ground in the early hours.
The building houses stick from the PIAS group of labels, one of the biggest distributors of indie product in the UK, including the Beggars Group, XL Recordings, Domino, Wall Of Sound, Warp, B Unique, Deceptive, Fabric, Faith And Hope, Kitsune, Mute, Memphis Industry, Rough Trade, Setanta, Soul Jazz and dozens more.
The company said: "PIAS is working closely with SonyDADC who are implementing their emergency plans. PIAS's UK offices in London and all other areas of our business are unaffected. More information will be communicated shortly to all our labels and partners."
Artists potentially affected include Adele, Beirut, Mogwai, The Strokes, The xx, Thom Yorke, The Horrors, Radiohead, Arctic Monkeys, Franz Ferdinand and countless other smaller artists, whose careers rely on the distribution network. It's thought that the Sunday Best, Chemikal Underground and Rock Action labels have been heavily affected, meaning stock by Dan Le Sac Vs. Scroobius Pip and Mogwai could be lost.
Charlie Simpson, whose debut solo album Young Pilgrim could be hit by the fire said, "I'm very upset and frustrated to hear that the PIAS distribution warehouse was burnt down last night. PIAS are a champion for independent artists and music, I'm proud to be part of them. We will support them in any way possible through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the people that have had their families, homes and businesses affected by this terrible situation."
Meanwhile, the clean-up of London has started, with an official group, #riotcleanupuk, tackling one of the biggest trouble hotspots at Clapham Junction at 1pm today (August 9). Kate Nash tweeted: "Heading to clapham now. Everyone meeting there at 1.00. Got my bin bags, need to find gloves."
When the looting hit Camden Town late last night, it was feared that both the Electric Ballroom and Roundhouse venues had been trashed, but in the event only the Electric Ballroom had received some slight damage.
16,000 police officers are expected on the streets of London tonight, while the government hold crisis talks.
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