Indie Record Labels Devastated By Fire During London Riots

PIAS, a UK distribution company that represents the independent labels XL, Beggars Group, Domino, Rough Trade and nearly 150 more had its three-story warehouse burned down by rioters last night. Several labels lost their entire stock of CDS and vinyl, and many are in danger of shuttering after the loss. With no product, independent record stores will be adversely affected as well.

“It’s really depressing and really shocking” Rough Trade East’ Spencer Hickman told NME. “There’s maybe a hundred labels affected. We’ve got no idea how much stock they’ve got elsewhere. I’m convinced that some labels will go under.

The Association Of Independent Music said in a statement: “What music fans can do to show their support for the indie label community, and help them survive this disaster is to buy a digital download of an album from any one of the digital retailers in the UK, as well as going to their local record store while stocks last. This way, the labels will be able to remanufacture their CDs and vinyl more quickly, to resupply the record shops who are also affected by the riots”.

“This is a disaster for the music community, but with the fans’ help, labels and artists will survive,” said AIM CEO Alison Wenham. “Please show your support for the music community by buying a digital album from an independent label today.”