Touch & Go Closing Distribution Arm, Laying Off Staff

An update on the fate of Touch & Go, the Chicago indie that was rumored to be closing up shop earlier today: It’s cutting staff and closing its distribution service (where it worked with labels like Merge and Kill Rock Stars to help get their albums into stores), and will retrench to focus on the business of being a label. The full statement from label head Corey Rusk (via Greg Kot) after the jump.

“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.”

Kot’s blog has a list of labels that worked with Touch & Go.

Chicago indie powerhouse Touch and Go cuts distribution service, staff [Turn It Up]