Emu Bands
Can you introduce us to Emu Bands. How long have you been running and how did the company come about?
We’re a digital music distribution company. We provide back-end distribution to independent artists and record labels. We’ve been running for 11 years and the company came about from Ally our MD identifying a gap in market – he was managing bands at the time and was trying to get this music onto these services but recognised that there weren’t services out there for independent artists and musicians.
What distinguishes you from others out there?
We focus on having a more transparent pricing model. We charge a one-off fee per release, with no ongoing fees, and we return 100% of the rights and royalties back to the artist so there no commission from our end whatsoever. It’s a lot more simpler a deal and it’s much easier for those starting out, plus there’s no long term commitment.
What’s the background of those working in the company and how does that enhance the company and services you offer?
Our company has a great mix of experience, we’re got artist managers, musicians, gig promoters etc. Most of us have a background in the music industry which is really important.
In a very competitive market, and working with new technologies and services that have boomed in recent years, how do you ensure you stay up to speed and relevant?
Keeping one ear to the ground in the industry is essential, but also listening to our customers and asking what they want too. The industry’s so fast paced that there are some things you can’t prepare for, and there are some things that happen that we have to drop everything for and throw all of our resources at. All of our combined experience and relationships with different sectors in the industry helps us stay ahead of the curve. We can all come together, pick up different elements and bring different experiences to help with that.
Is it important that you bring in and work with new talent?
For sure. It’s important to bring in a new set of eyes and keep getting new perspectives on things. It’s definitely important to keep fresh activity and fresh minds within the business.
Is Glasgow a good city to access new skills and talent?
Yes absolutely. Glasgow’s great because it’s home to such a big amount of the music industry in Scotland. There’s really exciting things happening with the music companies here so the talent that brings through is a great resource, and having the universities in the area is a big factor too.
Which artists do you work with, and where are they based?
Thanks to the great relationship we have with the platforms we distribute to, we get a lot of referrals and get to work with great artists from all over the world, some of these include Kool & The Gang (US), Kita Alexander, and Julia Stone (both AUS), Marjet van den Brand (NL), Benjamin Lasnier (DK), Eric Prydz (SE), and closer to home, Twin Atlantic, Gengahr, Don Broco, and The Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Choir – the latter managed to beat Justin Bieber in the race for last year’s UK Christmas Number 1!
What’s next for you?
We’re launching some significant upgrades to our user dashboard area and welcoming new staff before christmas, thanks to support from Scottish Enterprise & Glasgow Guarantee. Exciting times ahead!