Universal Music Digital Services has struck a deal with legendary roots reggae label Blood and Fire. The deal will involve digitizing the entire Blood and Fire catalogue and making it available across its entire partnership network including, Napster, iTunes, HMV and Virgin digital.
Blood and Fire, launched by reggae lover Mick Hucknall, has established itself as one of the world’s best sources for classic and rare reggae grooves, many of which had thought to be lost for ever. It is via Blood and Fire that the legendary Lee Scratch Perry-produced album ‘Heart of the Congos’ by The Congos re-emerged, plus many a fine dub plate from King Tubby, Vivian Jackson & Prince Jammy. Not only is Blood and Fire run by a team of reggae connoisseurs but they have also held to their vision “To bring the standard of reggae reissues up to the level of the best in jazz, blues and R&B and to ensure that both artists and producers are paid for their work.” Now in the digital space with Universal, they can move even further ahead.
Blood and Fire managing Director Bob Harding says: “We’re confident we have made the right decision in choosing Universal as our digital distribution partner and we’re looking forward to the imminent launch of the Blood and Fire catalogue in the digital domain. We see great advantages in working with Universal in view of their stature as a major and, best of all, the fact that they do not make any distinction between their own proprietary content and licensed content such as ours. So probably for the first time ever we get to operate on a level playing field!”
PJ Dulay of Universal Music Digital says: “We are delighted that Blood and Fire chose Universal Music Digital Services to distribute this important catalogue. Reggae music like many other niche genres has a vast following on the internet and, for the first time, online fans will be able to download this unsurpassed and historic catalogue.
Interest in reggae music will never diminish and with bands like The Dead 60s, Bedouin Soundclash and the recent Damian Marley single ‘Welcome To Jamrock’ emerging, it is fantastic that the new digital generation will have access to the first golden era of reggae online.”