Rockbites: Economic downturn prompts Tree Records to close

newsarchive

November 2001 • Rockbites Alternative Daily

• back to November 2001 index

Economic downturn prompts Tree Records to close
27 November 2001

Chicago based Tree Records revealed yesterday that the 2001 economic downturn as well as the decline of indie music specifically has prompted them to close down while they still have resources to handle the transition gracefully. They are selling off existing stock through their Website in reduced-price bundes.
    Another factor in the shutdown, revealed in July, is a long-term struggle with their former distributor. They wrote at the time “For the last year, Tree Records has been in a battle with its former distributor Southern Records over the rights to our albums and the money they owe us. It wasn’t pretty, much mud was slung. All of our funds dwindled as we awaited payment that never arrived. Slowly but surely it became obvious that Tree was never going to make a comeback from this. If Tree is life in full bloom, then Southern is cancer destroying everything in its path.”
    Tree’s artist roster included Julie Doiron & The Wooden Stars, Franklin, Gauge, Healah, K, Pinback, Urban Legends, Jen Wood, and others. Most have already moved on to other labels but some—including Jen Wood, whose new album Traveling Through Roots languishes unreleased—are still looking.
    The owners write “...Tree Records is no longer releasing records. We made this decision earlier this year and we feel it was one of the best things we could have done. With the slowing economy and the general public’s lack of interest in independent music, many indies are having financial difficulties. While this wasn’t the main reason for shutting down, it would have been if we had waited. We had a good run, released a ton of great music, saw the world, and actually had fun doing it. Many of our artists have moved on to other labels and [Tree Records owner] Ken Shipley now works in the A&R department for Rykodisc. If you liked Tree, check out Rykodisc.com and keep up with him as he signs your next favorite band.” | Tree Records | | top of page |

back to November 2001 index

today’s stories •

click for Rockbites Home
	Copyright © 1998 - 2001 M. Jason. All Rights Reserved. Rockbites is not for profit and supports human rights. “Rockbites” and “Alternative Daily” are service marks of Rockbites. All names are the property of their respective owners. Send your feedback or questions to feedback@rockbites.org Send your press releases to press@rockbites.org Rockbites Alternative Daily contact information