Futuremusic Presents ::: Digihear? - Ministry Of Sound Buys Hed Kandi from Guardian Media Group Radio Holdings




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CD Spotlight

Once again, William Orbit demonstrates why he is one of the most diverse and provocative electronic music artists today. Hello Waveforms, an ambient excursion with distinctive melodies and thick atmospheres, showcases Orbit's dynamic talents as a performer and producer without conceit. Many of the fragrant tracks including "Sea Green" and "Humming Chorus" are perfect for reflection after a long night in the clubs or looking up at the stars. Just gorgeous. LISTEN!

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John Digweed unleashes a fresh selection of Bedrock classics along side of all new bangers in this relentless mix for AOL DJ Sessions. Released on the new INgrooves digital label. LISTEN!

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As Zoo Brazil and Laid, this Swedish duo have been behind some of the better selling underground house records of the last couple of years. Boy is warm, sensual Deep house wrapped around pulsing four on the floor drums. Slade keeps things raw and stripped back, with skittering old school machine rhythms joining scattered bleeps for a late night jack track. LISTEN!

January 29, 2005

../ Ministry Of Sound Buys Hed Kandi

Ministry Of Sound announced that it has acquired Hed Kandi and Enterprise Records from the Guardian Media Group Radio Holdings for an undisclosed sum. The move is reminiscent of Astralwerk's purchase of Naked Music a few years ago. Both Naked and Hed Kandi established themselves in the marketplace with distinctive illustrated branding and smooth house grooves.

Hed Kandi Branding

Hed Kandi's distinctive branding.

The sudden purchase comes at a time when many were speculating about Ministry's financial status. As the largest independent record label in the UK, Ministry of Sound has consistently been the focus of rumors. Over the the last few years, its been heard that Ministry of Sound is either 1) about to be purchased, 2) lay off the majority of its employees, or 3) go out of business. Without financial details of the arrangement, not to mention the speed of the purchase, it could be that the acquisition did not involve the exchange of cash.

The Future: Naked Music and now Hed Kandi have established a template for the ultimate dance music label exit strategy. License smooth, jazzy vocal house tracks, hire a top illustrator to draw sexy birds, advertise in all the punter rags, and then sell out to a large label. Here's some suggestions for the next startup: Camel Toe Records, Ass Shake Music, Love Potion Number 9 Recordings.

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