Indie distribution in Canada has a new powerhouse alliance as Toronto's Outside Music and Montreal's Distribution Select agreed to join their music sales forces together, effective Dec. 1. While both are leading distributors, Select benefits from the stability of its owner Quebecor, and the merger will give Outside a stronger position for the future.

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Outside Music distributes many leading indie labels and artists, including Jagjaguwar's Sharon Van Etten and Dead Oceans' Japanese Breakfast, as well as running a label of its own and providing artist management services.

"This coming year we celebrate 25 years of supporting great artists and amazing labels," said Lloyd Nishimura, its president and founder.  "We are happy to announce an alliance that will allow for continued support of our artist and label partners for years to come."

"This is an exciting time for independent music in Canada," said Quebecor Executive Vice President of Music Anne Vivien. "We look forward to building with Outside and their labels, and forging new relationships with labels that are looking for an exciting independent alternative."

Although both companies will maintain their existing offices, Distribution Select Vice-President Christian Breton will be managing their merged sales and distribution from Montreal. "I know that, as a combined force, we can enhance our label support, and maintain great service to our retail partners," he said. Having 14 years of early career experience spent at Outside Music, Breton is in a position to know.

Although Outside will be reducing their staff in the transition, the change should benefit its ability to make more indie music history for Canada. It will also be interesting to see whether cultural impacts occur thanks to Montreal's bilingual French-English scene and both companies' emphasis on physical sales.

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