SUMERIAN RECORDS Partners With ALTERNATIVE DISTRIBUTION ALLIANCE

Alternative Distribution Alliance (ADA),the independent music distribution arm of Warner Music Group, has announced a partnership with Sumerian Records. Based in Los Angeles, California and Washington D.C., Sumerian Records — which was founded in 2006 by Ash Avildsen — is home to a world-class roster of progressive hard rock music. The label is best known for cutting-edge heavy metal bands, including ASKING ALEXANDRIA, whose 2011 sophomore album went to the Top Ten on the Billboard 200; THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, who issued their first album with Sumerian this spring; PERIPHERY, who placed in the Top 10 on Billboard's Independents chart; and Ice-T's band BODY COUNT, who are due to release their much-anticipated fifth studio album this year. ADA will serve as the exclusive physical and digital distributor for the label in the U.S.

David Orleans, President, ADA, said "Sumerian Records' unique approach to artist development has made the label a major force in the hard rock and metal scene. We look forward to a deep and lasting partnership with Ash and his talented team, as Sumerian continues to grow by signing incredible new bands and nurturing the long-term careers of established names."

Ash Avildsen, Founder of Sumerian Records, said, "ADA's level of passion and determination to work with us far exceeded all their competitors, which was shown by the resources and strategy they offered us as well as the deep absinthe shots they took on empty stomachs at our request when we first sat down for dinner. Sumerian is incredibly excited about our future with ADA. They have the coolest name out of all the distributors so, obviously, this is going to work out perfectly."

Ari Taitz, SVP, Independent Distribution and Strategic Development, WEA and ADA, said "This deal is a great example of our desire to support exciting, visionary indies as they build global audiences and forge prosperous futures. We're honored to be serving a label of Sumerian's caliber, and we're determined to help them reach new heights of success."

In June of 2012, ADA expanded its services to the independent music community by officially joining forces with Independent Label Group (ILG),adding the company's resources and expertise in radio promotion, publicity and marketing to ADA's current offering.

Alternative Distribution Alliance was created in 1993 to focus on the independent music business, where some of the biggest music acts have built their initial followings. Today, Alternative Distribution Alliance is recognized as the leading distributor of independent record labels.