Jazz FM launches third label through Ministry

Jazz FM will launch a new dance record label, Stereo Sushi Records, next week.

The label will release its first album, a compilation of deep house dance music also called Stereo Sushi, on February 4.

Jazz FM hopes to emulate the success of its existing labels – Hed Kandi and Jazz FM – which now account for 60 per cent of the company’s sales.

The album will be distributed by Ministry of Sound under the terms of a deal struck last November, whereby the distribution of all Jazz FM records was taken over by Ministry of Sound.

The new label has bright Japanese cartoon branding and features two characters called ELL and ARR and their pet fish, DJ Stereo Sushi.

Jazz FM chief executive Richard Wheatly says: “We felt there was room in the market for another brand. We hope Ministry of Sound’s reputation will give us a prominent retail presence.”

Hed Kandi, Jazz FM’s first dance label, has launched 22 compilations and sold over 1 million CDs since its launch two years ago (MW July 1, 1999).

The second label, Jazz FM, specialises in modern jazz compilations and this month launched a new title, The Late Lounge.