-          New studio albums from Chris Thompson, Pete Molinari, and Dodgy

-          Catalogue release and new studio album from John Lodge (The Moody Blues)

-          Additional catalogue purchases from Blaylock Management and Your Music Publishing

26th MARCH 2014, London:- Cherry Red has secured new studio albums from singer/guitarist Chris Thompson, singer-songwriter Pete Molinari, and pop-rock trio Dodgy, with Thompson and Dodgy signing for all territories, and Molinari for the world excluding the US. In addition, the label has signed John Lodge of The Moody Blues for a remastered edition of his 1977 solo album ‘Natural Avenue’, and a forthcoming new studio album.

Chris Thompson’s new self-produced album ‘Toys & Dishes’ (March 17th) is his first studio release in almost a decade. Recorded in Belgium, the album is being followed by live dates in Germany, Norway, and Switzerland, plus an appearance at the Bree Classic Rock Festival in Belgium. Born in England, but raised in New Zealand, Thompson is known for his turns in Manfred Mann’s Earth Band and his expansive solo work. Over the years he’s written, recorded and performed with a huge range of artists including Elton John, Jeff Wayne, Tina Turner, Roger Daltrey and Brian May.

Critically acclaimed artist Pete Molinari, who can count Bruce Springsteen and Yoko Ono among his fans, will release his fourth, and as yet untitled, full-length album in May. Recording is taking place at a number of studios with the support of producer Andrew Weatherall and mixer Tchad Blake. Molinari will embark on a national tour in support of the new release.

Best known for the UK #4 hit “Good Enough” from platinum-seller ‘Free Peace Sweet’, Dodgy are back with a new self-produced album, pencilled for release in September. Featuring all three original members, it follows the 2012 album ‘Stand Upright In A Cool Place’, which was highly rated by The Guardian, The Independent, MOJO and Uncut on its release.

Cherry Red has also acquired catalogue from Blaylock Management and Your Music Publishing, which includes titles and songs by such artists as Hello, Heinz, Mike Berry, and The Glitter Band, and agreed a catalogue license deal with The Bevis Frond.

Cherry Red’s MD Adam Velasco said: “It’s great to be welcoming even more talent to the Cherry Red family, and we’re very excited to be working with these artists on bringing new music to their fans.”

When asked if he was interested in working with Cherry Red, Pete Molinari said: "Are you kidding me? A label that releases such a wide range of recordings like Serge Gainsbourg, John Coltrane and Chet Baker? Of course I'm interested!”

Dodgy’s Nigel Clark said of the band’s deal: "One of the first records I ever bought was 'Fresh Fruit For Rotting Vegetables' by Dead Kennedys which came out on Cherry Red so for us to be signed to them now feels right, like the circle is complete. We've already started recording this new album and all the signs so far indicate that it will be the best we've ever done."

About Cherry Red

Cherry Red is a UK independent record label, founded by Iain McNay in 1978. Renowned for its diversity, the label had early successes with artists ranging from the Dead Kennedys to Everything But The Girl, The Monochrome Set and Felt – going on to release the groundbreaking compilation Pillows & Prayers in 1982. As well as a continued commitment to new music, Cherry Red now acts as an umbrella for more than 20 individual imprints and catalogue specialists, including RPM, Reactive, Esoteric, BBR, él and Grapefruit – releasing more than 500 albums each year.

www.cherryred.co.uk