5 June 2019, London:- Proper Music Group, the largest independent distributor in the UK, has agreed a groundbreaking agreement with Kobalt’s recording company, AWAL, to coordinate AWAL’s physical supply chain processes.

The deal, an industry first, covers warehousing of stock, inventory management and coordination of deliveries to AWAL’s network of independent physical distribution partners outside North America. The arrangement will simplify and streamline the accounting process, enabling Proper to issue AWAL with a single statement covering global physical sales together with single monthly payments.

Proper will also work closely with AWAL’s US partner, AMPED Distribution - a division of Alliance Entertainment, on shipping and receiving stock between North America and the rest of the world, and will provide a central stock ordering service for artist tour sales and D2C stores.

The agreement is a significant expansion of Proper’s long-standing relationship with AWAL. Proper will continue to manage AWAL’s sales and distribution for the UK and Ireland, in tandem with its new global role.

The agreement covers AWAL’s extensive catalogue, including releases under the recently announced partnership with Glassnote. AWAL represents thousands of independent artists and labels, working with well-known artists such as Lauv, Tom Misch, deadmau5, The Kooks, David Gray, The Wombats, Bruno Major, and Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. In 2018, AWAL charted four albums in the UK’s Top 10.

Paul Trueman, AWAL General Manager, commented on the deal, "Our partnership with Proper is a huge step forward for AWAL, allowing us to offer a truly joined up, global, independent distribution network to our growing base of artist and label partners."

Silvia Montello, SVP Operations, AWAL added, "Working together, AWAL and Proper are able to offer a competitive, efficient solution that best supports the ever-evolving physical distribution needs of forward-thinking independent labels and artists. We’re proud to deliver what remains a key part of the overall music consumption mix and income stream even in today’s digital-focused landscape."

Commenting on the deal, Drew Hill, managing director of Proper Music Group said: “We are excited to develop this new global relationship with AWAL and to take a central role in their delivery and accounting process. The deal marks a significant stage in Proper’s continuing growth and showcases the company’s drive to innovate our role within the music industry.”