ORIONlive Launches New Record Label Dedicated to Japanese Artists

UK-based event promoters/organizers ORIONlive, who have been responsible for bringing a number of Japanese rock, alternative idol and metal artists to the UK in recent years and who put together the successful Metal Matsuri festival in 2019, have announced that they have started a new record label.

SETSUZOKU RECORDS ("setsuzoku" meaning "connection" in Japanese) will license and distribute music and merchandise in the UK/EU from Japanese artists representing multiple genres. “So many great artists, from hard rock and heavy metal to J-rock and Idol, deserve the opportunity to reach a larger audience and see their careers ascend,” said Christopher Morris, co-founder of SETSUZOKU and co-director of ORIONlive. “After the success ORIONlive has achieved connecting Japanese artists with foreign fans via live events, a record label was the next logical step in assisting artists in reaching their goals.”

SETSUZOKU RECORDS will release exclusive European editions of full albums, EPs, and singles with a focus on the revival of physical product. “Digital releases are also important and SETSUZOKU will be entering that world as well,” Morris continued. “But consumer tastes are leaning towards a revival of physical music product and we hope to continue that trend.”

The new label’s first release will be in January 2021, and there is said to already be a full schedule of releases taking shape for the rest of the year. Releases will be distributed across the UK and Europe for physical retailers, available via most online sellers, and available directly through the SETSUZOKU RECORDS webstore.

Fans can keep an eye on SETSUZOKU RECORDS' official website or follow ORIONlive on Twitter and Facebook to stay tuned for more updates.