Secretly Distribution & Oh Boy Records Strike Global Deal

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The late John Prine and Jody Whelan of Oh Boy Records. Photo: Neilson Hubbard

Secretly Distribution has entered into a worldwide distribution deal with the late John Prine‘s Oh Boy Records.

The label, founded in 1981 by the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, started as Prine’s vehicle to become an independent artist after his major label deal had expired. Oh Boy continues to be run by the Prine family.

Secretly Distribution and Oh Boy will be co-presenting “Independents’ Day,” an AmericanaFest day party at Vinyl Tap on Sept. 18, which will feature performances by artists from Oh Boy and other SD labels.

“Oh Boy is thrilled to be able to join Secretly Distribution at this time of growth and expansion for both companies,” says Jody Whelan, Managing Partner, Oh Boy Records. “We’ve long been fans of the artists they work with, but in getting to know their team it also quickly became clear that Secretly holds dear the same independent values; the values that have fueled Oh Boy since its inception in 1981, and have seen Secretly Distribution build a truly independent global distribution network. We are honored to be represented by this excellent company and are excited to celebrate our collaboration in Nashville in September during AmericanaFest.”

“SD has been fans of Oh Boy for so long—I have John Prine LPs that I swiped from my mom’s collection decades ago,” says Josh Madell, Director of Artist & Label Strategy, Secretly Distribution. “They are a truly iconic American independent label—founded by artists, for artists looking for a sustainable way to release music outside of the major label system—and when I met Jody and Fiona [Whelan Prine] it was clear immediately that their ethos perfectly aligns with what we strive for at SD. Oh Boy is a cornerstone of the vibrant Nashville scene, and we could not be more thrilled to work with them on both their incredible catalog and their current roster of next generation folk, country and blues artists.”

Oh Boy’s catalog features albums from Prine, Kelsey Waldon, Swamp Dogg, Alice Randall’s My Black Country, Arlo McKinley, Emily Scott Robinson and Tré Burt. Upcoming releases from core Oh Boy artist Dan Reeder, whose new album Smithereens will be out in October, as well as recent signing Palmyra, will be among the first new Oh Boy titles to be handled by SD’s global team and distribution network.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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