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News Wed Feb 18 2009
Touch and Go Gone? Still Going
It looks as if a Chicago institution has bit the dust. Touch and Go Records is famous for invigorating the punk scene in the mid 80's after Corey Rusk took the reins and moved the label from Michigan to Chicago in 1983. They just released two debut full-lengths yesterday, but Time Out is reporting that the company is through and will only be handling back catalog from this point on.
Word is that they will issue an official press release sometime today, so check back for updates throughout the day.
UPDATE: Well, it looks like Touch and Go will stick around as a label, but they are ceasing their lesser known manufacturing and distributing side of business, which will still mean big changes on staff. Corey Rusk issued the following statement to the Tribune's Greg Kot where he blames, as expected, the economy.
"It is with great sadness that we are reporting some major changes here at Touch and Go Records. Many of you may not be aware, but for nearly 2 decades, Touch and Go has provided manufacturing and distribution services for a select yet diverse group of other important independent record labels. Titles from these other labels populate the shelves of our warehouse alongside the titles on our own two labels, Touch and Go Records, and Quarterstick Records.
"Unfortunately, as much as we love all of these labels, the current state of the economy has reached the point where we can no longer afford to continue this lesser known, yet important part of Touch and Go's operations. Over the years, these labels have become part of our family, and it pains us to see them go. We wish them all the very best and we will be doing everything we can to help make the transition as easy as possible.
"Touch and Go will be returning to its roots and focusing solely on being an independent record label. We'll be busy for a few months working closely with the departing labels and scaling our company to an appropriate smaller size after their departure. It is the end of a grand chapter in Touch and Go's history, but we also know that good things can come from new beginnings."
