Description:

Vitals inception in 1993 came through a joint venture between Revolver Distribution and Brussels based distributor and label Play It Again Sam (PIAS). With Sales and Marketing operations plus warehousing based in Bristol. Key labels included Setanta, Earache, Acid Jazz, Deceptive and Play It Again Sam. Immediate success followed and a London office was established in 1995 as a base for sales management, national accounts and sales admin. Due to the rise of independent dance labels a specialist dance division, 'Charged', was set up a short while later.

In 1996, Vital became the first independent distributor to have both the number one and two records in the national album charts in the same week with The Bluetones "Expecting To Fly" and Oasis "(What's The Story) Morning Glory". Also this year the London offices, now based in Ladbroke Grove, became the hub of all Sales, Marketing and label Management operations.

1997. Vital merged with RTM to become distributors of the cream of UK independent labels. Handling amongst others Mute, the Beggars Banquet group, Hooj Choons, Warp, Dedicated, Wall of Sound, Rykodisc, Ninja Tune, Domino, City Slang, Cooking Vinyl and Studio K7.

The concept of an Irish Vital was conceived in 1998 as a result of dissatisfaction with the volume of sales we were achieving through the existing outlets in the Republic of Ireland. Originally a one man office, this soon expanded to its current three person operation. Through supplying a local marketing, promotion and sales service to our distributed labels we have established a strong reputation for Vital in this territory and achieved exceptional sales results with multi-platinum albums for Moby, Tom Jones and Badly Drawn Boy and most recently The Strokes.

In 2000, Vital became the biggest independent distributor in the UK for the first time in its history. Enjoying its most successful period to date with massive albums from Moby, Basement Jaxx, Badly Drawn Boy and Tom Jones. Recognition of Vitals consistent focus to its customers and clients was confirmed when its Sales Department collected Music Weeks inaugural 'Best Sales Force 2000' award.

Vital currently ships in excess of 4000 orders per week to retailers within the UK. The domestic customer base extends to include approximately 900 branches of all multiple retail chains and about 1100 independent stores. UK stores are canvassed and administered by a sales team in London of over 35, including 8 field sales representatives, 11 telephone sales staff and dedicated International Department for all exports.

The Label Management team is unique in the level of support, experience and knowledge it supplies to labels. Each label manager's roster is kept to a minimum in order to focus as many resources as possible in selling records. The department acts as the focal point for all communication into Vital and out to the label.

In 2002, due to the changing nature of the marketplace, Vital transferred it's physical distribution to THE. There has been an industry wide reduction in the need for distribution services and it was therefore decided that Vital would concentrate on the area where it excels, Sales and Marketing. THE were chosen to handle the physical distribution as they are market leaders in that field. This unique alliance of expertise and experience creates an unparalleled level of service across all aspects of our business.

The worldwide demand for UK music is ever increasing, and Vitals International Department aims to provide a global service. Sales and marketing operate on a domestic and local territory basis, whilst working in tandem with our partners PIAS. Vital can be very confident of offering labels worldwide distribution networks, whether they are direct exports or domestic licensing deals.

Vital stand alone as an advocate of exceptional independent music. Our specialised sales and marketing expertise means that we create trends, rather then follow them. Whilst other labels and distributors chase "the next big thing" they realise we are already distributing it. From our flawless A&R to a specialised knowledge of retail, Vital continue to promote and advance the fortunes of critically applauded labels such as XL, Mute, Warp, Ninja Tune and Skint,and continue to nurture emergent labels such as Def Jux, Memphis Industries and Output.

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