The Orchard Lands Two Top Regional Mexican Music Labels, Further Expanding Leadership Position In Latin Music

NEW YORK (Top40 Charts/ Orchard Records) - The Orchard, a global leader in music and video entertainment, today announced new deals with two top Mexican music labels. Cintas Acuario and La Sierra Records have joined The Orchard's extensive roster of prominent Latin music labels, which also includes premiere Mexican label Musart Records. The labels will receive digital distribution and marketing for sales across The Orchard's ubiquitous network of digital music stores and wireless carriers.

This announcement comes as regional Mexican music continues its dominance of the growing US Latin music market. According to a Nielsen SoundScan (Billboard, October 11, 2008), regional Mexican music attributed for 60 percent of all US Latin music sales from January to August 2008. And, the genre is expected to see continued strong growth in the years ahead.

The Orchard will now feature notable Cintas Acuario artists such as Jenni Rivera, Lupillo Rivera, Valentin Elizalde, Chalino Sanchez and El Chapo De Sinaloa; and La Sierra Records artists Adan Romero, Banda San Jose de Mesillas, La Arrolladora Banda El Limon and Banda El Recodo; among others. These great new acts join existing Orchard superstars like Joan Sebastian, who will release a new album in the coming months on Mexican powerhouse and Orchard client Musart.

"We are proud to lead the Latin music genre worldwide in the digital market. From Epsa's Argentinean tango and folk to Fuego Entertainment's Cuban-infused catalogue to Catalan hits from K-Industria in Spain, Orchard clients literally define the past, present and future of this vibrant and growing musical genre," said Greg Scholl, president and chief executive officer of The Orchard. "However, regional Mexican music, and its many distinct subgenres, are the ones claiming audiences in the states. The introductions of the Cintas Acuario and La Sierra Records catalogues greatly enhance our offering, and further establish The Orchard as the premier provider for Latin music - and specifically, regional Mexican music."