AWARE LANDS AT UNIVERSAL REPUBLIC

Chicago-based Aware Records, the company founded by CEO Gregg Latterman, has entered a distribution agreement with Universal Republic Records, it was announced by that label’s CEO/President Monte Lipman.

Guster, who joined Aware in 2008, will be the first release on the Aware/Universal Republic label this fall. Another Aware/Universal Republic artist, Mat Kearney, whose first two albums have sold over 500k copies, will put out a new album next year

Commented Lipman: “We couldn’t be happier about forming a relationship with Aware Records, Gregg Latterman and his great team. His instincts for garnering exposure for breaking artists is second to none. Aware’s track record for developing unique grassroots campaigns that impact multiple platforms fits like a glove with our artist-driven philosophy. Guster is the perfect band to help us make this exciting partnership a winning one right from the start. Whaddaya mean Mayer’s not part of the deal?”

Added Latterman: “Monte and [Co-President] Avery Lipman are insightful, hands-on record executives who understand the intricate steps involved in bringing vital, unique artists to the mainstream. The team they have built at Universal Republic is among the most dedicated and street-driven in the music business. All of us at Aware are looking forward to a great relationship.”

Guster’s 1994 debut album Parachute garnered them a cult following that has grown through the years into one of the most loyal college and online fan bases in rock. Their upcoming Aware/Universal Republic release will be their sixth studio album. Past albums include Parachute, Lost and Gone Forever (1999), and their most recent, 2006’s Ganging Up on the Sun.

Michigan native Latterman founded Aware Records in 1993, guiding the “artist-first” imprint into one of the most durable and influential independent forces in music. From the early Aware compilations, which identified key blossoming bands such as Hootie and the Blowfish, Matchbox 20 and Better Than Ezra, to their launch and nurturing of acclaimed artists such as Train, Five for Fighting and Mayer, Aware has been recognized as one of rock music’s leading nurturers of indie talent. Other Aware ventures, such as the successful Aware Tours, and the role they played as exclusive retailer for the H.O.R.D.E tours of the mid-‘90s, helped further the label’s reputation as an artist development stronghold.