Schoolkids Records

Schoolkids Records is not just a retail store!

In addition to being a world renowned retail store, Schoolkids also has a label services division which was launched in 2008 as “Second Motion Entertainment”. In 2017 after the re-opening of it's store in Chapel Hill, NC, owner Stephen Judge folded Second Motion into the Schoolkids brand so it all would be under one roof.

The concept behind the label services division is simple. In this ever changing music business, we believe it is as important for every aspect of the business to have proper support in order to maximize their financial opportunities while minimizing their expenses. Therefore, Schoolkids offers a variety of 'label services' to multiple artists and also independent labels with services such as:

Publicity, customized licensing deals, worldwide digital and physical distribution, management services, consulting, accounting services, concert booking and special events, online media & print support, digital and social media promotion, streaming play listing and management, crowd funding campaigns, project management, website design, marketing, merchandise management and mail order.

After 7 years working as the Sales & Marketing Director, A&R Director and eventually General Manager (and head of Finance) for Redeye Distribution & Yep Roc Records, we set out to start a 'one-stop/shop' company that can offer multiple services based on our experience. To simplify, its like picking services from a menu based on risk assessment and what the needs are for each artist and label. Each deal is custom made to fit the needs based on what each individual partner may need, with physical and digital distribution being at the core.

HISTORY

In May 2008 we started this company under the name "Second Motion Records" in Chapel Hill, NC and released albums by artists such as: The Church, Tommy Keene, Swervedriver, Bettie Serveert, Gemma Hayes, Brian Vander Ark, The Latebirds, Adam Franklin & Bolts of Melody, The Parson Red Heads and many others. Past artists that we have worked with in a management or administrative capacity are: Athenaeum (Atlantic Records), Collapsis (Universal), Hobex (London), Daniel Lanois (Red Floor), New Model Army (Attack, Attack), The Walls and Emm Gryner.

The idea started off the heels of the short-lived Eleven Thirty Records (2004-2008) an offshoot of Redeye/Yep Roc, where we worked with artists such as: Concrete Blonde, The Hothouse Flowers, David Mead, The Alarm, Tanya Donnelly, AJ Croce, The Gourds & Maria McKee as well as contributed to the signings of Yep Roc Recording artist, Liam Finn, The Cake Sale & Bell X1. The concept stuck so we broke away and started our own entity. After buying Schoolkids Records retail store in 2012, we decided to fold it all into one company.

In 2017 we relaunched the label services company and opened a European office in Dublin, Ireland, strengthening our reach throughout Europe.

We are strong supports of the concept of Record Store Day and work closely with the organization, in fact being the coordinator of Record Store Day Ireland. Every year, for both RSD and Black Friday we release multiple limited edition vinyl releases that benefit indie retail.

However, as a label our focus is not just on indie retail, we are also working closely with all of the digital service providers worldwide and believe that any and all formats of how people consume music is equally important. We continue to work closely with the Music Biz Association as a board member to work hard at tacking the on-going issues within our industry and make sure that the playing field stays level and fair to the artists.

Please note: Schoolkids Records does not accept unsolicited materials. We primarily work with established international artists and are not looking to expand our roster at this time.