- Music
- 19 Aug 05
In what may well prove to be one of the most astute signings of recent years, Declan O'Rourke has inked a worldwide deal with V2 records.
The deal represents a triumph for N4 records, the Irish label that shepherded O'Rourke's debut Since Kyabram to the huge Irish success it has enjoyed to date.
"We're really excited," N4 boss Janine Nallen told Hot Press. "V2 came in for the showcase Declan did in the National Concert Hall last night and they signed a deal afterwards. The show was a great success, and there was a standing ovation at the end, so it was quite a night all round."
Since Kyabam will be released – with no more than minor tweaks and possible a change of artwork – in the UK early in 2006. Hot Press also understands that the label plans to release it in the US sooner rather than later, with the likelihood that O'Rourke will tour the States in the near future.
The deal covers five albums, and under its terms, N4 will retain both Since Kyabram and the follow-up album for Ireland. For the moment, N4 will also have an involvement in O'Rourke's ongoing career development, continuing to caretaker manage O'Rourke, with whom Nallen and the rest of the RMG team have enjoyed a very close and productive working relationship.
"We filmed the National Concert Hall gig for a DVD," Nallen told Hot Press.
"For the second half of the gig, he used a 12-piece string section, so it was a really special occasion, and his voice – which is always great – sounded wonderful."
Meanwhile, N4 have confirmed plans to release the new Automato album in September and they are also currently in negotiations with Roesy, who may well become the next addition to their roster.