AN influential Scottish record label which helped to launch the careers of artists such as KT Tunstall and King Creosote is to close.
The Fence Records label and its related Fence Collective have been based in the East Neuk of Fife and St Andrews since 1997.
The label was the launchpad for the likes of King Creosote, who was nominated for a Mercury Music Prize, acclaimed singer James Yorkston, Lone Pigeon, Withered Hand and Kid Canaveral.
The Fence Collective was the name given to artists associated with the scene, which also included Tunstall in the early days of her career.
However yesterday the record label's director, Johnny Lynch, said Fence is closing the record label and launching a new one, whose name and artists will be announced next week.
The label was founded by Kenny Anderson, who records under the name of King Creosote, and has grown since, incorporating festivals HomeGame and Away Game in Anstruther and Cellardyke.
Mr Lynch said: "Over the past few years I've been spending most of my time on Eigg, orchestrating the release schedule and events calendar from my caravan studio.
"Fence founder Kenny Anderson retired from involvement with the label at the end of 2012, focusing instead on solo projects and his Alter Ego Trading Company label.
"All of a sudden there wasn't much Fife in Fence, or much Fence in Fife."
He added: "So, aye - it feels like this chapter has come to an end, and it's time to move forward with something fresh. The current Fence artist roster, including myself, have decided to continue under a new label/collective name. I'm almost tempted to use the word 'rebrand'.
"The main thing is this: we will retain the same DIY ethos, commitment to detail, and dedication to supporting original, innovative and - above all - inspiring music and songwriting."
Mr Lynch said Fence was not in financial difficulties, and its last label showcase will be tomorrow at the Green Man Festival in Wales.
However, last night Mr Anderson said the label would go on. "Fence is alive and well and re-launching in January 2014 from our base here in the East Neuk of Fife," he said.
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