A consortium led by Paul Dainty has acquired the assets of Aztec Music. Aztec was placed into receivership in March, 2012.
Paul Dainty - image by Ros O'Gorman
Aztec Music is the Melbourne based music distributor founded by Aztecs drummer Gil Matthews in the mid 90s. Together with partner Ted Lethborg, Aztec became one of the most respected reissue labels in Australia, rescuing sometimes iconic and often forgotten original masters and painstakingly restoring, repackaging and re-releasing classic Australian albums from artists like Masters Apprentices, Mark Gillespie, Lobby Loyde, Madder Lake and Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs.
Ted Lethborg will return to head the new operation. “To get a second chance to continue the preservation of Australia’s rich musical heritage (via the Aztec Music reissue label) is an unexpected and welcome surprise,” he said. “We are all looking forward to both working towards resurrecting the label and continuing our unique music importing model.”
“Aztec Music has left an indelible mark on the Australian music scene. The new team looks forward to continuing the tradition through the reissue of classic Australian albums and the importation of rare and highly collectible compilations from overseas”, said Paul Dainty.
Gryphon Entertainment will handle distribution. Gryphon Entertainment Managing Director, Glenn Elliot, is also delighted to be supporting the new direction for Aztec, commenting: “Gryphon Entertainment is excited to be associated with Aztec, whose passion and expertise sets it apart as a proudly Australian brand”.
The Paul Dainty led consortium has taken over immediate ownership of Aztec’s suite of assets including the CD, LP and DVD catalogue.
