East Central One - a brief history

East Central One was set up by Steve Fernie at the beginning of 1998 after he sold his share in Grapevine Label and Grapevine Distribution. The first project was Ronnie Harris Records, which released the first album in 17 years by Ian Dury & The Blockheads. Since then, albums have been released by Marc Almond, Dr Robert, Plainsong, Colin Vearncombe and Kate Jacobs, all on the artists' individual labels through east central one. The most recent album to be released is a re-making of Ian Dury's 'New Boots and Panties' cunningly entitled 'Brand New Boots and Panties' - which features covers by Sir Paul McCartney, Robbie Williams, Madness, Sinead O'Connor, Billy Bragg and plenty more.

The people involved in the company are:

Steve Fernie: Previously worked for EMI and BMG in Business Affairs. Set up Grapevine Distribution and The Grapevine Label and signed such artists as Mary Black, Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris and Janis Ian (among others). Steve has also been involved in business with Manfred Mann for over twelve years as Creature Music Limited.

Helen Milner: Previously worked for EMI and BMG. Been involved in business with Steve Fernie for fourteen years. Also Label Manager with Grapevine Distribution and export Manager for Cohesion/Creature Music (Manfred Mann's Earth Band product).

Bob Paterson: Has been presenting his own left-field radio shows for the last five years and working with Bob Harris at Radio 2. Also promoting live music in London for the last three years. Bob joined east central one in July 1999 to provide an agency service to its artists. He has also booked tours for Oh Susanna, Blue Rodeo, Bap Kennedy, Vigilantes of Love, Tom Russell, Chip Taylor and Robbie McIntosh.

Andy Burgess: Previously worked for Rio Communications and became Head of Finance at Grapevine Label and Grapevine Distribution. Andy is a qualified Chartered Accountant, one of the few who has running a pub as one of his occupations. He now offers his financial services to a range of companies as well as east central one.

Visit Andy's Inn in the Lake District