Iona decide to release and market their music as an independent artist

BRITAIN'S Celtic rock band lona have been dropped by their American record label. Said band members, "Our US 'Christian' label Forefront (owned by EMI Christian Music Group) have decided to drop us in favour of looking to sign pop acts capable of wider crossover appeal. Forefront had a deal with our UK label, Alliance, which involved Forefront funding 50% of our album releases. Consequently, Alliance are unable to fulfil their contractual obligations which terminates our contractual obligations with them." The band plan to continue recording as an independent artist by releasing and marketing their own albums. "We are convinced this is the best way to get our music to those of you who already love it and to the many more who have yet to experience it."

"We hope that our new record label will establish a solid base from which all future lona band and related solo albums can be launched," said Dave Bainbridge, keyboardist and guitarist for the group. "The first step on this path will be the release of a four CD box set which will include lona's first three albums and an additional CD of unreleased live and studio material." The box set is slated to release during the spring of 2002.