Astoria, NY -- (SBWire) -- 12/01/2010 -- New York City-based MPress Records has just inked a three-album deal with indie-maverick (and major label veteran) Melissa Ferrick. MPress, which internationally distributes albums by art-pop songstress Rachael Sage and award-winning songwriter Seth Glier, also produces the NEW ARRIVALS charity compilation series, and has presented artist showcases at such industry events as SXSW, CMJ & MIDEM.

Ferrick, an accomplished singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who has shared stages with artists as wide-ranging as Bob Dylan, Paul Westerberg, Weezer and Ani DiFranco, performs over 150 shows a year - often for audiences of 7500 or more. Her extraordinarily passionate, grassroots fan base began when she opened for Morrissey in 1991, and has grown into one of the most loyal followings in recent indie memory.

With songs that "cut to the bone thanks to their truthful, personal viewpoints" (CMJ), the native New Englander is a powerhouse vocalist/guitarist who has steadily released DIY projects since her prior stints on Atlantic and W.A.R.? Records. A six-time Boston Music Award and GLAMA Winner, her combination of raw intensity and consummate musicianship first caught the attention if MPress founder Rachael Sage several years ago when Ferrick was appearing at the GLAAD Media Awards in New York City.

More recently, Ferrick was invited to headline MPress' NEW ARRIVALS compilation, which then led to featured performance slots at the label's annual SXSW showcases. Soon thereafter, Ferrick proactively approached MPress Records, eager to work with a new label team with shared sensibilities. As Ferrick commented at this year's MPressFest CMJ, "working with MPress Records feels like I'm joining the kind of independent community we all want to be a part of." In making the shift from her own Right On Records to MPress Ferrick says, "I came to my decision to sign with MPress Records after spending the last few years watching them evolve into a well oiled 'indie machine'. Afer self-releasing my albums via Right On Records for the last decade, the day to day obligations became too great for me to maintain on my own... The MPress 'family' is a perfect fit. I feel more confident moving forward as an artist and believe this opportunity will open up new roads for me personally, creatively and professionally."

A passionate Out artist with a devoted LGBT following, Ferrick goes to great lengths to be accessible to fans, and is beloved for her magnetic personality, fierce honesty and lightning-speed rhythm guitar style. Exclusively represented by The Agency Group, Ferrick has been touring with fellow folk-rocker Ani DiFranco this fall, they will continue to perform together throughout 2011, with Ferrick also scheduled to appear at this year's SXSW in Austin, TX.

MPress will nationally release Melissa Ferrick's forthcoming full-length album in 2011.

For more information, photos, & interview requests, please contact MPress Records:
Melanie Rodriguez / 212-481-7243 melanie@mpressrecords.com • Label Website: http://www.mpressrecords.com • Artist Website: http://www.melissaferrick.com • Label Contact: Jojo Gentry jojo@mpressrecords.com • A&R: Meredith Tarr meredith@mpressrecords.com