Wall of Sound, the UK label that is home to electronic acts the Propellerheads, Les Rythmes Digitales and the Wiseguys, has signed a distribution deal with Caroline, the leading U.S. independent distributor.

Wall of Sound, which in the past has licensed individual acts to such U.S. labels as DreamWorks, Astralwerks and Mammoth, will be able to release and promote all its artists in the United States, although no specific release dates have been announced.

"I'm very, very happy to complete such a groundbreaking and important deal," Wall of Sound General Manager Mark Jones said in a statement. "Caroline was our first choice. They cover all the areas of music we are working in and have a perfect understanding of the ethos of our label. We now have the opportunity to further establish and develop our label identity in the U.S."

Jones said Wall of Sound will continue to work with U.S. labels in conjunction with Caroline.

"I hope this deal is an inspiration to other indie labels hoping to take those giant steps across the Atlantic," he said.

Wall of Sound and Caroline also announced three new imprints: Bad Magic, which will focus on hip-hop; NuCamp, for house; and We Love You, for pop and rock.

Wall of Sound, which launched in the UK five years ago, will open a New York office but will continue to work with independent press, promotions and marketing companies.

"I'm very much aware of how many European labels have tried and failed to make their mark in the States," Jones said. "The key is not to run before you can walk and to work hard on the street-level foundations."

The Propellerheads, the duo of producer/multi-instrumentalist and DJ Alex Gifford and drummer/DJ Will White, released the acclaimed Decksandrumsandrockandroll, featuring the single "Bang On!," (RealAudio excerpt), in 1998 on DreamWorks. Les Rythmes Digitales (a.k.a Jacques Lu Cont) released their U.S. debut, Darkdancer, last year on Astralwerks.