Ronson teams up with Interscope

SANTA MONICA, Calif., April 11 (UPI) -- British-born music producer Mark Ronson agreed to bring his Allido Records label to U.S.-based Interscope Geffen A&M Records, Interscope announced Friday.

The joint venture between Allido, co-owned by Ronson and Rich Kleiman, and Interscope is to be home to a wide range of artists and projects.

"One of the foundations of Interscope has been partnering with producers who can move the needle of popular culture," Interscope chairman Jimmy Iovine said in a statement. "Mark has that rare ear for great songs and artists who will have extraordinary careers. We're thrilled to be in business with him."

Ronson, as an artist or producer, will not be exclusive to Allido/Interscope.

The first artist signed to Allido/Interscope is Wale, a young hip-hop sensation from Washington, D.C. His debut album is expected by the end of the year.

"Jimmy Iovine is a dude," Ronson said. "The plain fact that he started out as an engineer on 'Born To Run,' went on to produce records for U2 and Patti Smith, and then formed one of the most influential labels in the history of American music encapsulates every reason why I would want to be in business with Interscope Records."