Tricky and Chris Blackwell launch Brown Punk

Trip-hopper Tricky (pictured) has joined forces with former Island Records fellow Chris Blackwell to launch a new label, Brown Punk.

The label's roster is already filling, with The Dirty already securing a fantastic live reputation - they're now set to open for Iggy and the Stooges this summer. Other acts on the roster include The Gospel (a band formed by Tore Johansson, who has produced material for The Cardigans and Franz Ferdinand) and Laid Blak, who recently supported both John Legend and Julian Marley.

The Gospel's 'Skating Your Pool' single, featuring Kira, is due for release on September 10. Singles by both the other aforementioned acts will follow.

Says Tricky of the new venture: _“I’ve been lucky enough to have some great influences and mentors in my music career and I want to be able to spend time with acts and introduce them to the industry. Music today has become less about the artist and more about churning out hits. Brown Punk represents a positive movement where you find intellectuals mixing with the working class, rock mixing with reggae and indie mixing with emo.” _

The label has announced a residency at London's Rex Club, in Soho, from August 1. For more details click to their MySpace page, here.