Meaning: The quote provided reflects the relationship between two influential figures in the music industry, Chris Cutler and Fred Frith. The quote is attributed to Fred Frith, a renowned composer and multi-instrumentalist known for his innovative work in the avant-garde and experimental music genres. In the quote, Frith expresses his gratitude towards Chris Cutler for offering his company as an "umbrella" to house Frith's back catalogue. He compares this arrangement to his previous experience with Daniel, indicating that both relationships are characterized by a sense of camaraderie and friendship rather than purely business-oriented interactions.

Chris Cutler is a highly respected figure in the music industry, known for his work as a drummer, composer, and music theorist. He is particularly recognized for his involvement in the avant-rock and experimental music scenes, having been a founding member of the influential band Henry Cow and later establishing the record label Recommended Records.

The mention of an "umbrella" in the quote likely refers to a business arrangement where Cutler's company serves as a platform or entity under which Frith's back catalogue of music can be consolidated and managed. This suggests that Cutler's company provides a supportive infrastructure for Frith's past work, potentially offering distribution, marketing, and administrative services.

Frith's comparison of the arrangement with Cutler to his previous experience with Daniel indicates that he values the personal and friendly nature of these business relationships. By emphasizing that the interactions are "a matter between friends rather than businessmen," Frith highlights the importance of mutual respect, trust, and understanding in his professional collaborations. This sentiment reflects the significance of personal connections and shared artistic vision in the music industry, where creative partnerships often extend beyond mere financial transactions.

Frith's reference to having "all my back catalogue under one roof" suggests that the consolidation of his music within Cutler's company provides him with a sense of organization and coherence. This centralized approach can be beneficial for artists in terms of streamlining their catalogue, making it more accessible to audiences, and potentially increasing its overall visibility and impact.

Additionally, the quote conveys the idea that the music industry is not solely driven by commercial interests, but also by personal relationships and a sense of community. Frith's emphasis on the "same feeling as with Daniel" and the distinction between friends and businessmen underscores the significance of maintaining integrity and authenticity in artistic endeavors, even within the framework of business collaborations.

In summary, the quote from Fred Frith provides insight into the meaningful connections and arrangements that exist within the music industry. It highlights the importance of personal relationships, mutual support, and the value of preserving artistic integrity within professional contexts. The reference to Chris Cutler's company serving as an "umbrella" for Frith's back catalogue underscores the practical and symbolic significance of such arrangements in facilitating the management and presentation of an artist's body of work.