UK Universal MusicThe company-owned EMI Records will launch a new brand in Leeds, northern England, in Yorkshire, called EMI North.
The company claims that when it launches EMI North, it will become the first major brand to open a physical space outside of London.
Based at Duke Studios, the creative hub in downtown Leeds, the studio will be led by Clive Cawley, who transitions from his current MD, EMI role to President, EMI North.
Universal says the new label will be dedicated to working with “the best musical talent in the North of England” and providing opportunities for young people to work in the industry.
Partnerships have been established with two city-based companies, Clue Records, which have just celebrated their 10th anniversary and Come play with mea non-profit music development organization.
Universal notes that the move marks a full circle for Cawley, a native of Yorkshire. He started his career as a Sales Representative for Popular music in North Yorkshire, working with independent retailers across the North East of England.
After taking on a similar role in London’s West End, Cawley joined Mercury Records becoming MD before moving on to EMI.
In a career spanning two decades, Cawley has worked with artists including Beck, Elton John, Florence + The Machine, Lewis Capaldi, Loyle Carner, Metallica, Paul McCartney, Pearl Jam, Queen, Taylor Swift, The Killers and The Stone Roses.
Cawley will continue to work on several EMI artist campaigns, reporting to Jo Charrington and Rebecca Allen, Co-Chair, EMI.
EMI North’s debut comes less than a year after Universal Music UK confirmed that its EMI and Capital The labels will merge under the joint leadership of Rebecca Allen and Jo Charrington.
Due to the move to merge the two labels last March, Capitol Records UK’s team and teams have become part of a broader EMI operation; Capitol Records UK continues to be part of the EMI label group, along with Motown UK.
EMI Records is Universal Music UK’s largest label by market share, both in terms of album sales and streaming equivalents.
“Discovering and nurturing new talent from across the UK is the lifeblood of what we do and there is no one better than Clive to lead this exciting new chapter for our historic label.”
Jo Charrington and Rebecca Allen, EMI
Jo Charrington and Rebecca Allen, Co-Chairs, EMI, said: “Discovering and nurturing new talent from across the UK is the lifeblood of what we do and there is no one better than Clive to lead the new chapter. this fun for us. historic mark.
The announcement coincides with the Leeds Cultural Year 2023, which sees the city become the center stage of UK culture from dance to design, art to architecture, poetry to music. pop, sculpture to sports, grassroots community theater to performances in various city venues.
“I am delighted to finally open doors for EMI North with one very simple goal: to support and invest in local talent, help them find new audiences and build their businesses.”
Clive Cawley, EMI North
Clive Cawley, President, EMI North, said: “I am delighted to have finally opened the doors for EMI North with one very simple goal: to support and invest in local talent, helping them find an audience. new and build your business.
“We have been overwhelmed by the response from the creative community in Leeds and beyond and are eager to go.”Global Music Business
