Parlophone has signed an exclusive label partnership with Disturbing London.
As exclusively revealed in the latest issue of Music Week, the Warner Music UK label has formed a JV with Disturbing London, which was founded in 2006 by Dumi Oburota and Tinie Tempah.
Parlophone and Disturbing London will work together to grow the indie label by discovering and breaking new talent, as well as providing global opportunities to its existing artists. Releases scheduled for later this year include new music from Yxng Bane, A2 and Tinie Tempah.
Mark Mitchell, co-president, Parlophone, told Music Week: “It is a true joint venture, they will remain the A&R, the talent and artist relationship side. We’ll amplify their A&R decisions through marketing, international and promotions around the globe.”
Dumi Oburota, founder, Disturbing London, added: “We’ve developed a huge influence in black music with some of the most exciting artists to emerge from grass roots culture in the UK. This deal allows us to keep our indie roots but to be powered to new heights with similar global influence as Def Jam or Bad Boy Records.
“Mitch and his team at Parlophone totally get that we’re here to challenge in an unorthodox way, to keep it exciting for fans. We want to spread our culture further and to offer all our artists a much bigger, global stage.”
In the last decade, Parlophone has enjoyed major success with Tinie Tempah through Disturbing London. The label also represents A2, DJ Charlsey, Wiz Kid and Yxng Bane, who’s currently enjoying a hit with Banx & Ranx and Ella Eyre on the Parlophone-released Answerphone.
Disturbing London will still operate as a 360-degree entertainment company with brand partnerships, fashion and events. It hosts the Disturbing Ibiza events across the summer as well as other exclusive nights in Dubai, Marbella and London.
Tinie Tempah will continue to build Imhotep, his multi-disciplinary company that represents musicians, producers, designers, artists and models.
For the full story, including the only interviews with Mark Mitchell and Dumi Oburota, see this week's print edition of Music Week or click here - and our Tinie Tempah interview is here. To subscribe and never miss a big industry story click here.
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