Former Gnarls Barkley and Danger Mouse manager Jeff Antebi has revealed “ambitious” plans for his LA-based label Waxploitation entering the UK market.
Speaking in the latest issue of Music Week, Antebi hailed the “phenomenal” Tom Clipson, who has been appointed as London-based A&R director for both recorded music and publishing. As a promoter at Eat Your Own Ears, Clipson has worked with artists such as The xx, Hot Chip, Caribou and Grimes.
“We have to be able to find artists much earlier than anybody else and he has a proven track record,” said Antebi.
Waxploitation’s roster includes RL Boyce (pictured), a country blues artist from Mississippi, who performed on Later… With Jools Holland last month.
“He is someone who we are dreaming very big for and he’s so deserving of success,” said Antebi.
The move into the UK, 21 years on from the label’s formation, follows a recent partnership with BMG on the publishing side of the business.
The company has been building its sync income from the UK with half of its projected $1 million(£758,000) in licensing fees this year coming from outside the US. A UEFA advert featuring Swipe If Off by Brazilian Leo Justi & Brazzabelle was nominated for a Music Week Sync Award at last month’s ceremony.
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