B-Unique found new label Artist Theory with Nick Burgess and Jack Melhuish
01 August 2024 - Press releaseHighly regarded record executives Nick Burgess and Jack Melhuish have joined forces with B-Unique to launch a new independent label, Artist Theory. The new label has already hit the ground running signing an exciting and diverse roster, including established UK rock star Sam Ryder for the follow-up to his #1 debut album and exciting new artists H.LLS and Emily Jeffri.
Speaking about their joint vision for Artist Theory, Nick and Jack have clear ambitions:
“The label's philosophy is to sign culturally vibrant & diverse artists early in their careers and use our experience to nurture and develop their talent into globally successful artists. Our intention is to build a home for artists with major label ambition coupled with flexible and artist-friendly deals to empower the best creative talent in the world. We are forward-thinking in our approach to audience engagement, but remain true to our belief that everything starts with undeniable artists and outstanding music”.
As Co-President of Parlophone, Nick helped transform the company from a sleeping giant into one of the UK's most dynamic and successful artist development labels. During his tenure he signed and developed artists such as PinkPantheress, Ashnikko, Gabriels, S1mba, Dutchavelli, Rachel Chinouriri, Sam Ryder and The Snuts. Prior to that Nick signed Bastille and The Kooks.
Jack Melhuish was most recently GM and Head of Marketing at Parlophone where he oversaw the cultural transformation of the label as well as leading the marketing, audience, data and creative departments. Jack devised campaign strategies for Coldplay, Gorillaz, Diplo, David Guetta, PinkPantheress and Ashnikko, amongst many others.
As well as Sam Ryder, Artist Theory’s rapidly growing roster includes Electronic/R&B/Hip-Hop collective H.LLS, who are already causing a stir in the industry and named Zane Lowe’s favourite new act following their debut single release. Artist Theory have also signed Gothic pop queen, Emily Jeffri, who’s amassed an impressive 20 million streams and has been hand-picked by Mitski to play All Points East, just one of a number of Emily’s high-profile European festival appearances she’ll be making this summer.
Mark Lewis, co-founder of B-Unique commented, “Launching a label with Nick and Jack is a new, dynamic development for B-Unique. They both have incredible track records and together with our understanding of how to make it through 20 plus years of being a success driven indie, Artist Theory really is an exciting proposition”.
Founded in 2001 by Mark Lewis and Martin Toher, B-Unique is one of the most successful independent record labels and publishing companies in the UK. Among many great signings a few highlights are artists and writers such as Kasier Chiefs, James Bay, John Newman, Kodaline, Punctual, Altego, Johnny McDaid and Callum Scott collaborator Jon McGuire, Rob Harvey, Lewis Thompson, Jon Shave and Jonny Coffer. Johnny McDaid's cut on Shape Of You handed B-Unique a proportion of one of the biggest ever songs on Spotify. B-Unique has recently signed hotly tipped Irish band Kingfishr whose live album just went top 5 in the Irish charts. With a debut album coming in 2025 the band seem set for big things.
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