Ian Carew appointed Managing Director of Distiller Records

18 July 2024 - Press release

London-based independent music company Distiller Music Group has announced the appointment of Ian Carew to the position of Managing Director of Distiller Records.

Prior to his appointment, Carew spent three years as a marketing consultant for Distiller Records, latterly as their Head of Marketing and Operations, while also overseeing third-party consultancy projects for the likes of Sam Ryder, Rita Ora, Gorillaz, Purple Disco Machine, Pendulum and Neneh Cherry amongst others.

Speaking about the appointment, Sam Dyson, founder and CEO of Distiller Music Group, said, “We are absolutely delighted that Ian is stepping in to take on the role of MD at Distiller. He has a wealth of experience and knowledge of the industry and approaches everything he does with passion and drive. He also has a unique creative vision, which sets him apart. I believe he is the perfect person to take Distiller to the next level, whilst also inspiring his team and leading them with him.”

Carew’s appointment to Managing Director follows a wave of key signings for Distiller Records including Sports Team (in a global joint venture with US based Bright Antenna Records) who today announce their third album Boys These Days with the launch of new single ‘I’m In Love (Subaru)’, Frozemode and Liv Dawson, who last week announced her new EP with first single ‘Does It Even’.

Distiller Records recently celebrated successes with The Ramona Flowers who reached the Top 25 at US Alt Radio with Up All Night ft. Nile Rodgers and the label’s first Top 10 album with 2023’s Heatwave In The Cold North by Reverend and The Makers, the band’s 7^th album and their first Top 10 since their debut in 2007.

As a highly respected executive with a career in the music industry spanning over 25 years, Carew previously held senior marketing positions at Sony Music Entertainment and later at Universal Music Group, where, during his 11-year tenure as marketing director, he oversaw a wide variety of marketing campaigns from the likes of Robbie Williams, Bastille, CHVRCHES, Jessie Ware, Elton John, Emeli Sandé, Katy Perry, Jonas Blue and Laura Marling.

Speaking about his new role, Carew says, “Having worked with Sam and the team for 3 years as a consultant accepting this role was an easy decision as it always has felt like where I wanted to be. The label has transformed massively over the past couple of years and now we have a world class roster and a team comprising some of the best young executives in the industry. I’m immensely grateful to Sam for the opportunity and equally excited for the 12 months ahead.”

Distiller Misic Group has also announced the promotion of Lois Burdett Proctor from Junior Campaign Manager to Campaign Manager while Nick Gartland joins from Kobalt in the newly created role of Rights Management Executive. Both are based in the company’s London offices and will report directly to Ian Carew.  Meanwhile Khobiyb Elsamani joins as A&R Scout reporting to both Ian Carew and Claire Bianchi Head of A&R for Distiller Publishing.

The company has interests across a number of industry sectors including Distiller Records, Distiller Publishing, Distiller Studios, Distiller TV and Distiller Productions who have films about Reverend and the Makers and Emiliana Torrini in production/set for release.

In the coming 12 months Distiller Records have key albums from Sports Team, Reverend and the Makers and The Ramona Flowers as well as EP releases from Frozemode, Liv Dawson, Frankie Beetlestone and Danko.

www.distillermusic.com