NQ announces agreements with Columbia Records UK and The Orchard

05 February 2024 - Press release

International talent and entertainment company NQ today announced a new partnership with Columbia Records UK and a global distribution agreement with The Orchard. The partnership will give Columbia Records UK access to emerging northern talent through NQ's extensive network in the region. The artists brought forward will then receive the support of Columbia in producing, recording, and marketing their music. NQ artists will gain access to The Orchard's full suite of services and global network. 

The venture with Columbia Records UK marks an exciting new chapter for Manchester-based NQ, adding to an already flourishing roster for NQ's records, publishing and management, currently boasting the likes of Aitch, South London artist Blanco, Birmingham rapper MIST, Grammy-nominated, platinum-selling production duo WhyJay & LiTek (WhyTek), and recently signed East London rapper Morrisson to their recording roster. 

With the new collaboration, NQ's multi-platinum selling artist Aitch has signed an exclusive recording partnership with NQ powered by The Orchard. He is expected to release new music early this year.

NQ was established in 2017 by founder and CEO Michael Adex. From humble beginnings to a source of nationwide pride, NQ has propelled itself as an independent market leader within UK music and helped spread the country's musical map outside of the capital.

NQ showcases the brightest emerging talent from the North of England, taking them to the world's stage, having nurtured some meteoric rises along the way. The managerial mastermind behind BRIT Award-winning, Mancunian rapper Aitch, Adex and his team celebrated five monumental years of business last year.

Dipesh Parmar, President of Columbia Records UK, said: "Adex's status as a Manchester music scene powerhouse gives us further access to northern talent via his broad network across the UK. Myself, Amy and the Columbia team are delighted to be partnering with NQ, we share the same vision in nurturing and developing artists early, and we're excited for what the new venture will bring."

Ian Dutt, President of The Orchard UK, said: "NQ's artist-first approach directly aligns with The Orchard's M.O. We are a company committed to helping artists and labels attain their creative vision via the best-in-class service offering, cutting edge technology, and unparalleled global network offered by The Orchard. We look forward to working with Adex and the NQ team and bringing their talent-rich legacy to global audiences."

NQ has catapulted itself as an unstoppable and independent force within the music and creative industries. Already plotting an exciting 2024 and beyond, Adex and his team are ready to reach new heights.