The recent rounds of reorganisation within major labels have seen some big-name executives exit those companies – either as part of planned cuts, or because the time seemed right to seek new pastures or do their own thing. A flurry of those own things have been announced this week.
First, there’s 26.2, a new label from former WMG execs Julie Greenwald and Max Lousada that has been setting tongues wagging in the industry for months. The gossip can now stop: the new company is official.
It’s also defiantly old-school: a pure label that Lousada told MBW will be “music and art-first and digital solutions-second, not the reverse… there is too much conversation today on the distribution of art versus the creation – and the raising up – of that art”.
The second new venture announced this week is Joan of Arc Music, founded by Cindy Mabe, formerly chair and CEO of Universal Music Nashville. Variety described it as focusing on artist development, label services, publishing and management as well as TV/film production and “next generation technologies”.
Here too, there’s an art-over-tech pitch though. “Country music is at a crossroads. We risk losing the very essence of what makes country music special – its authentic storytelling, its connection to people’s real lives, and its deep cultural roots,” said Mabe. “Joan of Arc Music exists to be warriors for creators and protect artistry.”
These may be independent companies, but they do not sit entirely outside the major ecosystem. 26.2 is working with Sony Music as its distribution partner, while Joan of Arc has inked a deal with Warner Music Nashville – so in both cases, the partners are not their former employers.
Finally this week, RCA Records president Mark Pitts has announced that he is exiting to focus on his own “multi-media management company” called Cofvnders, although he will still have a consultancy role with RCA and Sony Music.
Usher and Chris Brown’s new tour, as well as plans to support Japanese songwriters and music through export initiatives, are among the work for his new venture.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source musically.com ’
