Music enthusiasts of the ’80s to the early 1990s know the name Virgin Records Ltd. The British independent record label stood behind the success of platinum-record artists such as Janet Jackson, Phil Collins, Lenny Kravitz, Paula Abdul, Devo, Genesis, the Human League, Culture Club, Simple Minds, and Mike Oldfield, to name a few.
This year, to the excitement of fans worldwide, the company is proud to announce its official return.
Established in 1972 by the entrepreneurs Richard Branson, Nik Powell, Simon Draper, and celebrated musician Tom Newman, Virgin Records Ltd. was expected to succeed. Its name was rooted in Branson and Powell’s record shop “Virgin Records and Tapes” in Notting Hill Gate, London, before transitioning into a formidable label, managing and representing some of the industry’s greats.
Its first production, “Tubular Bells” by the skilled musician Mike Oldfield quickly established the label’s reputation as a rising force in the market. The subsequently released “Phaedra” by Tangerine Dream became a chart-topping hit, attracting a following along with “The Faust Tapes” and “Faust IV” by the multi-talented Faust.
The next few years would only further Virgin Records Ltd. into international recognition. The company would go on to sign the Sex Pistols, Public Image Ltd, Fingerprintz, the Ruts, and Shooting Star, among others.
This was the coveted image that the record label held when Thorn EMI acquired it in 1992 and when EMI was adopted by the Universal Music Group (UMG) in 2012. This year, UMG has announced Virgin Records Ltd’s relaunch, capturing the label’s iconic and trendsetting image in its prime and bringing it to the 21st century.
On the establishment of Virgin Music Label & Artist Services, Richard Branson states, “I’m proud that half a century after we opened our first independent record shop in London, the Virgin Music name continues to represent the very best entrepreneurs, innovators, and artists from the world of music today.”
Effective immediately, the rebirthed label is designed to lead each region under UMG with veritable platinum records and chart-topping hits. Virgin Music Label & Artist Services will be providing global solutions with innovative, international perspectives; and an expert team is already in place in the five main music markets.
The newly-announced subsidiary will cater to the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Latin America. Much recently, Virgin Music Label & Artist Services also announced its entrance into the Australian stage.
Formerly operating as “Caroline Australia,” UMG’s label services arm will continue under the Virgin name, unveiling exciting developments and rebranding strategies intended to kickstart its “biggest year yet,” termed by Tim Janes, the Managing Director of the Australian label.
With a powerhouse roster under his care, nothing stands in the way of Tim’s and the Virgin Music Australia Label’s success. At present, the company supports the talents of Aitch, Catfish and The Bottlemen, Mac DeMarco, Dave, SG Lewis, Iggy Pop, Digga D, and countless more.
After the thrilling string of announcements by UMG concerning the revival of the Virgin Music brand, fans worldwide can’t wait for updates on its expansion, along with the return of the classic, iconic rock sound of the past decades.
Learn more about Virgin Records Ltd. and witness its growth as Virgin Music Label & Artist Services by visiting its official website.
References:
https://www.virgin.com/about-virgin/latest/introducing-virgin-music-label-and-artist-services
https://variety.com/2021/music/news/universal-music-virgin-label-artist-services-1234910348/
https://theindustryobserver.thebrag.com/universal-virgin-music-label-and-artists-services-australia/
