Virgin Music, known as Virgin Music Label & Artist Services until 2022 and originally as Caroline Distribution, was a music distributor of independent artists and record labels, most prominently Death Grips, Weezer, and Radiohead. Virgin Music operates as a subsidiary of Virgin Music Group, and is owned by Universal Music Group. The company focuses on the distribution of new or emerging partners.[1] Virgin Music has its operation in United States, with its flagship operating in Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and across Latin America.[2]
 | |
| Formerly | Caroline Distribution (1983–2021) Virgin Music Label & Artist Services (2021–2022) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music publishing |
| Founded | 1983 |
| Defunct | October 19, 2023 |
| Successor | Virgin Music Group |
| Headquarters | United States |
History
editIn 1983, Caroline Distribution was established by Richard Branson & Virgin Records. In 2019, Universal Music Group acquired the digital music and network company INgrooves (including the independent label distributor Fontana Distribution).[3]
According to Billboard reporter Ed Christman; “Between Caroline and Ingrooves, UMG’s indie owned distributors will have a combine market share of about 4.4 percent Billboard estimates, based on year-end numbers”.[3] On 18 February 2021, Universal Music Group announced Virgin Music Label & Artist Services, a new global network to deliver premium and flexible artist and label services.[4]
Following its launch, Universal Music Group retained Caroline Distribution president Jacqueline Saturn, to head Virgin Music label and artist services division of Virgin Music Group.[5]
In September 2022, Universal Music Group announced the launch of Virgin Music Group.[6] Following its launch, its Label & Artist Services began operating as Virgin Music. On 22 September 2022, Sumerian Records signed a distribution deal with Virgin Music.[7]
In September 2023, Virgin Music Group established Virgin Music Nigeria.[8][9]
In October 2023, Virgin Music Group combined with Virgin Music[10]
References
edit- ^ Needham, Jack (July 14, 2021). "Universal's Virgin Music Label & Artist Services inks global distribution deal with Serbian hip-hop label Balkaton". Music Business Worldwide. Retrieved October 30, 2021.
- ^ Webb, Max (February 18, 2021). "Universal Music Group Launches Virgin Music Label and Artist Services". UMG. Retrieved June 29, 2023.
- ^ a b Christman, Ed (February 12, 2019). "Universal Music to Acquire Distributor Ingrooves in Move to Strengthen Commitment to Indie Labels". Billboard. Retrieved June 29, 2023.
- ^ "Introducing Virgin Music Label & Artist Services | Virgin". Virgin.com. Retrieved June 29, 2023.
- ^ Rys, Dan (March 3, 2022). "Virgin Music President Jacqueline Saturn on Navigating COVID, a Rebrand & the Distribution Craze". Billboard. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
- ^ Aswad, Jem (September 13, 2022). "Universal Launches Virgin Music Group, Including Virgin, Ingrooves and Newly Acquired Mtheory Artist Partnerships". Variety. Retrieved September 19, 2022.
- ^ Brooks, Dave (September 22, 2022). "Sumerian Records Signs Distribution Deal With Virgin Music". Billboard. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
- ^ Schneider, Marc (September 1, 2023). "Executive Turntable: Former Asylum Co-President Joins Hitmaker; Joel Klaiman Launches ASCEND4M". Billboard. Retrieved October 26, 2023.
- ^ Nigeria, Guardian (September 1, 2023). "Ikazoboh appointed head as Virgin Music debuts in Nigeria". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
- ^ "Virgin Music Group combines Virgin Music and Ingrooves Music Group into united global operation". Music Business Worldwide. October 19, 2023. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
External links
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