"Label services on the rise, tailored to various artists' needs and preferences"
The artist and label services sector is experiencing a surge in growth, as highlighted in the August 2025 edition of Music Week. This resurgence is driven by a growing demand for alternatives to traditional labels, offering artists more control over their budgets, release schedules, and artistic direction.
One such company leading the charge is IDOL, with a roster that includes City Slang, Erased Tapes, Fire Records, Full Time Hobby, Glitterbeat, Gondwana, Hassle Records, Kitsuné, and more. Roo Currier, UK general manager of IDOL, stresses that they only work with music they are passionate about and can add real value to. This passion-driven approach ensures that artists find the right home and team to support their specific needs.
Another company making waves is SoundOn, an all-in-one platform for music marketing and distribution launched by TikTok in 2022. Nichal Sethi, Head of SoundOn EMEA, describes it as "the perfect fit" for artists with a primary audience on TikTok or looking to grow on the platform. SoundOn's artist and label service deals are tailored to be artist-friendly while providing necessary support for career growth.
The success of SoundOn is evident in its chart impacts, with tracks like Pink Lemonade (Str8 Reload) by LeoStayTrill & Mr Reload It, Abracadabra by Wes Nelson feat. Craig David, and Show Me Love by WizTheMC and Bees & Honey making significant impacts.
Create Music Group, who acquired !K7, an independent music company, in April this year, is another player benefiting from this trend. The acquisition has given them access to significant new funding and advanced technology platforms, allowing for growth on their own terms. !K7 is home to imprints such as !K7 Records, Strut, and 7K! and partners with labels including International Anthem, David Byrne's Luaka Bop in New York, and Bradley Zero's Rhythm Section.
The sector's dynamism is also fuelled by technological innovation. Companies like Absolute Label Services are introducing AI-powered platforms that streamline catalogue, rights, distribution, and analytics management. Such tools help artists and labels maintain independence while benefiting from competitive, strategic services beyond traditional corporate models.
Clear, strong, and consistent two-way communication is key in this sector, according to Jasmine Bodkin, VP label management at The Orchard UK (a Sony-backed business). Trust, relationship, and communication are also emphasized by Vanessa Bosåen, president of Universal Music Group's global label services and distribution division Virgin Music Group, who works with artists including Beabadoobee, Tom Odell, Clairo, Underworld, The Kooks, Van Morrison, Richard Ashcroft, and St Vincent.
Believe, a Paris-based global digital music firm, works with labels such as Fabric Records, Rinse Hospital Records, Bella Union, Young Poet, CR2 Records, and Mahogany Records, alongside artists including Mura Masa, Grace Davies, Potter Payper, Rhys Lewis, Craig David, and Strandz. They too stress the importance of working only with music they are passionate about and where they can add real value.
Finding the right home and team is key to success in the artist and label services sector. With a focus on passion-driven partnerships, tailored approaches, and cutting-edge tech solutions, the sector is poised for a forward-looking trajectory towards more artist-empowered, technology-enhanced label services.
[1] Music Week, August 2025 [4] Music Week, August 2025
- In the artist and label services sector, businesses like Believe, with partners including Fabric Records and Mura Masa, emphasize the importance of working with music they are passionate about and adding real value, similar to IDOL and The Orchard UK.
- The success of music marketing platforms such as SoundOn, launched by TikTok in 2022, is evident in their chart impacts and supportive, artist-friendly deals, aligning with the growing trend towards alternatives to traditional labels in the finance and entertainment industry.
