15 February 2016
Newsdesk
Music body the BPI is launching a regular editorial feature called BPI Label Spotlight, which aims to shine a light on its member labels and the valuable work they do to promote music and the work of their artists.
Each feature will be hosted on the bpi.co.uk website, usually over a three to four week period and supported by social media and digital activity.
Areas to be covered are likely to include a label’s history and heritage; its repertoire of artists and catalogue – including a look at forthcoming product releases; its business model and working culture; and its community and CSR activities. The spotlight will typically include a video interview with the CEO, Chair or another senior executive, as well as blog postings, other editorial content and product competitions.
Kicking off this new series from Monday 15th February will be a BPI Label Spotlight on Cherry Red Records – the independent label that sees itself as a “unique mixture of the contemporary and the classic”. Originally founded in Worcestershire in 1971 as a promotions company putting on Rock concerts at the Malvern Winter Gardens, the Chiswick-based label has worked with many ground-breaking artists over nearly half a century and across a range of genres, though it is arguably best known for its Punk and New Wave heritage.
The BPI Label Spotlight on Cherry Red includes an in-depth interview with Chairman and Founder Iain McNay, that will also touch on his love of AFC Wimbledon – the Football League 2 team whose Kingsmeadow stadium Cherry Red Records sponsor; profiles of artists currently on their roster including Marc Almond, The Fall and The Zombies; an advice blog for anyone looking to set up an indie label; and a product giveaway of the label’s critically acclaimed Shoegaze Collection.
Cherry Red Records Chairman and Founder, Iain McNay, comments: “Every label has a story to tell. At the time when Cherry Red Records released its first single in 1978 there was a revolution happening in the British record business. There were literally hundreds and hundreds of new Independent labels putting out some really great music. The established record business was being radically shaken up and Cherry Red loved being part of it. When the label started we joined the BPI because we wanted to participate and be a voice in helping to shape the changing landscape and we felt it was important to get our views heard.
“I am sure this new series will be successful in capturing the fascinating diversity and originality of so many British Independent record labels today. Is it really true that Cherry Red used to test the mettle of prospective signings by putting them in the Cherry Red football team? Watch this video and find out!”
