Universal Music to merge Island and EMI in the UK
Universal Music Group have unveiled plans to merge Island Records and EMI later this year, which will be rebranded as Island EMI Label Group.
Both labels have been working underneath the wider Universal umbrella for a considerable time, but will be joining forces from October 1st, 2024. While EMI was purchased by Universal for $1.9 billion in 2012, Island was initially sold by founder Chris Blackwell to the PolyGram Group for $300 million in 1989, which later merged with Universal in 1998.
The two UK based labels have played strong roles in shaping musical trends over the decades with their respective rosters. Notably, EMI was home to The Beatles during the 1960s, and remains Paul McCartney’s record label today. Other prominent names include Metallica, Take That, Sam Smith, Rihanna, Olivia Dean and Lionel Ritchie.
Meanwhile, Island Records in the UK was famously Amy Winehouse’s record label and current artists signed to the company include The Last Dinner Party, Hozier, The Weeknd, Nia Archives, Ariana Grande and Dermot Kennedy.
Under the new plans, these two companies will operate as Island EMI Label Group. In a leaked memo, seen by Billboard, David Joseph, the CEO at Universal Music UK and Ireland, said: “As a company, we must continue to be forward-looking, innovative, and bold. Developing artists now requires more creativity and patience than ever before.”
Joseph continued: “We are committed to being the number one place for artists, fans and talent. I have an incredible appreciation for our team given what we have achieved in the past and what I know we will achieve in the future.”
The merger comes after Capitol Records was previously moved within EMI in the United Kingdom, which is now set to expand further by cooperating with Island.
At this stage, no job losses have been announced by Universal Music Group. However, a consultation period has now got underway and will conclude in September.
Last year, EMI expanded into the north of England by launching EMI North, based in Leeds. The birth of the Yorkshire company marks the first time a major label in the United Kingdom opened a physical space outside of London.
In a statement, EMI Co-Presidents Jo Charrington and Rebecca Allen said: “Discovering and nurturing new talent from right across the UK is the lifeblood of what we do and there’s nobody better than Clive (Cawley) to be at the helm of this exciting new chapter for our historic label.”
Since launching, EMI North has built up an impressive roster, including talented artists such as Nadine Shah, Pop Vulture, LYR, Bored At My Grandma’s House, Treeboy & Arc, The Wedding Present and Lois Levin.
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