EMI to open new label EMI North

Major record label EMI is set to open its first physical premises outside of London in the form of EMI North, a new label based in Leeds.

The label, which will be run by EMI co-presidents Rebecca Allen and Jo Charrington, also sees Clive Cawley move from his current role as managing director to become president of EMI North. Cawley, who is from Yorkshire, began his career as a sales rep for Universal Music in North Yorkshire. The new label will be based at the Duke Studios premises in Leeds.

Throughout his career, Cawley has worked with a stellar array of international artists, including the likes of Beck, Elton John, Florence + The Machine, Lewis Capaldi, Loyle Carner, Metallica, Paul McCartney, Pearl Jam, Queen, Taylor Swift, The Killers and The Stone Roses. He will continue to work on wider EMI artist campaigns.

“I’m delighted to finally open the doors to EMI North with a very simple goal: to support and invest in local talent, helping them to find new audiences and build their businesses,” Cawley commented. “We have been overwhelmed by the reaction from the creative community in Leeds and beyond and are raring to go.”

Rebecca Allen and Jo Charrington also 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 to be at the helm of this exciting new chapter for our historic label."

The label states that its mission will be to discover and promote new talent across the north of England, although at present no details of signing at EMI North have been revealed.

However, the label has confirmed partnerships with Clue Records and music development company Come Play With Me.

Last year, Universal labels EMI and Capitol labels united under the joint leadership of co-presidents Rebecca Allen and Jo Charrington. The new arrangement saw Capitol Records UK’s roster and team become part of the EMI family. Capitol Records UK will now be a division of EMI label group, alongside Motown UK, giving Capitol’s artists access to EMI’s teams and expertise in what is gearing up to be a busy year for both labels.

“This is a game-changing moment for EMI,” said David Joseph, chairman and CEO of Universal Music UK.

“Becky and Jo make an exceptional team with a united vision for what a modern record label should be. Becky’s leadership together with Jo’s unrivalled A&R track record sets up what promises to be an exciting new era for EMI and their artists.”

Capitol was launched for the first time in the UK as a standalone label in 2013, following UMG’s acquisition of the EMI corporate group the previous year.

After starting her career at London Records, Charrington spent five years in artist management before moving into A&R, moving to Universal Music in 2011 as vice-president of A&R, initially for London Records and then Capitol Records when it was launched as a UK label in 2013.

“I’m honoured to be joining Becky, and the outstanding EMI team at what is an incredibly exciting time for the label,” said Charrington at the time.

“It really does feel like the stars have aligned for us both. For a label steeped in history and culture, our ambition and vision is simple. We want to develop and nurture the very best talent from across the world. Talent whose artistry will no doubt write the next chapter of EMI’s legacy as the UK’s most celebrated record label.”

“I’m delighted to begin this journey with Jo and to welcome the brilliant Capitol team to EMI,” added Allen.

“Jo is someone who I have always admired and respected, both as a friend and as an outstanding executive. We’ve built a fantastic relationship over the years and we will be running a label that is both innovative and forward thinking with our artists and their music always at the heart.”