Communion Records, the UK-based label whose roster includes Bear’s Den, Michael Kiwanuka and Ben Howard, has signed a wide-ranging US-only agreement with Universal’s Capitol Music Group.
CMG’s Virgin Records will add A&R and marketing to support to Communion’s latest artist, Catfish & The Bottlemen, whose debut album The Balcony has been certified gold in the UK.
Other CMG label affiliations for Communion Records artists will be jointly agreed on a case-by-case basis. Distribution will either be handled by Universal Music Distribution or CMG’s Caroline.
Communion releases enjoy similar support in the UK from Universal’s team at Island Records.
CMG EVPs Michelle Jubelirer and Scott Greer said in a statement: “We are so excited to be welcoming Communion and its artists to the CMG family. Communion has such great taste and maintains a curator’s approach to its signings that has been integral to its development into an important cultural brand. Their passion is infectious and we can’t wait to get started.”
Communion co-founder – and Mumford & Sons member – Ben Lovett added: “In a transitional and unpredictable time for the music industry, commitment to a high quality level of artists who are true musicians, full of integrity, has helped us build solid foundations. CMG is a company made up of rock stars who believe in breaking artists when the signs are telling them otherwise.
“This is the quality I value highest in them and this will only lead to greater things for the future of the artists we go on to work with.”
Communion was formed in London in 2006. Other names on its roster have included Matt Cosby, Nathaniel Rateliff and Daughter.
The company opened a New York office in 2011.Music Business Worldwide
