The first ever UK act to sign a major label deal through Universal’s Spinnup has emerged – Scottish rock quartet Model Aeroplanes.
Spinnup is Universal’s rival to the likes of Tunecore, providing DIY artists with digital distribution to all major music platforms.
The service also hooks up these artists with what Universal calls a ‘network of experienced and well-connnected scouts’, who can help them secure a record deal.
That’s exactly what’s happened for Model Aeroplanes, who have inked a major label record contract with Island Records – UMG’s go-to record company for Spinnup acts in the UK market.
In Sweden, where Spinnup first launched in 2013, nine artists have now been signed by Universal Music, Spinnup’s parent company, and have gone on to release multi-platinum selling and chart topping hits after being spotted and coached by Spinnup’s dedicated Scouts.
Louis Bloom, Head of A&R at Island Records, said: “A&R is the lifeblood of what we do at Island Records which is why Spinnup as a platform is so important in our discovery strategy going forward.
“The growing success of Model Aeroplanes is a testament to our commitment to nurturing new talent and we’re really excited to have them join us at Island.”
So far, Model Aeroplanes have put out four singles, Crazy, Innocent Love, Club Low and Deep in the Pool themselves and performed sets at the likes of The Great Escape, Live at Leeds, Dot-to-Dot and T In The Park.
“A&R is the lifeblood of what we do at island records, which is why spinnup is so important in our discovery strategy.”
Louis Bloom, Island Records
Hailing from Dundee, Model Aeroplanes are the first UK act to have signed a record deal after using Spinnup which led to them working with Spinnup Scout Yvonne McLellan.
“We are really excited to be one of the first UK acts to have the opportunity to utilise the new Spinnup platform,” say the band.
“Spinnup gave us the chance to be recognised by Island Records’ great A&R team and eventually led to us finding our new home within the label.”
“I first came across the boys in Model Aeroplanes a few years ago,” says Yvonne McLellan.
“We kept in touch and I would go to their shows every now and then just to see how things were developing. I remember the moment when I went to see them and I thought: ‘Oh my, they’ve cracked it!’
“They had grown confident with a real ease on stage. They had mastered their set perfectly with the songs drawing you in and taking it to another level.
“When discussing the way forward I suggested that for their next single they should think about Spinnup. They got on board and I scouted them. It’s such a pleasure to be around them and I can only see them going from strength to strength.”
As the band say: “We feel that Spinnup is going to give acts a chance to reach out to contacts in the industry that they may not have the opportunity to otherwise. We’re really happy to have been a part of Spinnup and work with such a great team.”
Spinnup does not take a percentage of artist royalties for unsigned bands, instead charging a yearly fixed fee for those who wish to upload music.Music Business Worldwide
