[PIAS] has partnered with Australia-based management and touring company Astral People on a Co-Op label deal, Astral People Recordings.
Astral People is operated by Vichara Edirisinghe and Tom Huggett.
The company has managed the careers of artists such as Cosmos Midnight, Winston Surfshirt, Milan Ring and Basenji.
On the touring side the company has brought out artists such as Stormzy, Snakehips, Nao and Sampha to Australia.
Astral People has also ventured into events, festivals and publishing.
Astral People Recordings’ first signing is producer and multi-instrumentalist, Wave Racer.
“Our vision for the label is just a pure reflection of our joint musical tastes as a company. Representing both local and international artists who we truly believe are the best in their fields at what they do.”
Vichara Edirisinghe and Tom Huggett
Edirisinghe and Huggett said: “Our vision for the label is just a pure reflection of our joint musical tastes as a company.
“Representing both local and international artists who we truly believe are the best in their fields at what they do.
“We’ve never been a company that’s been pigeonholed into a certain genre and we certainly won’t be with this label.
“However, what we can say is that the artists we choose to represent will be ones of the highest caliber and an exciting prospect in their respective genre or scene.
Added Edirisinghe and Huggett: “The label will represent artists that we truly feel will last the test of time in this forever changing business, and we are incredibly proud to align ourselves with such a leading voice in independent music, along some of our favourite labels (Phantasy, DFA, Mute and Transgressive Records) in the co-op model. It’s an honour to have Astral People Recordings sit amongst this group.”
“I am thrilled that Astral People is joining our worldwide roster of outstanding independent labels.”
Edwin Schroter, [PIAS]
Edwin Schroter, [PIAS] Group Managing Director, added: “I am thrilled that Astral People is joining our worldwide roster of outstanding independent labels.
“Vic and Tom have built something very special in Australia and their entrepreneurial drive, A&R instinct and international outlook make them a perfect fit for our Cooperative label offering.
“We are proud that they have chosen [PIAS] as a global partner for their new label venture and we can’t wait to start working together on the exciting new artist roster they are developing.”
“We are constantly inspired by not only their musical taste, but the passion and consideration that Astral People put into everything they do.”
Meg Williams, Inertia Label Group
Meg Williams, Director – Inertia Label Group, added: “Inertia Music has such a long-standing relationship with Astral People, both personally and through their partnership with Handsome Tours.
“We are constantly inspired by not only their musical taste, but the passion and consideration that Astral People put into everything they do.
“We’re so honored to help them realise their ambitions for a label outstanding in its musical output and care.”
“Astral People have had unwavering support for me and my music from the very start; and to be on board with them for this new beginning is truly an honour.”
Wave Racer
Wave Racer said: “I am unspeakably lucky to be creating and releasing music again, and to be doing it with the very same team that has been with me since day one is such a privilege.
“As managers, Astral People took me from my bedroom to global audiences, and have had the faith and fortitude to stick with me through each and every challenge that has presented itself over the last six years.
“The strength and confidence that I gain from having the Astral People team behind me is immeasurable, and it will continue to grow as we enter into this new chapter together.
“Astral People have had unwavering support for me and my music from the very start; and to be on board with them for this new beginning is truly an honour.”Music Business Worldwide
