Believe UK, the UK arm of digital music company Believe, has signed a long-term, global partnership with indie label Bella Union.
The agreement covers both new releases and select back catalog titles from Bella Union. Believe UK will handle all-format distribution (physical and digital) and provide comprehensive support across various aspects of the label’s operations.
This includes services such as synchronization, DSP and retail editorial and marketing partnerships, release management, digital expertise and in-house technology, video and audience development, and ongoing advance funding.
Believe UK will help match Bella Union’s artists’ music with film, TV, and advertising opportunities, secure placements on major streaming platforms and retail outlets, and provide guidance on release strategies to maximize reach and impact, among others.
This partnership brings together two industry powerhouses. Believe UK boasts a roster of established alternative music labels, including Communion, So Young, and Mick. Bella Union was founded in 1997 and initially served as a label to release the music of its owners, Cocteau Twins. The label’s boss, Simon Raymonde, started signing other acts after the band’s breakup.
Bella Union started working with Warren Ellis’ Dirty Three and John Grant’s The Czars, and its roster has since grown to include Explosions In The Sky, Beach House, Midlake, Father John Misty, John Grant, BC Camplight and Ezra Furman.
Legendary acts such as The Flaming Lips, Spiritualized, White Denim and Mercury Rev have also joined the roster. Fleet Foxes marked Bella Union’s first crossover success after the band achieved UK Double Platinum status with its debut album.
Bella Union has also continued to grow its roster with new artists such as Pom Poko, Penelope Isles, and Personal Trainer, who are all slated to release new music in 2024.
“We are convinced the recent growth of alternative music will further amplify and cross over with Bella Union at the forefront.”
Ben Rimmer, Believe UK & Northern Europe
“We are delighted to welcome the Bella Union family to Believe. Simon’s ability to find and develop talent is second to none,” Ben Rimmer, Regional Director, Believe UK & Northern Europe, said.
“We are convinced the recent growth of alternative music will further amplify and cross over with Bella Union at the forefront. Beach House and Father John Misty prove how wide that audience is and the potential for further growth with Believe.”
Bella Union founder Simon Raymonde added: “We are all thrilled to begin an exciting new chapter in the Bella Union story, working with the fantastic team at Believe. I am an instinctive person who always follows my gut.”
“The industry has been in a depressed state for a while, and it can be easy to get drawn under the grey cloud. From the minute we walked into the Believe offices and met their team, we saw the light and followed it.”
Simon Raymonde, Bella Union
“My team at Bella Union have all been with the company long term and we need to feel the love from the people we work with and for… The industry has been in a depressed state for a while, and it can be easy to get drawn under the grey cloud. From the minute we walked into the Believe offices and met their team, we saw the light and followed it,” said Raymonde.
This agreement follows a series of recent strategic partnerships for Believe UK with labels and artists including Mahogany, Rinse, Hospital, Royel Otis, All Ways Dance, Lustre, Nice Swan, Kamille, and Mick Music.
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