Modern Sky Entertainment has launched a management division in the UK, MBW can confirm, with the company now operating across records, publishing, live, video and management.
In addition, one of Modern Sky Management’s artists, Wigan, UK-based The Lathums have signed to Island Records in what MBW understands is a multi-album, seven figure deal.
Founded by LiHui Shen in 1997, Modern Sky is one of the largest independent record labels in China and also promotes music festivals in the territory under the banner of Strawberry Festivals and MDSK.
In 2016, Modern Sky inked a long-term, strategic equity partner deal with Sound City, the company, founded by Dave Pichilingi, behind music conference and showcase festivals such as Liverpool Sound City, New York Sound City and, most recently, Sound City Korea.
LiHui Shen and Pichilingi launched Modern Sky UK as part of that global deal and partnership. Last year, Pichilingi added to his role at Modern Sky to head up the company’s US operation alongside the UK office.
In addition to the Lathums, the management division’s roster includes Jamie Webster, who has recently sold out his first UK tour, as well as achieving over 700,000 streams with his debut release on Modern Sky.
The company also represents Abbie Ozard who the company says has worked with Rich Turvey (Blossoms) and Mike Halls (Clean Cut Kid).
The Lathum’s latest single, Fight On, has garnered 353,000 Spotify streams since release on January 24 and is averaging around 9,000 streams per day.
Single has also seen support from Spotify’s New Music Friday UK (peaked No.13), The Indie List (peaked No.1, cover artist), All New All Now, New Noise (No.2), Hot New Bands and beyond.
Support from Apple came via playlists such as Antidote, Kebab On The Nightbus and The A List: Alternative.
“For the future we will continue to grow our roster and look to work with hard working artists with ambition and great songs.”
Dave Pichilingi, Modern Sky
Commenting on the launch of the management company, Pichilingi, CEO Modern Sky UK/USA, said: “The decision to start a management arm at Modern Sky has felt absolutely natural. We brought in Alfie Skelly who is young, ambitious with great ideas and has amazing energy.
“We found that there were certain artists that we wanted to work with who did not have management in place.
Added Pichilingi: “For the future we will continue to grow our roster and look to work with hard working artists with ambition and great songs.
“Ideally from the north – as we have a desire to work with artists and bands from our region. Liverpool and Manchester are responsible for some of the greatest musical output of the last 50 years.
“We believe this tradition will continue and we will continue to invest and support in talent from our own backyard.”
“The demand to see and hear this band is so high right now but there are no tricks – they are brilliant young musicians who back up their hype with timeless song writing and phenomenal live shows.”
Alfie Skelly, Modern Sky Management
Alfie Skelly, Modern Sky Management added: “We met them in a rehearsal room in Liverpool and we just got it straight away. Coming from my background from being on tour with bands like The Coral, Arctic Monkeys and Oasis since I was 16, I just understood The Lathums and where they came from, not only being a northern working class band but musically as well.
“The demand to see and hear this band is so high right now but there are no tricks – they are brilliant young musicians who back up their hype with timeless song writing and phenomenal live shows.”
“I genuinely believe they could become one of the most successful acts in the UK over the next few years and also make inroads into a number of markets globally.”
Paul Adam, Island Records
Paul Adam, Island Records A&R, said: “What really excited me when I first saw The Lathums live was the quality of the songwriting and musicianship for such a young band. They sounded fresh, original, exciting and completely authentic.
“They write guitar pop songs for the masses – lyrically interesting with massive hooks. They have the natural musical DNA to become your favourite new band.
“I genuinely believe they could become one of the most successful acts in the UK over the next few years and also make inroads into a number of markets globally.
Added Adam: “It’s more important than ever in 2020 for bands to connect and build a loyal live audience as well as growing their social media footprint. The Lathums, seemingly from nowhere, are selling serious tickets throughout the UK.
“It’s important they continue to build their fanbase organically in the UK through live and social media as we bolt on to amplify their growth in all areas. With bands, it should always be a marathon rather than a sprint.
“However, having heard some of the new music, which is stunning, I do believe they have an opportunity to break big sooner rather than later.”Music Business Worldwide
