Glyn Aikins has established himself as one of the UK music industry’s most influential A&R executives, consistently demonstrating a keen ear for talent and a steadfast commitment to artist development.
Currently serving as Co-President of RCA UK alongside Stacey Tang, Aikins’ career has spanned over two decades, marked by significant commercial successes and critical acclaim.
Glyn Aikins: Early Life and Musical Roots
Raised in London within a West African household, Aikins was exposed to diverse musical influences from an early age. His formative years were shaped by the vibrant soundscape of his family’s gatherings, where records like Bob Marley’s Small Axe deeply resonated with him. Reflecting on these experiences in a 2024 interview with Music Business Worldwide, Aikins recalled, “We would hear that one all the time, listening upstairs while these parties were going on. I would have been about seven at the time.”
His teenage years further solidified his passion for music, notably through his introduction to hip-hop. Public Enemy’s Rebel Without A Pause profoundly impacted him, shaping his appreciation for music’s cultural potency.
Glyn Aikins: Breaking into the Industry
Aikins’ professional journey began with an internship at Media Village PR, later evolving into Relentless Records, where his talent for A&R quickly became evident. He notably signed Artful Dodger’s iconic track Re-Rewind, introducing Craig David and propelling UK garage music into mainstream consciousness. Another milestone was his involvement in signing So Solid Crew, whose UK No.1 hit 21 Seconds significantly elevated British rap’s profile, a signing he described in a 2024 interview with Music Business Worldwide as “a genius idea and a genius record.”
In 2003, Aikins transitioned to Virgin Records, further honing his A&R credentials. He signed artists like Emeli Sandé, whose debut album, Our Version of Events, sold over five million copies worldwide, underscoring his ability to identify and nurture groundbreaking talent.
Glyn Aikins: Founding Since ’93 and Leadership at RCA UK
In 2018, Aikins co-founded Since ’93, a joint venture with Sony Music UK, alongside Riki Bleau. The label quickly became influential within the UK rap and urban scenes, signing prominent artists including Fredo, Loski, and Aitch. Discussing the vision behind Since ’93 in a 2020 Forbes interview, Aikins emphasized, “The overall ambition is to be the best, and you can’t say that if you’re living in past glory.”
His significant contributions were recognized with his appointment as Co-President of RCA UK in February 2023. Aikins continues to champion an artist-focused philosophy at RCA, highlighting the importance of patience and authenticity in artist development. Upon his appointment, he stated, “This philosophy of artist development will be at the centre of everything we believe in, coupled with delivering brilliant artists and music.”
Under Aikins and Tang’s leadership, RCA UK artists, including Bring Me The Horizon and SZA, have achieved notable successes, solidifying the label’s industry prominence.
Glyn Aikins: Professional Philosophy and Outlook
Throughout his career, Glyn Aikins has consistently emphasized quality, artist authenticity, and long-term cultural impact. His approach reflects a deep understanding of music as both a commercial enterprise and a cultural force. Aikins’ career trajectory illustrates his unwavering belief in nurturing talent with integrity and vision, shaping RCA UK into a creative haven renowned for developing enduring global artists.Music Business Worldwide