Sony‘s Columbia Records has launched a joint venture label, Small Giant Records, with manager and SMG Entertainment CEO Ben Singer.
The agreement was announced today by Ashley Newton, President of Columbia Records and Joel Klaiman, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the label.
Ben Singer is the manager and A&R behind two rising new US pop artists – Rachel Platten (Columbia Records, pictured main) and Andy Grammer (S-Curve Records).
The acts scored top ten hits on the Billboard Hot 100 in the first half of 2015: Platten’s Fight Song and Grammer’s Honey, I’m Good.
Ashley Newton said: “Ben is one of an impressive new breed of smart, driven and entrepreneurial young managers and we are all very excited about the creative prospects of this partnership.
“With two breakouts already under his belt this year, he will no doubt identify important talent for Columbia and bring his skillful and contemporary approach to the artist development and record-making process.”
Singer (pictured inset) added, “I’m incredibly excited and grateful to be in business with Columbia Records. I want to thank Rob Stringer, Ashley Newton, Joel Klaiman and of course, Doug Morris and Julie Swidler for giving me the opportunity to join a team that I believe in at all levels.”
Joel Klaiman stated, “Ben’s passion, commitment, and genuine enthusiasm for new music is shared by our Columbia Records team. We welcome him as an invaluable collaborative partner and look forward to combining our strengths to break new artists.”
Platten commented: “Ben’s career advice changed my focus and changed my life. I absolutely love having him as a partner, a sounding board, an advisor and I’m excited to see how many more fires he and my amazing team at Columbia can start in the industry.”Music Business Worldwide
