Syco’s first signing under the new leadership of MD Tyler Brown, who recently replaced Sonny Takhar, is X Factor 2016 UK finalists 5 After Midnight.
The three-piece band – Kieran Alleyne (21), Jordan Lee (21) and Nathan Lewis (24) – were the highest placed group in the X Factor last year after finishing in third place. They were mentored by Louis Walsh.
Brown, who was named MD of Simon Cowell’s Sony imprint in December, said: “It is very rare that a group can sing, dance and perform at a level that 5 After Midnight do.
“We will be making a record that enables them to fully showcase their huge talent.”
5 After Midnight first auditioned in London in early July. Discussing the band during the series, Cowell said: “They are energetic. They can sing and dance. They are what people want.”
The band will join winner Matt Terry on The X Factor Arena Tour for a 21-day nationwide run beginning in Nottingham on February 23.
“It is very rare that a group can sing, dance and perform at a level that 5 After Midnight do. We will be making a record that enables them to fully showcase their huge talent.”
tyler brown, syco
They will then go into the recording studio to begin working on material for their debut album, which is expected this year.
5 After Midnight are the only active boy band on Syco’s roster after One Direction called a hiatus last year. They join Little Mix, Fleur East, Susan Boyle, Ella Henderson, Il Divo and Fifth Harmony (who are signed via US label Epic).
After six years as President, Takhar left Syco to launch an entertainment venture in LA at the end of last year.
He spent a total of 12 years at Syco, first joining as MD of the firm’s TV and music businesses – the latter being a partnership with Sony Music worldwide.
Brown originally joined Syco Music in 2008 as an A&R Assistant and, together with Takhar, led the A&R for One Direction – with record sales of 99 million including more than five billion streams.
He was named Head of A&R in 2015, since when Syco Music has amassed record sales of an impressive 31 million.
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