Birmingham, UK-based independent record label BE83 Music has entered into a global distribution deal with Sony Music’s The Orchard.
Founded in 2006 as a content production company, BE83 now houses recordings, management, content creation and publishing.
The management arm of BE83 represents the careers of UK talent such as Jaykae, Smoke Boyz, Dapz On The Map and others.
BE83 Founder and CEO Despa Robinson started his first record label StayFresh Entertainment in 2005, and then launched BE83 as a creative content company that pivoted to artist management and recordings in 2006.
Robinson has previously presented on UK radio station Rinse FM and directed music videos for the likes of British rap star Skepta.
He has produced his own television show called, Meet The Artists, in which he interviewed the likes of UK stars such as Big Narstie and Kano.
Alongside the distribution deal, BE83 will continue to extend its management arm of the company and represent new talent, including creatives outside of music.
This strategy will be supported by a new partnership with artist manager Jess Monroe, who currently manages the British rapper Morrison and Bandokay of UK drill duo OFB.
“Birmingham is a city overflowing with talent.”
Despa Robinson
Despa Robinson, said: “Birmingham is a city overflowing with talent that has often lacked music business infrastructure.
“Much like how Atlanta rose to international renown with the emergence of it’s powerhouse artists and labels, Birmingham has its own unique pace and sound that I believe will do the same here in the U.K.
“This new partnership between BE83 & The Orchard is enabling us to scale up our business and deliver on this vision to take the midland’s sound around the world.
“Beyond just signing talent from our home region, BE83 will be doing bits worldwide and I look forward to working alongside Tim and Ian on achieving some stellar success both domestically and internationally.”
“It was a very natural step to extend our relationship and support him and his team in their endeavours.”
Ian Dutt, The Orchard
Ian Dutt, Managing Director of The Orchard, said: “We have worked with Despa for a number of years and have long admired his work ethic and talent.
“It was a very natural step to extend our relationship and support him and his team in their endeavours.
“Incredible artistic talent can exist anywhere, but the UK music Industry is very London biased, our partnership with BE83 allows us to broaden our reach and support an amazing music executive.
“I look forward to seeing both Despa and the label flourish.”
“no longer is success defined by the M25 and no one gets that more than Despa.”
Timothy Youdeowei, The Orchard
Timothy Youdeowei, Strategy at The Orchard, added: “Aitch, Bugzy Malone, Jaykae, Slowthai, Young T & Bugsey, M1llionz, Pa Salieu the list goes on.
“The UK is producing high quality music and generation inspiring artists from all over, no longer is success defined by the M25 and no one gets that more than Despa.
“Despa has shown himself to be a highly skilled emerging music mogul, independently building a full service entertainment company, which we are now proud to have partnered with globally on the label side.
“Despa has huge aspirations – ‘Birmingham is the UK’s answer to Atlanta’ – and I fully agree with him.”Music Business Worldwide
