The BRIT Awards, the UK’s annual celebration of its artists and their recorded music, return on Tuesday, May 11 in London.
No-one’s yet quite sure how many people will be allowed in the room – and how many will have to make do with live-streaming it from home. But one thing we do know for certain is this: it’s shaping up to be a memorable night for both Warner Music UK‘s CEO, Tony Harlow, and the major’s global recorded music boss, Max Lousada.
The nominations for the 2021 BRITs were announced today, with Warner artists picking up a total of 12 nods in domestic categories. (The BRITs shortlist is made up of seven domestic categories and three international categories: International Female Solo Artist, International Male Solo Artist, and International Group.)
Universal Music UK artists shared nine domestic nominations, Sony Music UK artists nabbed 10, and independents (including Transgressive signed triple-nominee, Arlo Parks) jointly received seven.
Dua Lipa and Joel Corry lead Warner Music UK’s artist nominations, with three nods apiece.
Overall, including the international categories, Universal Music is top dog with 15 nominations, as Warner and Sony take 14 each, and non-major/independents claim 10 (including Big Hit Entertainment, home of BTS).
Acts signed to Warner Music UK label Warner Records, led by President Phil Christie, have scored seven domestic nominations between them.
One of those artists, Griff, is already guaranteed a win, having been announced as the victor in the night’s Rising Star prize – for which fellow Warner Records artist Pa Salieu, as well as Dirty Hit-signed Rina Sawayama, were also nominated.
The UK label with the most nominated artists overall – including international acts it represents – is Polydor, led by Tom March and Ben Mortimer, with nine.
In an internal note to staff sent today (March 31) and obtained by MBW, Warner Music UK boss Tony Harlow praised these and other Warner nominees, writing: “2020 will go down in the history books as one of the most challenging on record: for our artists, their fans, our industry, and each other. But throughout it all, the music has kept us going.
“That’s what makes this year’s BRIT nominations feel so important – not only is it a chance to celebrate the best of British artistry, but it’s a moment for the music community to join together to recognise what’s been achieved under extraordinary circumstances.”
“These nominations are further proof that we have a team who is dedicated to supporting, cultivating and fostering the next generation of artists who will move and disrupt the cultural landscape.”
Tony Harlow, Warner Music UK
He added: “I’m proud to say that the Warner Music family is the home of original talent at every stage of their career, and these nominations are further proof that we have a team who is dedicated to supporting, cultivating and fostering the next generation of artists who will move and disrupt the cultural landscape.
“What makes this all the more remarkable is the fact that we’ve scored more domestic nominations than any other music company – from global superstars to breakthrough talent.”
Harlow called the nominations list a “fantastic result” for Warner, telling his staff: “I couldn’t be prouder of all [our nominees] and all of you.”
You can see the full list of BRIT Awards 2021 nominees below.
FEMALE SOLO ARTIST – In association with Amazon Music
ARLO PARKS – TRANSGRESSIVE
CELESTE – POLYDOR, UNIVERSAL MUSIC
DUA LIPA – WARNER RECORDS, WARNER MUSIC
JESSIE WARE – EMI RECORDS, UNIVERSAL MUSIC
LIANNE LA HAVAS – WARNER RECORDS, WARNER MUSIC
MALE SOLO ARTIST – In association with Amazon Music
