Universal Music UK label Virgin EMI has launched a new imprint named Lost Ones, led by former Apple exec Ashley Sykes and ex-RCA A&R Barry Burt.
Reporting to Virgin EMI President Ted Cockle, the label will serve as a stand-alone brand, signing and developing artists, whilst working alongside the wider Virgin EMI marketing and promotion teams.
Sykes was previously UK Music Manager for Apple’s Beats 1, where he worked closely with the Julie Adenuga and Zane Lowe shows and helped launch specialist shows for artists including Krept & Konan and Rex OC.
Prior to Apple, Sykes served as A&R and manager for Stellar Songs Publishing alongside Tim Blacksmith and Danny D, signing Grace Carter, Digital Farm Animals and managing Frank Ocean collaborator Om’Mas Keith.
Burt began his career in 2005 as a DJ on BBC 1xtra, before moving into A&R for Levels Entertainment working with Wretch 32, Gyptian and Vato Gonzalez.
He then went on to RCA, where he signed Yungen and set up management company The Dozens, looking after writers and producers including Negin (Drake’s ‘Don’t Matter To Me’, Snakehips ‘Don’t Leave’) and Jay Weathers (Not3s ‘My Lover’, Dappy ‘Oh My’).
“it felt totally right to bring these two forceful characters together and harness their combined energies in this focused, boutique A&R cauldron and let them really nurture, stimulate and launch some super fresh new talent.”
ted cockle, virgin emi
Cockle said: “On too many occasions the DNA of Ashley and Barry were present somewhere in the mix of many of the artists we were courting.
“Hence it felt totally right to bring these two forceful characters together and harness their combined energies in this focused, boutique A&R cauldron and let them really nurture, stimulate and launch some super fresh new talent.”
Fay Hoyte, Marketing Director EMI added: “Barry and Ashley are two dynamic individuals who make the perfect team.
“Both are extremely passionate about what they do and Lost Ones is already shaping up to be a truly exciting label.”
Burt and Sykes said: “To be able to provide artists with the core A&R attention that only a boutique label can offer, but with the might of Virgin EMI in the wings to take things to the next level when ready, is the perfect balance.
“Ted totally understood our desire to build a brand and make a statement that is led by the music we deliver.
“Artist-driven projects is our focus and we want our roster to be quality, not quantity.”
Ashley sykes and barry burt
“Ted totally understood our desire to build a brand and make a statement that is led by the music we deliver.
“Artist-driven projects is our focus and we want our roster to be quality, not quantity. We’re so excited to work with Ted, Fay, Rob and everyone at Virgin EMI.”
The label launches with a trio of new artists: London based Wauve, afrobeat producer and DJ Juls, and ATC-managed Collard.
Pictured L-R: Fay Hoyte, Barry Burt, Ashley Sykes and Ted Cockle.Music Business Worldwide
