Virgin Music Group and independent label Neon Gold Records announced a new global distribution deal on Tuesday (June 11).
The partnership combines the global reach of Universal Music Group-owned Virgin Music with Neon Gold’s experience in nurturing talent.
Neon Gold, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary, is known for launching the careers of artists like Tove Lo, Charli XCX, MARINA, Passion Pit and Christine And The Queens. The label’s artists have so far amassed over 15 billion streams and sold more than 10 million album equivalents.
Neon Gold’s artists have also achieved numerous gold and platinum certifications including Tove Lo’s Habits (8x Platinum), Charli XCX’s Boom Clap (3x Platinum), and Passion Pit’s Sleepyhead (2x Platinum). Billboard number ones include Charli XCX’s and Tove Lo’s singles, which topped the Top 40 charts in the summer of 2014, and back-to-back Billboard alternative number ones with Matt Maeson in 2019 and 2020, Cringe and Hallucinogenics (both RIAA-certified platinum).
The multi-year deal with Virgin Music Group comes on the heels of Neon Gold’s strong start to 2024, featuring Good Neighbours‘ runaway debut single Home and Mt. Joy’s Highway Queen.
Home, released in partnership with Avenue A / Some Action Records in the UK, and supported globally by Capitol and Polydor, has been certified silver in the UK and is nearing platinum status in the US with over 750,000 single equivalents in less than six months. It is the most streamed debut by any artist globally in 2024.
Meanwhile, Highway Queen is climbing the AAA airplay chart while Mt. Joy is set for performances at Madison Square Garden and the Hollywood Bowl this summer.
“The partnership allows us to maintain our independent spirit and artist-centric ethos, while benefiting from the scale, global infrastructure and team of Virgin Music Group.”
Derek Davies, Neon Gold
At the same time as announcing its partnership with Virgin Music, Neon Gold revealed it had signed alternative pop stalwarts Phantogram. Their comeback single All A Mystery was released on Neon Gold on May 31. Phantogram joins Neon Gold / Virgin Music Group’s roster alongside longstanding Neon Gold artists The Knocks and Juliana Madrid, with more marquee signings expected soon.
“We’re thrilled to embark on the next chapter of Neon Gold with Virgin Music Group,” said Derek Davies, Founder of Neon Gold.
“The partnership allows us to maintain our independent spirit and artist-centric ethos, while benefiting from the scale, global infrastructure and team of Virgin Music Group. It’s the perfect combination to support our mission of delivering major results on independent terms for artists, carving out new lanes for our acts to have more control both creatively and commercially.”
“As many independent labels dream to do, Neon Gold has not only achieved commercial success, but they’ve developed into a trusted lifestyle brand that has become a mainstay definer of left-of-center pop music, and they continue to have a cultural impact.”
Jacqueline Saturn, Virgin Music Group
Jacqueline Saturn, President of North America and EVP of Global Artist Relations for Virgin Music Group, added: “As many independent labels dream to do, Neon Gold has not only achieved commercial success, but they’ve developed into a trusted lifestyle brand that has become a mainstay definer of left-of-center pop music, and they continue to have a cultural impact.”
“Derek and Sarah [Kesselman, General Manager of Neon Gold] know how to nurture talent by building an ecosystem of familial support around their every signing and advocating for artistry in the industry, creating a natural blend of commerce and culture. We are thrilled to partner with them on this next phase of Neon Gold.”
New York City-headquartered Neon Gold, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary, has previously formed successful joint ventures with Columbia (2010-2013) and Atlantic (2014-2024).
For Virgin Music, the partnership with Neon Gold marks its latest after forming alliances with indie label and distribution company SRG/ILS Group last month, with Jay Sean’s label 3AM Entertainment in March, with indie publisher Position Music last September, and with Liverpool-based label Modern Sky UK last year.
Music Business Worldwide
