Virgin Music, known as Virgin Music Label & Artist Services until 2022 and originally as Caroline Distribution, was a music distributor of independent artists and record labels. Virgin Music operates as a subsidiary of Virgin Music Group, and is owned by Universal Music Group. The company focuses on the distribution of new or emerging partners.[1] Virgin Music has its operation in United States, with its flagship operating in Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and across Latin America.[2]
History
In 1983, Caroline Distribution was established by Richard Branson & Virgin Records. In 2019, Universal Music Group acquired the digital music and network company INgrooves (including the independent label distributor Fontana Distribution).[3]
According to Billboard reporter Ed Christman; “Between Caroline and Ingrooves, UMG’s indie owned distributors will have a combine market share of about 4.4 percent Billboard estimates, based on year-end numbers”.[3] On 18 February 2021, Universal Music Group announced Virgin Music Label & Artist Services, a new global network to deliver premium and flexible artist and label services.[4]
Following its launch, Universal Music Group retained Caroline Distribution president Jacqueline Saturn, to head Virgin Music label and artist services division of Virgin Music Group.[5]
In September 2022, Universal Music Group announced the launch of Virgin Music Group.[6] Following its launch, its Label & Artist Services began operating as Virgin Music. On 22 September 2022, Sumerian Records signed a distribution deal with Virgin Music.[7]
In September 2023, Virgin Music Group established Virgin Music Nigeria.[8][9]
In October 2023, Virgin Music Group combined with Virgin Music.[10]
External links
References
- Jack Needham. Universal's Virgin Music Label & Artist Services inks global distribution deal with Serbian hip-hop label Balkaton Music Business Worldwide, 2021-07-14, retrieved 2021-10-30^
- Max Webb. Universal Music Group Launches Virgin Music Label and Artist Services UMG, 18 February 2021, retrieved 29 June 2023^
- Ed Christman. Universal Music to Acquire Distributor Ingrooves in Move to Strengthen Commitment to Indie Labels Billboard, 12 February 2019, retrieved 29 June 2023^
- Introducing Virgin Music Label & Artist Services Virgin.com, retrieved 29 June 2023^
- Dan Rys. Virgin Music President Jacqueline Saturn on Navigating COVID, a Rebrand & the Distribution Craze Billboard, 3 March 2022, retrieved 22 July 2023^
- Jem Aswad. Universal Launches Virgin Music Group, Including Virgin, Ingrooves and Newly Acquired Mtheory Artist Partnerships Variety, 2022-09-13, retrieved 2022-09-19^
- Dave Brooks. Sumerian Records Signs Distribution Deal With Virgin Music Billboard, 22 September 2022, retrieved 20 July 2023^
- Marc Schneider. Executive Turntable: Former Asylum Co-President Joins Hitmaker; Joel Klaiman Launches ASCEND4M Billboard, 1 September 2023, retrieved 26 October 2023^
- Guardian Nigeria. Ikazoboh appointed head as Virgin Music debuts in Nigeria The Guardian, 1 September 2023, retrieved 3 September 2023^
- Virgin Music Group combines Virgin Music and Ingrooves Music Group into united global operation Music Business Worldwide, 2023-10-19, retrieved 2024-10-26^