'WE'RE THE NEW MOTOWN, NO LESS!' New music is coming, but the industry story from Rudimental is about expanding their label and publishing company...
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hart-topping dance quartet Rudimental have had an impressively productive lockdown. Firstly, they’ve finished their fourth album, which is due out on Atlantic in September. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly for the purposes of a trade publication such as MBUK, they’ve been busy readying the start of a big expansion plan for their record label, publisher (administered by UMPG) and now creative agency, all of which sit under the Major Toms brand. That expansion includes moving from their studio in Hackney to a new complex that will house multiple studios across several floors and a multimedia recording space. At the same time, the label has a busy year of releases ahead with Anne-Marie — who started the year with No.2 hit Don’t Play, alongside KSI and Digital Farm Animals — set to release her second album via Major Toms/Atlantic, while Ella Henderson (also signed in a JV with Atlantic) is also working on an album following her top 20 track Let’s Go Home Together with Tom Grennan. Developing artist Morgan (who is signed solely to Major Toms) is working on an EP after guesting on Rudimental’s Be the One alongside rapper/songwriter Tike, who is published by Major Toms. Other acts published by the company include composer, songwriter and producer Renell Shaw, who won an Ivor last year for his jazz EP, The Windrush Suite, and has new music coming under duo 2fox; production duo Slim Typical; and songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Beanie Bhebhe. There’s also an expansion of their team on the cards (which currently includes Rudimental members Piers Aggett, Amir Amor, Kesi Dryden and DJ Locksmith as well as GM Gabby Endacott), and they are working on building an app that aims to help support artists’ wellbeing and mental health alongside a dedicated programme called The People’s Mantra. Here, we chat
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