DJ Semtex returns to Sony Music UK as Director of Artist Development

22 January 2015 - Press release

Chairman and CEO of Sony Music UK, Jason Iley announced today the appointment of DJ Semtex as Director of Artist Development at Sony Music UK. 

Respected music industry figure, DJ, broadcaster, marketeer, content creator and A&R, DJ Semtex will return to Sony Music from his role as Senior A&R Executive at Mercury/Universal.

DJ Semtex first joined Mercury/Universal as Urban Promotions Manager in 2001 where he contributed to breaking artists such as Jay-Z, Kanye West and Rihanna in the UK. In 2003, he was made A&R manager and soon after scored a No.1 hit with his first signing Fatman Scoop. In 2005, DJ Semtex became a Senior A&R Executive for Mercury Records where he signed critically acclaimed artists Maverick Sabre, Chase & Status and Iggy Azalea. 

Chairman and CEO of Sony Music UK Jason Iley said “Semtex and I have formed an incredibly successful working relationship over the years. He is a multi-talented music professional whose expertise and dedication has made him a brilliant A&R, marketing and promotions executive. Semtex will take up this new role as part of our drive to sign the hottest new talent as well as innovating in the marketing and promotion across all of our artists. He is a key addition to the team and I am delighted to welcome him back to the fold at Sony Music.”

DJ Semtex added “I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the greatest artists of our time and I’m looking forward to working with Jason Iley again in my new role, in a new era at Sony Music. I feel privileged that everything has come full circle and to be in a position to contribute to a flourishing roster of exciting, genre-defining artists." 

DJ Semtex began his career in music as a DJ and promoter, making and distributing promotional mixtapes across the country for Sony, Universal, Def Jam and Loud Records. He joined Sony Music in 1997 where he founded the first official Street Team, pioneering guerilla street marketing that delivered breakout records for Beyonce, Destiny's Child, Lauryn Hill, Will Smith, The Wu-Tang Clan and more in the UK.  

DJ Semtex takes up his appointment in February 2015.