AWAL Promotes Matt Riley to Vice President, A&R

12 October 2018 - Press release

AWAL today announced that Matt Riley has been promoted to the position of VP, A&R, based in Kobalt's London office and overseeing AWAL's UK A&R team.

Previously, as Director of Creative, Riley signed a number of notable independent artists to AWAL that are well on their way to racking up one billion streams combined, while retaining ownership of their copyrights. These artists include Tom Misch, Bruno Major, The Wombats, VÉRITÉ, Joe Hertz, The Night Cafe, and Neneh Cherry.

AWAL President, Paul Hitchman, commented on the promotion, "Matt has been instrumental in creating the stellar growth of the AWAL business and fully deserves his promotion to VP, A&R, which recognises his achievements to date within the global AWAL team. Matt has brought some of the most exciting new talents in the world today to AWAL and in his new role he will be able to drive further success for these and future signings."

Riley and his team work with artists across the full range of AWAL's services, including both established acts and breaking new artists. The team is responsible for overseeing the selection of artists and labels applying to join AWAL, while also identifying and developing the most exciting emerging artists. Matt and team also sign artists to label services deals with AWAL Recordings, while working closely with their A&R counterparts in the US and internationally to support the global development of breakthrough artists.

Alison Donald, Kobalt's Head of Creative, UK added, "I'm delighted for Matt and his well-deserved promotion. He combines all the essential qualities needed for an A&R executive of today and the future – good ears, great instinct and a deep understanding of analytics and marketing. I'm extremely confident that he will continue to source and develop the finest talent out there and help us build on AWAL's reputation as the first and best home for new artists."