James Moodie Appointed Managing Director of Distiller Music Group

04 September 2025 - Press release

Distiller Records announce YONAKA signing

 

London-based independent music company Distiller Music Group today announced the appointment of James Moodie as its new Managing Director, effective immediately. 

Moodie joins Distiller from The Orchard / Sony Music, where he launched and ran the UK Artist Services team. During his tenure, he oversaw highly successful artist campaigns for acts including Black Honey, Blossoms, dodie, Jorja Smith, ENNY, Maverick Sabre and Skepta. Notably, his team garnered recognition at the Music Business Worldwide Awards in 2024 and Music Week Awards in 2025. Prior to The Orchard, Moodie held senior positions within the music team at video platform Vevo and at Big Life Management.

Speaking about the appointment, Sam Dyson, founder and CEO of Distiller Music Group, said, “We’re extremely excited to welcome James Moodie as the new MD for Distiller records! This marks a new era for the label. Distiller is an ‘artist first’ label, and with James’ experience and track record, working alongside our fantastic team, I feel we are primed to take Distiller to a whole new level. We have the ability to do things differently and seriously compete in this continuously evolving and challenging industry, and that’s something I feel very excited about!”

"I’m thrilled to join Distiller Music Group," said James Moodie. "I was already a fan of their artist-first approach and varied roster. As soon as I met Sam, I couldn’t wait to join. I’m looking forward to contributing to the label’s future with some brilliant music in the offing from Frozemode, Liv Dawson, Reverend and the Makers, and YONAKA.”

Moodie's appointment as Managing Director comes alongside the exciting news that Distiller Records have signed acclaimed rock band YONAKA. The Brighton-based three-piece are currently putting the finishing touches to their eagerly awaited second album, which is slated for release in 2026. It marks a key signing for Distiller Records as the label continues to expand its diverse roster.

James Moodie says, “I am delighted to welcome YONAKA to the Distiller family, I knew within minutes of meeting Theresa, Alex and George that signing them was a no brainer. The band have consistently delivered brilliant music, and the new songs are at the next level. Their fans will adore it.”

Various Artists Management CEO, David Bianchi, says, “Delighted to have signed YONAKA to Distiller Records, with whom we’ve had great success on Sports Team and Reverend & the Makers. James Moodie and his team are excellent and a rare super capable UK indie label.”

YONAKA frontwoman Theresa Jarvis says, “We are very excited to be joining Distiller Records on our next venture. We’ve been creating quietly for a while and now it’s time to show the world what’s been happening.”