Virgin Music Group Partners with Independent Label Mom+Pop Music

22 August 2025 - Press release

Acclaimed independent label Mom+Pop Music and Virgin Music Group, the world’s leading partner to independent artists, labels, and entrepreneurs, today announced a global partnership to support the continued growth of Mom+Pop. The label is wholly owned and operated by founder and co-owners Michael Goldstone and Thaddeus Rudd. 

Goldstone founded Mom+Pop in 2008 as an artist-driven approach to the traditional model, aiming to give musicians more creative control and long-term support outside the major-label system. 

Sixteen years in and along with co-owner Thaddeus Rudd, Mom+Pop is now home to acts such as MGMT, Caamp, Del Water Gap, and Magdalena Bay, all of whom reflect the label’s singular focus on empowering musicians to grow artistically, connect authentically, build lasting careers, and maintain creative control of their work. Among the label’s other new and genre-diverse artists are Mother Soki, After, Violent Vira, Galdive, The Kilans, Chaparelle, and Tiny Habits. 

Nat Pastor and JT Myers, Co-CEOs of Virgin Music Group, said“Goldie and Thaddeus’s vision for Mom+Pop reflects the same independent spirit and ambition that drives everything we do at Virgin Music Group. They’ve built one of the most respected and successful independent labels in the world, and their decision to partner with us is a powerful validation of what we’re building. We’re honored by their trust and excited to support Mom+Pop in this next chapter of global growth.” 

Michael Goldstone, Founder and Co-Owner of Mom+Pop Music, says:

“Partnering with the team at Virgin is positively the right fit for us—they’ve been the most flexible and respectful of our ethos and independence. Thaddeus and I have worked with JT, Nat, Jacqueline, and Jeremy in different capacities over the years, and that shared history—along with their entrepreneurial spirit—was the catalyst for this partnership.” 

Jacqueline Saturn, President of North America and EVP, Global Artist Relations Virgin Music Group says: “Goldie made a significant impact on my career, showing me how A&R and artist development go hand in hand. I’ve watched Goldie and Thaddeus build such a meaningful roster and outstanding team at Mom+Pop. Their ability to identify, nurture and break independent artists with authenticity and heart is truly exceptional. We can’t wait to get started.” 

Thaddeus Rudd, Co-Owner of Mom+Pop Music, adds: “Virgin is a place where entrepreneurs are empowered. We share a deep belief in artistry, a passion for music, and a commitment to independent music. That shared foundational view will be a powerful next chapter for Mom+Pop.” 

A respected A&R executive and vocal artist advocate, Goldstone was instrumental in launching the careers of Pearl Jam, Cage The Elephant, Rage Against the Machine, and Regina Spektor, among others. 

At Mom+Pop, that artist advocate approach has nurtured and elevated the careers of culturally resonant, Grammy-nominated acts such as Courtney Barnett, Flume, and Tycho, as well as additions to the roster like FKJ, Orion Sun, and underscores. 

Mom+Pop has released music by Tegan and Sara, Sleater-Kinney, Tom Morello, Porter Robinson, Sleigh Bells, Ashe, Beach Bunny, Goth Babe, and Ingrid Michaelson, among many others. 

The label has achieved wide-ranging success stories over its nearly two-decade history. Highlights include Flume’s Skin, featuring the multi-platinum, top-10 pop hit “Never Be Like You” with over 2 billion global streams; Ashe’s platinum single "Moral of the Story" also surpassing 2 billion streams; and Beach Bunny’s hit singles “Prom Queen” and “Cloud 9,” both of which have become platinum-certified fan favorites. 

In early 2025, Goldstone and Rudd launched the creative and digital agency PIPES Music, which provides content creation and social media campaign strategies for Mom+Pop artists and acts, as well as artists outside of Mom+Pop. 

Mom+Pop Music operates out of offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville. The company has earned recognition from outlets such as Rolling Stone, Billboard, Variety, HITS, and The New York Times, while consistently landing on Billboard’s Indie Power Players list year after year.