First Artists Management launches record label 17 Sep 2021
-
The Composer and Music Supervisor talent agency expands its transatlantic business operations with new record label First Artists Recordings (FAR).
-
The first release will be the soundtrack by Joe Wilson to season two of Emmy-nominated TV show Back To Life.
First Artists Management (FAM)—the international talent agency representing composers and music supervisors—has announced the launch of its interdisciplinary record label First Artists Recordings (FAR). Its debut releases this autumn, by FAM agency clients Joe Wilson and Emily Rice, mark the expansion of the US-based agency with the label spearheaded by its UK based office. Alongside global distribution partner eOne Music, FAR will release soundtracks and other album projects with a focus on composers working in visual media.
On September 17, the first FAR release is the soundtrack by Joe Wilson to the second season of Emmy-nominated television series Back To Life. From the producers of Fleabag, it is available now on BBC One and iPlayer in the UK, and Showtime in the US. Complementing the show, the soundtrack forms the debut solo project by the London based composer and songwriter best known for his work as one half of Solomon Grey. Wilson's composer credits include The Casual Vacancy, The Last Post and the iconic opening ident for Vue Cinemas. Along with duo BESS, Wilson is working on other features and releases forthcoming in 2022.
On November 19, FAR is releasing Maybe It's Because I'm A Londoner, the debut artist album from rising British talent Emily Rice. Now based in Los Angeles, Rice's score credits include the multi award-nominated film Miss Juneteenth, Netflix's The I-Land series and Netflix's first 4k animation film Sol Levante.
Wilson and Rice are among several British composers signed to FAM, with its wider roster boasting Oscar winners and nominees Carter Burwell, Vangelis and Javier Navarrete through to emerging talent. Recently, FAM's Hannah Peel was nominated for the 2021 Mercury Prize; coming soon, David Arnold, Blanck Mass and new signing Eimear Noone have nominations at The Ivors, while Benji Merrison and Gavin Brivik are nominated at the World Soundtrack Awards. This week, Toronto Film Festival premieres include scores from FAM clients Alex Baranowski (True Things), CJ Mirra (A Banquet) and Paul Saunderson (Memory Box: Voices of 9/11).
Founded in Los Angeles in 2003, FAM is an independent family-run talent agency specialising in composers for film, television and games. The European office in London was set up by industry veteran Hamish Duff in 2019 to provide a transatlantic approach to its roster of talent.
Hamish Duff, head of FAM's European office in London, says: "With significant growth of FAM's business in this territory, our label imprint is the next important step in providing valuable additional services to our clients.
"We're thrilled to see the fantastic reaction to the second series of Back To Life and proud that the soundtrack scored, supervised and produced by Joe, melds stunningly with the vision of the show's creator Daisy Haggard, as well as being the first release on FAR."
Forthcoming activity from the FAM roster includes films and series including Joel Cohen's Macbeth (scored by Carter Burwell), Marvel's Morbius (Jon Ekstrand), Neon's Ted K (Blanck Mass) and BBC series The North Water (Time Hecker).
More info on First Artists Recordings at farecordings.com
NEWS & PRESS
Cutting Edge Group acquires music catalog of award-winning composer John Paesano
Deal includes scores from billion-dollar franchises including Maze Runner trilogy,Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Invincible, and Marvel’s Daredevil, adding over 80 premium film, TV and video game scores to Cutting Edge’s portfolio. Cutting Edge Group (“CEG”), the leading specialist investor in and manager...more
10 UK music creators receive support to attend Eurosonic Noorderslag 2026 through PRS Foundation’s International Showcase Fund
Supported artists across the UK include EV, Mount Palomar, Plantoid and SOAPBOX 2026 marks the 20th year of International Showcase Fund enabling UK artists to break into new overseas territories PRS Foundation, the UK’s leading charitable funder of new music and talent development,...more
A Greener Future Honours the Greenest Global Events & Festivals
Although last year was characterised by instability and geopolitical tensions, 25 festivals and events spanning 12 countries and 4 continents demonstrated their commitment to a better, greener future, successfully achieving AGF Certification in 2025. A Greener Future (AGF)’s mission is to...more
Merlin Announces its Board for 2026-27, Welcoming Five New Board Members
Merlin, the digital music licensing partner for the world's leading independent labels and distributors, kicks off 2026 by announcing its new Board, bringing together leaders from the independent music industry in 12 different countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America,...more
Musical AI Raises $4.5M US to Expand its Proprietary AI Attribution Technology
Already in use, Musical AI’s attribution tech can immediately ensure a fully licensed future for AI companies. Musical AI, the pioneering attribution and rights management platform for generative AI, has closed a $4.5M US round led by Heavybit and supported by BDC and Build...more
BBC Radio 2 presents a stellar line-up for Piano Room month
Radio 2’s Piano Room makes a triumphant return next month on Vernon Kay’s mid-morning show (9:30-12pm weekdays) with 16 incredible live performances from a star-studded line-up including Tori Amos, Melanie C, Mumford and Sons, Pulp, Darius Rucker, Labi Siffre and...more
Fender unveils connected music ecosystem with Fender Studio Pro, audio interfaces and controllers
A New Era Of Music Creation Begins With The Next Generation Of Studio One Pro As Fender Studio Pro, Quantum LT, Quantum HD, AudioBox Go™ and Motion™ Production Controllers Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) today announced a significant milestone in its evolution...more
Zo Lief announced as Record Store Day Unsigned winner
Record Store Day and Breed Media are delighted to announce Zo Lief as the winner of RSD Unsigned 2025, the nationwide competition celebrating the UK’s most exciting unsigned talent. Selected from hundreds of entries across the country, Zo Lief impressed the judging...more
Merlin: Dan Waite, Better Noise Music CEO – Joins as Board Observer
Merlin, the digital music licensing partner for the world's leading independent labels and distributors, kicks off 2026 by announcing its new Board, bringing together leaders from the independent music industry in 12 different countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America,...more
Frontiers Label Group launches Blkiiblk Records and appoints Mike Gitter Global Head Of A&R
FRONTIERS LABEL GROUP is proud to announce the launch of its metal, hard rock and extreme music label, BLKIIBLK RECORDS. Having released tentpole signings, BIOHAZARD in 2025; with thrash titans, MEGADETH unleashing their much anticipated, self-titled final album on January 23, Frontiers is taking...more
Watch A$AP Rocky Perform New Music from Don't Be Dumb in Upcoming Episode of Amazon Music’s “Songline” Series
Premiering on Yams Day—January 18—at 9 p.m. ET, this special episode of “Songline” will showcase the hip-hop icon as he brings his new album to life, with special guests and unexpected moments filmed in New York City Watch exclusively on Amazon...more
Eternal Research Opens New Hollywood Studio, the Demon Lair
2026 will mark a series of firsts for Eternal Research, the creative studio building a new multimodal, synesthetic orchestra. One of the biggest developments is that the company will open its first physical location: a studio dubbed the Demon Lair, after...more
Globally renowned independent music retailer Rough Trade announces 50th anniversary plans for 2026
INCLUDING: LIMITED EDITION VINYL RELEASESROUGH TRADE CLUB: ESSENTIAL, A NEW YEAR-LONG VINYL SUBSCRIPTIONEXCLUSIVE LIVE EVENTS+ MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED Throughout 2026, Rough Trade marks its 50th anniversary with a year-long programme of releases and events, reflecting both its history and its...more
Sony Music Publishing Acquires Renowned Nashville Publisher Big Yellow Dog Music
Sony Music Publishing Nashville today announced the acquisition of legendary independent publishing and artist development company Big Yellow Dog Music (BYD), effective immediately. With the agreement, the company now owns and administers Big Yellow Dog’s renowned catalog of songs and serves...more
Peermusic signs producer/songwriter/recording artist Dan Lancaster
Peermusic, the global independent music publishing company with 39 offices in 33 countries, has signed songwriter/producer and recording artist Dan Lancaster to a go-forward worldwide publishing deal as announced today by Ralph W. Peer, Managing Director, U.K., Australasia and Vice President of peermusic's...more
Universal Music Group appoints Hannah Poferl as Chief Data Officer
Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, announced today the appointment of Hannah Poferl as its Chief Data Officer, effective immediately. She will be based in Santa Monica and report to UMG's Chief Operating Officer, Boyd Muir. A...more
Time to stand up for culture - ahead of keynote at Eurosonic, Impala sets out crucial questions on UMG/Downtown, AI, sovereignty and more for EU & music sector
Are diversity, identity, independence and sovereignty important in music? If yes, we as Europeans should strengthen the independent sector today, and not weaken it. This is one of the questions IMPALA's Executive Chair Helen Smith will be pitching at her keynote interview with Ben Homewood,...more
Steve Lamacq and Huw Stephens celebrate Independent Venue Week 2026 on BBC Radio 6 Music
From Monday 26th – Thursday 29th January (4-7pm), BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Sounds will broadcast programmes to mark Independent Venue Week – the UK’s annual, seven-day celebration of independent music and arts venues and the people that own, run and...more
Chandler Limited and Abbey Road announce ‘The Redd Mixing System’
The first EMI recording console in 50 years Today (13 Jan), Abbey Road Studios and Chandler Limited proudly unveil the REDD Mixing System, a groundbreaking, fully modular console that brings together every era of EMI’s legendary recording equipment in one elegant,...more
Sony Music Publishing and Daniel Nigro Sign Global Deal with Jon Buscema
Sony Music Publishing, in partnership with renowned producer and songwriter Daniel Nigro and his publishing venture, Amusement, have signed hitmaker Jon Buscema to a global deal.Jon Buscema has quickly made a name for himself as a trusted collaborator across genres,...more
“Mental Torture for Thousands”: NTIA Seeks Legal Advice on Businesses Marginalised from Rates Support
The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has confirmed it is seeking legal advice following continued government signalling, through media briefings rather than formal policy announcements, that upcoming business rates relief may be limited to pubs, while excluding large parts of the...more
Shazam Fast Forward 2026 Revealed
It’s the start of a new year, which means Shazam Fast Forward is back with its 2026 class. Fast Forward takes a look ahead at some of the most exciting talent being discovered on Shazam. Spanning 20 genres and 22...more
Live music for everyone continues as Reading four-piece open Brixton stage to grassroots talent
BAND EXTEND £1 BRIXTON SHOW COMMITMENT OFFERING UNSIGNED UK BAND/ARTIST SUPPORT SLOT AT LANDMARK SHOW BANDS/ARTIST TO ENTER HERE Following the landmark announcement of their historic £1 headline show at O2 Academy Brixton, Only The Poets are taking their commitment to accessible live...more
BRITs Week 26 for War Child, Delivered by DHL
In More Venues Across the UK Than Ever Before The Biggest Artists, Playing Their Most Intimate Shows: Fatboy Slim, Myles Smith, Lambrini Girls, Jacob Alon, kwn, Josh Baker, Rossi., Jack Savoretti and Katherine Jenkins OBE to play exclusive shows in aid of...more
BMG to relocate global headquarters to iconic Lumina building in Berlin
BMG has announced it will move its global headquarters to the top floor of the iconic Lumina building, formerly Galeries Lafayette, in Berlin in early 2027. The move follows a lease agreement with leading global real estate firm Tishman Speyer. The...more
The Music Industry Therapist Collective CIC (MITC CIC) Announces Nonprofit Status, Expanding Global Mental Health Support for the Music Business
The Music Industry Therapist Collective CIC (MITC CIC) today announces its transition to a nonprofit organisation, unlocking new funding opportunities and partnerships to scale specialist mental health support across the global music industry. The move to nonprofit status will enable MITC...more
Europe's Live Events Sector Calls On EU To Stop Predatory Ticket Resale
Over 130 artists and professionals urge EU Commissioner to consider resale within Digital Fairness Act Signatories span 23 countries, uniting the worlds of popular and classical music with theatre, dance, and sports in protest against resale fraud Over 130 representatives of the...more
Ministry of Sound Undergoes Huge Renovation Ahead of 35th Anniversary Year
A new KV2 sound system, multi-dimensional light installation, and a fully redesigned dancefloor and DJ booth will be completed in January Ministry of Sound is set to undergo the most significant transformation since it opened in 1991. A complete reimagining of sound, space...more
Nightlife Bosses Push Back: ‘It’s Not Just Pubs Under Threat’ Says NTIA
Sector anger grows as government rhetoric suggests only pubs may receive business rates relief in today's media leak Nightlife operators and cultural venue owners have pushed back against government and media suggestions that only pubs will benefit from upcoming business rates reductions. Industry...more
Independent Venue Week 2026: January 26th - February 1st
IVW Artist Ambassadors’ Nova Twins, Brògeal and Eve Goodman announce exclusive live shows to celebrate the importance of independent venues Nova Twins play a hometown gig at London’s Amersham Arms on January 27th Brògeal perform two Scottish shows across the week at...more
THE HEADLINES
Impala sets out crucial questions on UMG/Downtown, AI, sovereignty and more for EU & music sector (see Comment)
Spotify’s new co-CEOs highlight what’s ahead for the company (see Digital)
Music publishers sued by X in growing licensing battle (see News)
Call on EU to clamp down on unauthorised ticket reselling (see News)
Lucian Grainge outlines UMG's 2026 plans in staff memo (see News)
Skye Newman wins Radio 1's Sound of 2026 (see News)
Spotify now lets you share what you’re streaming in real time with friends (see Digital)
Streamed and retail entertainment sales grew four times faster than UK economy in 2025 (see News)
UMG announces collaboration with NVIDIA to pioneer responsible AI for music discovery, creation, and engagement (see News)
2026 music industry predictions (see Features)
New wave of global British breakthrough talent helps UK recorded music grow for 11th consecutive year (see News)
What’s going to give you the marketing edge in 2026? (see Features)
The global value of music copyright hits an all-time high (see Reports)
