GLYN AIKINS AND RIKI BLEAU NAMED AS CO-PRESIDENTS

Sony Music today announced the launch of a new label entitled Since ‘93, which will be run by co-presidents Glyn Aikins and Riki Bleau, two of the most talented and successful executives in the UK business. The pair are set to capitalize on, and nurture a new era of entrepreneurial artists, creating a culture focused on developing grassroots talent into future global successes.

Aikin’s career in the music industry started in ’98 when he joined Media Village PR before becoming an A&R man at Relentless Records.  His first signing was ‘Rewind’ by Artful Dodger and Craig David, going on to sign So Solid Crew, whose ’21 Seconds’ video was an era-defining moment that inspired a whole generation of British artists.  In 2003 he joined Virgin Records in A&R signing Roll Deep, Lethal Bizzle, and Naughty Boy who made ‘Never Be Your Woman’ featuring Wiley and the unsigned artist Emeli Sandé, who Aikin signed as a solo artist in 2012. Emeli went on to sell five million albums, winning multiple BRIT awards, Mobos and an Ivor Novello.

Riki Bleau started his career in 2002 as Head Of Music & Promotions at pioneering urban music TV station ‘Channel U’.  During his tenure the channel was crucial in introducing grime and UK rap as a scene, whilst shaping the identity and culture that many artists benefit from today. In 2007 Bleau entered into a publishing/management venture with Tim Blacksmith & Danny D where his first signing was producer and singer/songwriter Labrinth and he has managed Naughty Boy since 2008. Naughty Boy introduced Riki to both Emeli Sande and another platinum superstar, Sam Smith, both of whom he signed to the publishing venture. Both artists have achieved huge success selling several million albums, and winning numerous Ivor Novello, BRIT, and Grammy Awards. His management roster also includes Grammy award winning producers Mojam.

Aikins and Bleau will report to David Dollimore, president of RCA Records and Ministry Of Sound.

Says Jason Iley, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music UK & Ireland: “Glyn and Riki have a great knack for discovering and nurturing artists, who have defined the musical landscape in recent years. They are bringing to Sony Music their ambition, enthusiasm and a clear vision for the Since 93 label, that will see them continue to set the agenda. I’m delighted to be working alongside them.”

Says David Dollimore: “Glyn and Riki are the definition of entrepreneurial spirit. They are game changers and two of the most respected execs in the business. It’s a very exciting time for the company and we are committed to investing in A&R, so to launch Since ‘93 as a standalone label is a landmark moment for RCA.”

Says Glyn Aikins: “You can’t imagine what it means to join the Sony family to realise a long held ambition and vision. Jason Iley and David Dollimore have been tremendous with their support and partnership, making Sony the perfect place for Since ‘93 Records. I’m delighted to work with Riki Bleau, a long term colleague and friend.  With Since ’93 we’re building a label uniquely placed in British culture with a truly global outlook.”

Says Riki Bleau: “Having sat with David and Jason it was clear I’d be given the freedom and support to make Since ‘93 Records into a global powerhouse. To work with Glyn Aikins, who I’ve shared so much success with is a blessing.  We want to be up there with the greats of the past creating a label of the future.”

Since ’93 has hit the ground running, with a top 5 mixtape by West London rapper Fredo, Loski (already heralded by Drake, Skepta, Stormzy, and Giggs), whose first single ‘Forrest Gump’ is blowing up,  and much hyped new Manchester MC, Aitch, who’s now being lauded by Virgil Abloh and Bugsy Malone.