Legendary British label Parlophone is entering a new era

Parlophone Records, the legendary British label that was home to The Beatles, is set to enter a new era this week.

One of England’s most respected A&R execs, Nick Burgess, joins on February 1 as co-president alongside Mark Mitchell who’s held that role since early 2018.

Warner Music, which acquired Parlophone from EMI six years ago has been putting together a new team after its chairman Miles Leonard stepped down in October 2017

In his 23 years at the helm, Leonard signed Coldplay, Radiohead, Duran Duran, Pet Shop Boys, Blur, The Chemical Brothers Gorillaz, Tinie Tempah, Royal Blood, Blur, Kylie Minogue, Paul Weller and Lily Allen.

Mitchell was head of Warner subsidiary Atlantic UK, and promoted to his new Parlophone role almost immediately.

However, as SVP of A&R at Virgin EMI, Burgess’ contract prevented him from taking his role until now.

Burgess signing The Kooks and The Thrills at Virgin, one of Britain’s first platinum rappers Chipmunk when at Jive, and later launched the careers of Bastille and Chvrches.

In May 2018 Mitchell outlined his vision to Music Week: “Parlophone has always operated in signing the best British talent from a left-field perspective and then presenting that in a larger way.

“If you go back to Parlophone’s history, I don’t think with the first Radiohead record anybody thought they would become quite the force they did.

“That is Parlophone’s skill set – that’s what we do – sign leftfield [acts] and present them in a really meaningful powerful way.”

Burgess and Mitchell report to Max Lousada, CEO of recorded music, Warner Music Group and chairman & CEO, Warner Music UK.

On the eve of Burgess’ arrival, Lousada said: “Parlophone has always provided an environment for independent, unconventional artists that influence and change culture.

“Nick comes to Warner with an outstanding track record of finding and breaking original British talent, and I’ve always been impressed by his vision, fearlessness, and creative spirit.

“He’s the perfect choice to join Mitch in taking this legendary label into the future.

“Together, they’ll make a dynamic, transformative leadership team that will grow Parlophone’s presence on the global stage.”