Universal launches Virgin Music Label and Artists Services in Australia

Virgin Music is back. Caroline Australia is no more.

From today (31st March), the Universal Music Australia label services arm is relaunched and rebranded as Virgin Music Label And Artist Services, led by Tim Janes.

With immediate effect, Janes takes duties as Managing Director, Virgin Australia Label and Artists Services, leading a new-look team.

“We are excited to form a new integral part of UMG’s new global distribution and services division,” comments Janes in a statement unveiling Virgin Music.

“Our team in Australia has a genuine passion for partnering with and servicing the best and most innovative independent artists and labels from around the world. With the new team in place, we are energised for our biggest year yet, and I cannot wait for this new chapter to begin.”

As part of the Virgin Music Australia reset, Sam Cross and Ella Symons are promoted to the role of Senior Label Manager, while Claire Tate shifts into the new role of Marketing and Audience Manager.

The team expands with the addition of Lachlan Duthie as Label Coordinator, and the appointment of Media and Promotions Managers Juliette Younger and Jodie Grinsted.

Virgin Music Group

At launch, the Virgin Music Australia roster features Aitch, Catfish and The Bottlemen, Mac DeMarco, Dave, SG Lewis, Iggy Pop, Digga D and a string of global label partnerships with Clairo via Fader Label, Internet Money, Trippie Redd and Iann Dior via 10k Projects, Denzel Curry, St Vincent and Skegss via Loma Vista Recordings, I Prevail and more.

Other label partners include Fiction, Nuclear Blast, Neighbourhood, Spinefarm, Deadbeats, LG105, Photo Finish and AMF.

Janes has guided Caroline Australia business since it was founded in 2013 with an ambition to “provide a flexible solution to labels and artists.” Previously, Janes served as GM of Universal’s Co-Operative Music Australia and with the now-defunct independent music company Shock.

The Australian affiliate will plug into Universal Music Group’s global network of Virgin Music Label and Artists Services regional hubs, unveiled earlier this year.

That announcement in February also marked the rebirth of the iconic Virgin Records, founded by Richard Branson back in 1972.

Virgin Music Australia

Virgin Music Australia is set for a “a huge year,” a statement reads, with new music expected via local artist partnerships including Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, You Am I, King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard, Marlon Williams, Alex Lahey, Good Morning and CW Stoneking, plus repertoire from partner labels including indie stalwart Spunk! and Melbourne Punk Label Damaged. Also, a global release for Chillinit is in the works. 

The existing roster and label partnerships “will benefit from the significant global infrastructure and support that the new Virgin Music Label services division will provide internationally,” comments George Ash, President, Universal Music Australia & New Zealand.

This new incarnation of the Virgin Music brand “will be a home for innovative music-based entrepreneurs from Australia and New Zealand,” Ash continues, “who can extend their reach by partnering with a global powerhouse.”

This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.