UK-born Chrysalis Records – arguably one of the most influential and iconic labels in the history of recorded music – is re-launching as a front line label.
Founded in 1968, Chrysalis broke and developed some of the biggest artists throughout the ’70s and ’80s, including Jethro Tull, Billy Idol, Blondie, Pat Benatar, Huey Lewis and the News, Ultravox, Sinead O’Connor, The Specials and The Waterboys among many others.
Today’s news marks the company’s return to releasing new music for the first time in over two decades.
The relaunch of Chrysalis as a frontline label comes six months after New York-based rights company Reservoir struck a deal to bring UK-based music company Blue Raincoat Music and its subsidiary, recorded music company Chrysalis, into its portfolio of offerings.
Founded in 2014 by former Chrysalis Music CEO Jeremy Lascelles and Grammy-winning record producer Robin Millar, Blue Raincoat Music is home to a standalone operating record label that houses the Chrysalis Records catalog.
Chrysalis’ first signing is British singer/songwriter Laura Marling, via a strategic partnership with independent label Partisan Records for a fully co-branded global release.
Partisan’s current roster includes artists such as Cigarettes After Sex, IDLES, Fontaines D.C., John Grant, the catalogue of Fela Kuti, and more.
Further signings to Chrysalis will be revealed in the coming months.
Over the past 12 years, Laura Marling has released six albums, five of which were UK Top 10s.
She has also had numerous Grammy and Mercury Prize nominations for her work. Following the release of the album I Speak Because I Can, MArling won the BRIT Award for Best British Female Solo Artist in 2011.
Marling will release the follow-up to 2017’s Semper Femina later this year.
“There is a unique synergy between the diverse, immediately identifiable voices of Partisan and those of Chrysalis decades prior to our existence.”
Zena White, Partisan
Partisan MD Zena White said: “There is a unique synergy between the diverse, immediately identifiable voices of Partisan and those of Chrysalis decades prior to our existence.
“We’re thrilled to come together on its relaunch, and even more so to be working with the unmatched talent of Laura Marling.”
“Laura Marling, Chrysalis Records, Partisan Records. A match made in heaven.”
Jeremy Lascelles, Chrysalis
Chrysalis CEO Jeremy Lascelles added: “Laura Marling, Chrysalis Records, Partisan Records. A match made in heaven.”
Pictured [Left to Right]: Zena White, Laura Marling and Jeremy LascellesMusic Business Worldwide
