Patrick Moxey has launched a new label group and has signed a “global strategic alliance” with Warner Recorded Music for two key record labels.
The agreement, which encompasses Payday Records and the newly created Helix Records, will see Warner Recorded Music handling global digital distribution via its independent services arm ADA Worldwide, and includes the option for the parties to co-sign new repertoire.
Helix Records, the group’s new flagship electronic dance music label, which was officially launched this week at Miami Music Week, has already signed several high-profile new artists.
They include electronic duo Snakehips, British-Australian band AR/CO, legendary house dj/producer Marshall Jefferson, and tech house maven DJ Susan.
Helix and Payday Records have offices in LA, New York, and London with a 36-strong team covering marketing and promotions in Canada, Sweden, Germany, France, and Australia.
This includes a dedicated sync team in each of those offices.
Both Helix and Payday say that they will work closely with Warner Recorded Music and ADA moving forward to maximize audience reach and commercial opportunities.
This new alliance also allows Helix, Payday, and non-US Warner Music territories to reciprocally license music to each other and “opens the door to creative collaborations” between Helix and artists on the Warner Music roster, according to Warner.
Legendary Hip-hop and R&B label Payday Records, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, is one of the world’s longest running independent hip-hop and R&B labels and helped to launch the careers of artists including Jay-Z, Yasiin Bey f.k.a Mos Def (via his first group U.T.D.), Showbiz & AG, and Jeru the Damaja.
Founded by Patrick Moxey in 1992, the label has also released records by DJ Premier, 2 Chainz, A$AP Ferg, and others.
Today’s announcement follows the news in January that Sony Music Groupbought full ownership of legendary dance music label Ultra Records, with Moxey exiting the label and David Waxman takes over as President.
Speaking on the MBW Podcast in January, Moxey detailed his reasons for selling up to Sony:
“Ultimately, it came to a place where I really wanted to get back to my independent roots. And I’m super excited to be 100% independent again,” he said.
“We’re really excited to be working with Patrick Moxey and the team at Helix.”
Snakehips, Helix Records
Snakehips said of signing to Helix Records: “We’re really excited to be working with Patrick Moxey and the team at Helix.
“This year we’ll be launching our upcoming project, on an electronic/hip-hop and R&B type of vibe. It’s great to be part of a strong indie label set-up again and we’re hyped to get this music out there.”
“This new alliance with the team at Warner will ensure our labels and the artists we represent get the best global distribution and opportunities available and we are also looking forward to pooling our strengths and collaborating on signings, remixes, and more.”
Patrick Moxey
Patrick Moxey said: “This new alliance with Warner Music heralds an exciting new phase for our recording activities.
“With a brand new label Helix Records, which will be a multi-territory independent home for the world’s best new electronic dance music from day one, alongside Payday Records, which is celebrating three decades as the leading independent hip-hop label, we are in great shape to move forward with our next adventures!
“This new alliance with the team at Warner will ensure our labels and the artists we represent get the best global distribution and opportunities available and we are also looking forward to pooling our strengths and collaborating on signings, remixes, and more.”
“Patrick and his team have built some of dance music’s most influential brands.”
Max Lousada, CEO, Warner Recorded Music, added: “At Warner, we provide an environment where creative originals, maverick thinkers, and independent spirits can thrive and break new ground.
“Patrick and his team have built some of dance music’s most influential brands. They’ve discovered diverse, distinctive talents, and taken a bold, entrepreneurial approach to developing their careers. We’re very happy he’s chosen to partner with us to begin Payday’s next chapter as well as create a dynamic new identity with Helix.”
“This is exactly the kind of relationship that makes ADA tick, one that unlocks a whole new world of possibilities, and gives artists the power to pioneer the future of music.”
Cat Kreidich, President, ADA Worldwide, said: ”I’ve known Patrick for years and I’m looking forward to bringing together his amazing roster of artists and his brilliant team with our global expertise, tools, and services.
“We’re excited to both amplify the iconic Payday label and help spearhead the launch of his new venture.
“This is exactly the kind of relationship that makes ADA tick, one that unlocks a whole new world of possibilities, and gives artists the power to pioneer the future of music.”Music Business Worldwide
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