Virgin Music

Not to be confused with Virgin Records or Virgin Music Group. For the Japanese record label of the same name, see Universal Music Japan.

Virgin Music
FormerlyCaroline Distribution (1983–2021)
Virgin Music Label & Artist Services (2021–2022)
IndustryMusic publishing
Founded1983
DefunctOctober 19, 2023
SuccessorVirgin Music Group
Headquarters
United States

Virgin Music, known as Virgin Music Label & Artist Services until 2022 and originally as Caroline Distribution, was a music distributor of independent artists and record labels. Virgin Music operates as a subsidiary of Virgin Music Group, and is owned by Universal Music Group. The company focuses on the distribution of new or emerging partners.[1] Virgin Music has its operation in United States, with its flagship operating in Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and across Latin America.[2]

History

In 1983, Caroline Distribution was established by Richard Branson & Virgin Records. In 2019, Universal Music Group acquired the digital music and network company INgrooves (including the independent label distributor Fontana Distribution).[3]

According to Billboard reporter Ed Christman; “Between Caroline and Ingrooves, UMG’s indie owned distributors will have a combine market share of about 4.4 percent Billboard estimates, based on year-end numbers”.[3] On 18 February 2021, Universal Music Group announced Virgin Music Label & Artist Services, a new global network to deliver premium and flexible artist and label services.[4]

Following its launch, Universal Music Group retained Caroline Distribution president Jacqueline Saturn, to head Virgin Music label and artist services division of Virgin Music Group.[5]

In September 2022, Universal Music Group announced the launch of Virgin Music Group.[6] Following its launch, its Label & Artist Services began operating as Virgin Music. On 22 September 2022, Sumerian Records signed a distribution deal with Virgin Music.[7]

In September 2023, Virgin Music Group established Virgin Music Nigeria.[8][9]

In October 2023, Virgin Music Group combined with Virgin Music[10]

References

  1. ^ Needham, Jack (July 14, 2021). "Universal's Virgin Music Label & Artist Services inks global distribution deal with Serbian hip-hop label Balkaton". Music Business Worldwide. Retrieved October 30, 2021.
  2. ^ Webb, Max (February 18, 2021). "Universal Music Group Launches Virgin Music Label and Artist Services". UMG. Retrieved June 29, 2023.
  3. ^ a b Christman, Ed (February 12, 2019). "Universal Music to Acquire Distributor Ingrooves in Move to Strengthen Commitment to Indie Labels". Billboard. Retrieved June 29, 2023.
  4. ^ "Introducing Virgin Music Label & Artist Services | Virgin". Virgin.com. Retrieved June 29, 2023.
  5. ^ Rys, Dan (March 3, 2022). "Virgin Music President Jacqueline Saturn on Navigating COVID, a Rebrand & the Distribution Craze". Billboard. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  6. ^ Aswad, Jem (September 13, 2022). "Universal Launches Virgin Music Group, Including Virgin, Ingrooves and Newly Acquired Mtheory Artist Partnerships". Variety. Retrieved September 19, 2022.
  7. ^ Brooks, Dave (September 22, 2022). "Sumerian Records Signs Distribution Deal With Virgin Music". Billboard. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  8. ^ Schneider, Marc (September 1, 2023). "Executive Turntable: Former Asylum Co-President Joins Hitmaker; Joel Klaiman Launches ASCEND4M". Billboard. Retrieved October 26, 2023.
  9. ^ Nigeria, Guardian (September 1, 2023). "Ikazoboh appointed head as Virgin Music debuts in Nigeria". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
  10. ^ "Virgin Music Group combines Virgin Music and Ingrooves Music Group into united global operation". Music Business Worldwide. October 19, 2023. Retrieved October 26, 2024.