Capitol Music Group is an American front-line umbrella label operating as a unit of Interscope Capitol Labels Group, itself a division of Universal Music Group. Inherited from UMG's acquisition of EMI's catalog in 2013, it oversees the handling of record labels assigned to UMG's Capitol Records division. The current chair and CEO is Tom March.
| Capitol Music Group | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Parent company | Universal Music Group (UMG) |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Founder | EMI |
| Distributor(s) | Interscope Capitol Labels Group (United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Sweden) Universal Music Group (International) |
| Genre | Various |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Location | Hollywood, California |
| Official website | www |
History
edit2007-10: Formation and success
edit
Capitol Music Group was formed in February 2007 as a merger of Capitol Records and Virgin Records America in an effort by EMI to restructure and save an average of $217 million yearly.[1] Both Virgin Records and Capitol Records, however, remained imprints of the label.[2]
Virgin Records CEO Jason Flom was named the head of the division, with Capitol Records CEO Andy Slater resigning after receiving a pension reportedly worth more than $15 million.[3] As the head of the label, Flom reported directly to EMI Group CEO Eric Nicoli.[4]
A total of 283 artists signed to Capitol Music Group, including Mims,[5] LeToya Luckett, J. Holiday, Royal Bliss, Mack 10, Faith Evans, Fat Joe, and since 2007, Katy Perry, Barbara Pravi, Paul McCartney, Duncan Laurence, Calum Scott, Ferras, and Rucka Rucka Ali. In 2014 both Morrissey and Neil Diamond were confirmed to have signed with Capitol Records, Morrissey having signed a two-album deal. However, the latter was given to Parlophone as a result of that label's sale to Warner Music.
2010-13: Spinoff from Virgin Records and reorganization
editIn 2010, Virgin Records was spun off from Capitol Music Group to form Virgin Music Group; as of 2013, however, the Virgin Music Group was dissolved, resulting in Virgin Records returning to its placement under CMG.[6]
2012-21: Closure of EMI and UMG acquisition
editIn November 2012, it was announced that Steve Barnett would become the chairman and CEO of the company.[7]
With EMI's absorption (sans Parlophone) into Universal Music Group complete, Capitol Music Group is now part of UMG's five label units in the UK.[8] The Beatles have been confirmed to appear on Capitol UK.[9]
In April 2013, Robbie McIntosh was named head of Capitol's international operations.[10]
In November 2016, the company's chairman and CEO Steve Barnett announced that the company has three endeavors planned out that include music, film and literary projects that pay tribute to eight decades' worth of artists signed to the label.[11]
In November 2020, Jeff Vaughn was named new Chairman/CEO, replacing Steve Barnett.[12]
In December 2021, Michelle Jubelirer was promoted to chair and CEO of Capitol Music Group. She reported to Universal Music Group chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge.[13]
2024-present: Interscope Capitol Labels Group
editIn early 2024, after Grainge announced a restructuring that would see Capitol operate under the same umbrella with Interscope Geffen A&M, Jubelirer left her post and was replaced by former Geffen head Tom March, who reports to ICLG chair John Janick.[14] As a result both CMG and IGA combined their operations into a new Universal Music label unit, Interscope Capitol Labels Group.[14]
Sub-labels
editSource:[15]
Labels managed
editThrough flagship label Capitol, CMG handles the back catalogs and has assumed the copyrights of master recordings from the following labels and sub-labels acquired or distributed by UMG's predecessor EMI throughout its existence:
- 3C Records
- Aladdin Records
- Amada Records
- Angel Records (US)
- Apple Records
- Ascot Records
- Blue Thumb Records (1970–71 titles distributed by Capitol)
- Chrysalis Records (US & Canada and rest of the world outside the UK)
- DCP International
- Dolton Records
- EMI America Records
- EMI Records (US until 1997; Canada)
- Enigma Records
- Freedom Records (1950s)
- Fader Label
- Harvest Records (North America, until 2012)
- Imperial Records (until 1970)
- I.R.S. Records
- Laurie Records
- Liberty Records (North America, until 1970; 1980s)
- Manhattan Records (1980s)
- Mediarts Records
- Minit Records
- Nocturne Records
- Pacific Jazz Records
- SBK Records
- Shelter Records (distributed by Capitol between 1970 and 1973)
- Solid State Records (1960s)
- Sue Records
- Unart Records
- United Artists Records (North America)
- Veep Records
- Virgin Records America
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "EMI to merge Capitol and Virgin labels". USA Today. January 26, 2007. Retrieved April 3, 2007.
- ^ "EMI merging Capitol, Virgin". Variety. January 25, 2007. Retrieved April 3, 2007.
- ^ "EMI Merging Record Labels and Ousting Capitol's President". The New York Times. January 26, 2007. Retrieved April 3, 2007.
- ^ "Capitol, Virgin Merged to Form Capitol Music Group". Billboard. January 25, 2007. Retrieved April 3, 2007.
- ^ "Makena Technologies and Capitol Music Group Partner to Bring Music Artists Into There.com". PR Newswire. June 28, 2007. Archived from the original on September 29, 2007. Retrieved September 28, 2007.
- ^ "Forty years of Virgin: How Richard Branson's eccentric record label changed the charts". The Independent. May 24, 2013. Retrieved December 4, 2018.
- ^ "Steve Barnett to lead Capitol Music Group". Los Angeles Times. November 26, 2012. Retrieved November 28, 2012.
- ^ "Universal Music UK Announces Launch of Virgin EMI Records". Billboard. March 18, 2013. Archived from the original on May 18, 2019. Retrieved April 4, 2013.
- ^ "Universal's Capitol takes shape: Barnett in, Beatles on roster". MusicWeek.com. November 26, 2012. Retrieved April 7, 2013.
- ^ "Robbie McIntosh Named Head of International at Capitol Music Group". Billboard. April 16, 2013. Archived from the original on June 23, 2013. Retrieved April 17, 2013.
- ^ "Capitol Records Celebrates 75th Anniversary With Vinyl Reissues, Essay Book & Docuseries". Billboard.com. November 1, 2016. Retrieved November 18, 2016.
- ^ "Capitol Music Group's Steve Barnett to retire, Jeff Vaughn and Michelle Jubelirer to lead company from January 2021". MusicBusinessWorldwide.com. November 5, 2020. Retrieved November 5, 2020.
- ^ "MICHELLE JUBELIRER PROMOTED TO CHAIR AND CEO OF CAPITOL MUSIC GROUP". Universal Music Group. December 13, 2021. Retrieved November 13, 2022.
- ^ a b "Interscope Capitol Labels Group Executive Teams, Divisions Come Into Focus". Billboard. March 12, 2024. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
- ^ "CAPITOL MUSIC GROUP". Universal Music Group. November 13, 2022. Retrieved November 13, 2022.