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Anderson .Paak launches label for artists who can actually play

By | Published on Wednesday 3 November 2021

Anderson .Paak

Anderson .Paak has announced that he is launching his own record label, Apeshit Inc, in partnership with Universal Music.

“I wanted to start a label that sets fire to a new generation of artists, who can play while performing”, he says of his vision for the new venture. “This label is going to be about passion, about feeling, about honesty. It’s about respect for the culture and art and it’s about heart”.

So that’s all positive. Although the actual inspiration for the new company seemingly came when .Paak realised that loads of new artists were talentless shitbags.

“I was going to shows and realised that less and less I was seeing actual performers”, he explains. “Where is the next generation that can play instruments? I know they’re out there – don’t sell your instruments, this label wants to hear you!”

What about that name though? “APE stands for Anderson .Paak Empire”, he explains. “And, well, we on some other shit out here in this music business jungle, so APESHIT!”

Alright then. Universal Music boss Lucian Griange is, of course, insisting on saying something too. I wonder if he’ll comment on .Paak’s accusation that the music industry – and by association the world’s biggest record company, Universal – is failing to support ‘proper’ musicians.

“UMG has always strived to be a home for music’s best creators, innovators, disrupters and entrepreneurs, and one that operates globally to help artists expand their creative and commercial opportunities”, says Grainge. “Anderson .Paak has consistently created award-winning, culture shifting music and we are truly excited to work together to bring his bold and infectious vision for this new label to life”.

No then. Apeshit’s first signing is yet to be announced. Expect to see instruments though. Kazoos, tambourines, coconut shells, the lot.



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