Warner Music UK's Atlantic division has announced the launch of a new imprint which will, of course, seek to work with artists on both recordings and other shenanigans. The new label will be called Asylum Records, utilising the name of the Warner owned US imprint, originally founded in the seventies, and relaunched in the States back in 2004, if my memory serves me correctly.
The new Asylum UK will be a stand alone frontline label that will sign its own British based talent. It will be run by Ben Cook, previously of Ministry Of Sound Recordings. Confirming the launch, Atlantic UK boss Max Lousada said this: "We're proud to be reviving such a well-known, well-respected brand in the UK and to be extending the range of services we can offer the artists. I'm delighted to be bringing someone of Ben's calibre on board to lead Asylum UK. He is a seasoned operator and few people have had the kind of success Ben has had in developing critically-acclaimed and successful artists".
Cook added: "I'm thrilled to be joining the team at Warner Music Group, not to mention re-launching the Asylum brand. Warner Music is home to some of the most forward-thinking executives and has been amongst the most progressive in reshaping its business in line with the changing music and entertainment landscape. Max and I share a vision ofwhat a modern label can be and our ideas have coalesced to form Asylum UK. Artists, managers and partners that want to innovate will find Asylum UK a natural home".