Following the previously reported restructure of its flagship US labels into one Capitol Music Group, EMI Music this weekend announced it was also reorganising its US distribution arm Caroline. The revamped division will have three distinct units, focusing on repertoire, artist development and independent distribution respectively.
The first of those units will release and support music from EMI Music UK, and the recently created EMI Music International, in North America, operating three labels: Astralwerks which will continue to focus on dance, electronica and alternative music, a relaunched Caroline Records which will focus on rock, metal and punk, and Internationally Known, which will concentrate on the major's global pop acts.
The artist development unit will support all three of these labels in the area of development and promotion, as well as offering the same services to independent labels who are signed up to the division's independent distribution unit. Astralwerk's current promotions team will move into the new artist development unit, where they will work alongside Caroline's existing urban promotions team, which goes by the name of Imperial, and a new team focusing on rock releases.
Caroline's existing Senior VP and GM, William Hein, will continue to oversee the new Caroline organisation, reporting to EMI Music North America COO Ivan Gavin. Glenn Mendlinger will take over the top job at Astralwerks from current boss Errol Kolosine, who will leave the major. Jeff Rougvie will oversee the other two labels.