Sony Music UK has launched a new joint venture with entrepreneur Rob Ronaldson called Robots + Humans, which will seek to utilise some new fangled data technologies he has developed to spot and support emerging artists.
The major says that it's been working with Ronaldson since 2016 utilising data and analytics to discover and identify opportunities for new artists signed to its labels.
The new venture will have both label and publishing operations, allied with Sony Music and Sony/ATV respectively. Artists-wise, Robots + Humans launches with Powfu signed up on the recordings side, and Nashi on the publishing side.
The boss of Sony Music UK, Jason Iley, says: "Rob has quickly established an impressive track record across genres by working in partnership with Sony Music labels. Robots + Humans gives us more scope to develop new artists using cutting-edge techniques and I'm excited to see what Rob can do next".
While Sony/ATV UK execs David Ventura and Tim Major add: "Rob embodies the new generation of talented and entrepreneurial A&R. His approach is so pioneering that it was a no-brainer to partner with him and we are delighted to be launching this venture together".
And Ronaldson himself chips in: "I never thought my love of data could be applied to the processes of finding new talent within the music industry. We hope that our technology can help R+H keep growing into something exciting, innovative and genuinely competitive over the next few years".