Austin Daboh has officially joined Atlantic Records UK as Executive Vice President.
The news was announced by Warner Music UK (WMUK) today (June 9) and confirms our report in April that Daboh would be joining the label after seven months at Apple Music as Head Of Editorial for the UK & Ireland – a role in which he was responsible for the platform’s entire UK-based editorial and playlist ecosystem.
Widely regarded as one of the best connected executives amongst the UK artist community, Daboh’s new role will see him responsible for signing and developing domestic artists, as well as working closely with Atlantic Records in the US to nurture and break the label’s black music roster in the UK.
Daboh is the latest high-profile senior management hire by WMUK CEO Tony Harlow, who joined Warner’s UK business in February, and Atlantic Co-Presidents Ed Howard and Briony Turner.
He will have a dual reporting line into Howard and Turner for Atlantic and will report more broadly into Harlow.
Daboh also joins the WMUK leadership team and will be instrumental in the strategic direction of the company both culturally and creatively.
Daboh started his music industry career in 2006 as Music Programmer at BBC Music 1Xtra before becoming CEO of the PR, promotion and talent agency, The Hub Entertainment.
He returned to BBC Music 1Xtra in 2014 as Music Manager, leading the musical direction of the station.
In 2016, he joined Spotify as Senior Editor, Shows and Editorial, before being promoted to Head of Music Culture & Editorial, Spotify UK.
Moving to Apple Music, he assumed the post of Head of Editorial for UK & Ireland.
Atlantic Records UK got off to a strong start in 2020, with a three-week stint at No.1 in the Official Singles Chart with the all-Atlantic hit, Own It, by Stormzy featuring Ed Sheeran & Burna Boy, with production by Fred Again.
Atlantic also enjoyed success at this year’s BRIT Awards, with Stormzy winning British Male Solo Artist and Fred Again being named British Producer of the Year.
The label has since enjoyed more chart success with Joel Corry’s Lonely which charted at number four and has been certified gold, and Roddy Ricch’s The Box which peaked at No.2 and spent 11 weeks in the Top 10.
Tion Wayne’s first single under Atlantic, I Dunno, debuted at No.7 last week.
“I’m happy to welcome an exec of Austin’s calibre to the Warner Music UK family.”
Tony Harlow
Tony Harlow said: “I’m happy to welcome an exec of Austin’s calibre to the Warner Music UK family.
“He’s already played a pivotal role in shaping the UK music landscape through his work in radio and with the DSPs, and he has the instincts and connections not just to attract outstanding artists, but to be a cultural pioneer.
“I know that with Briony, Ed, Austin and the rest of the incredible team driving things forward, Atlantic UK will not only remain at the leading edge of the UK music scene but will continue to expand its global impact.”
“His ability to intelligently read and navigate the marketplace, combined with his gift for fostering meaningful relationships with talent, managers, and tastemakers make him perfectly placed to keep Atlantic, and our artists, at the forefront of both the music industry and wider culture.”
Briony Turner and Ed Howard
Briony Turner and Ed Howard added: “We’re very much at the start of an exciting new era at Atlantic UK; Liz Goodwin has just joined as GM; Rich Castillo has come on board as A&R Director, and we couldn’t be happier to now have Austin join us on the journey.
“His ability to intelligently read and navigate the marketplace, combined with his gift for fostering meaningful relationships with talent, managers, and tastemakers make him perfectly placed to keep Atlantic, and our artists, at the forefront of both the music industry and wider culture.”
“Atlantic is one of the most culturally important labels out there, with some of the world’s most authentic and unique artists.”
Austin Daboh
Austin Daboh said: “Atlantic is one of the most culturally important labels out there, with some of the world’s most authentic and unique artists.
“I’m excited to be joining the company as it begins the next chapter in its legendary history and look forward to working closely with Ed and Briony.
“I’ve had the good fortune to work at three amazing companies – the BBC, Spotify, and Apple Music – and my experiences there have prepared me well to step into the major label world, which has always been my dream.”Music Business Worldwide
