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28.11.14 Music Week 13
‘THEY ARE AT THE FOREFRONT’
As Black Butter heads towards its fifth birthday in the New Year, friends and associates of the company give their impressions of the London-based ‘camp’ to Music Week
Adam Tudhope, Founder, Everybody’s Management “I’ve known Henry Village for many years now, man and boy. Highbury lad. His dad gave me one of my first jobs 20 years ago. His dad’s an art dealer - you might not realise that if you’ve only met Henry recently through the music industry. When Henry first came to me for advice he was a student promoter, with nights in at least three cities
around the country. Right from the start I knew he was a hustler (in the best sense of the word) and a go-getter. I’m proud to have been one of the first in the music business to spot his talent, and glad to see him entering a new phase of his career as a real-deal record man.”
Charlie Lycett, Partner, Black Butter “I first met Henry and Joe back in 2011 when they were running Black Butter from a flat and financing it with their credit cards. Despite the challenging conditions it soon became clear that they were creating something special. During this time, one of their most striking features was the ability to
effortlessly switch between a recording studio and major label boardroom and feel equally at home in both. Over the next three years I watched them evolve as executives and build a fantastic business in the process. They now have a great brand but more importantly preside over an entire eco-system that includes some of today’s most exciting writers, producers and artists. This unique position means Black Butter has the uncanny ability to operate like a start-up yet deliver like a major – a combination that I believe will prove powerful in the years to come. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Henry and Joe serve as a comforting reminder that with the right mix of talent, passion and taste, the music industry still has a bright future!”
Max Lousada, CEO, Warner Music UK “Henry is a fantastic partner to Warner Music. He’s a gentleman, a hustler and a ball of energy with a passion for great music. All that plus his entrepreneurial attitude puts him in a great place to build on his success so far and create a bright future in the industry.”
Sam Evitt, Co-Founder, Method Management “Henry Village makes me want to work harder - him at Sony is a formidable prospect.”
Rob Stringer, President, Columbia Records (US) “Black Butter are at the forefront of some of the most exciting music coming out of Britain in years and we are thrilled to help them build their label in the US.”
Sam Eldridge, Co-Founder, UROK Management “Black Butter have the deadly combination of charm and hustle. As a result they can move between different facets of the business with style. They create opportunities for their artists through a culture they have helped to create, what more could you ask for from a label”
Daniel Glass, Founder, Glassnote Records “From the moment I met the Black Butter Team I knew they had the potential for greatness. Their ear and eye for talent, repertoire, production, live shows and touring are perfectly on point for today’s Music. I particularly get excited by each of their new releases because they all seem
to have a wonderful rhythm and groove. The partners complement each other so well. “
Rudimental
Ben Cook, President, Atlantic Records UK “Henry’s career has gone from strength to strength since we worked together on Rudimental’s Feel The Love in 2011. He’s earned a reputation for working with
some cutting edge artists, and thanks to smart moves into management, publishing and label, I’ve watched him develop from newcomer to respected music exec in the last four years; his ability to extrapolate opportunities from his break with Rudimental is very impressive.”
Jess Glynne “Joe Gossa changed things for me and being a part of Black Butter has given me so many opportunities that I would never have had before. If I hadn’t met Joe I don’t think I would be where I am today.”
Neale Easterby, Founder, Empire Management “It has been a pleasure to work closely with Joe and Henry the last couple of years. Their taste, enthusiasm and energy is second to none. Shame they are both Gooners!“
Ben Parmar, Co-Founder, PMR “The Black Butter team have been a breath of fresh air at a time when the music industry needed it the most. Their sounds have been impossible to escape over the last few years, we wish them the very best of luck with their new venture.”
James Sully, Partner, Sheridans “Henry is one of a generation of exciting, young UK managers and executives that we have who are rewriting the music industry. Whether as a label, a manager or a publisher, he mixes commercial
tenacity and creativity for his clients with a refreshing desire to question the accepted norms.”
“When we started out what really helped get us to where we are is understanding us creatively. Henry, Nick and Joe really understood our influences and where we wanted to go with the music. So organising sessions and discovering singers to work with became a fun and exciting process.”
Paul Spraggon, Co-Founder, SSB Solicitors “I first started working with Joe Henry and the Black Butter team six years ago and I have seen them go from strength to strength - they are music driven, down to earth people. What started as a ‘cool’ underground label has grown into a strong and vibrant business, with music always at its heart. The belief in following creativity and talent and investing time and care in artists is the secret of their success.”
Gorgon City “Black Butter is a massive part of what Gorgon City is. When we started this project two years ago it felt like the perfect home for [us] and it has been great developing it with the BB family. The most important thing about Black Butter is the family vibe, we’re all mates and fans of each other’s music - it’s a great family to be part of!”
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