HMV launches its own label 1921 Records, announces first signing

nme.com:

National Album Day 2022 on October 15. It’ll be available exclusively on vinyl in HMV stores across the UK and online. Pre-order here.Doug Putman, owner of HMV, said: “India’s music is absolutely incredible and we’re thrilled to make her our first 1921 Records signing.

She has such passion for her craft, and she’s a true musician who writes, plays instruments and performs.“We’re really proud of our HMV Live & Local programme, which sees artists like India given the same platform as the international artists who come to our stores, like Charli XCX and Yungblud.

India’s performances in Newcastle got rave reviews from our staff and led to her being signed today.”Arkin commented: “I’m thrilled to be releasing my debut album with 1921 Records, and it’s almost unbelievable that gigs in the store in HMV Newcastle would lead to this.

I can’t wait to see my record on the shelves and tour the country performing with my band.”As for the company’s wider plans for 1921 Records, HMV will focus on promoting debut albums by smaller grassroots acts.“With our new label, we want to do what we can to help debut artists make their mark in a tough industry,” Putman explained. “Streaming algorithms mean it’s hard for new artists to get their voices heard, so we’re giving them the chance to get their albums in our stores where music fans can discover them for themselves.“This is just the beginning for 1921 Records – it’s our mission to get more fantastic albums by debut artists into the homes of music fans.