​Universal Music UK to merge EMI and Island labels in new restructuring

Universal Music UK has announced that it will merge its labels, EMI Records and Island Records, as part of a new restructuring.

The merger will be effective from October 1, 2024, creating a joint imprint named Island EMI Label Group, according to an internal memo seen by Billboard.

It follows a similar restructuring of Universal Music’s US branch in recent months with the formation of Interscope Capitol and Republic Corps.

Read this next: UMG and TikTok sign new licensing agreement following royalty dispute

The news was announced internally to staff on Tuesday, July 9, in a memo from UMG UK’s CEO David Joseph. It was also announced that it will involve an unknown number of layoffs, according to Billboard.

It notes that the consultation period for redundancies began on the day of its announcement, and will continue until mid-September.

Universal Music UK will also launch Polydor Label Group following a similar formation, which is set to include labels including Capitol UK, led by Polydor Records’ president, Ben Mortimer.

The move hopes to create “two powerhouse frontline label groups” which will house several labels with “all the creative autonomy”, Billboard reports.

Read this next: Universal Music Group announces majority investment in Mavin Global

Both groups will have a dedicated team to support artists from “the wider UMG family”, according to Universal Music UK label boss David Joseph.

“As a company, we must continue to be forward-looking, innovative, and bold,” Joseph said in his memo (via Billboard). “Developing artists now requires more creativity and patience than ever before.”

He also added that the restructure hopes to “strengthen our labels’ capabilities” while “deepening artist and fan connections”, explaining: “We are committed to being the number one place for artists, fans and talent.”

[Via Billboard]

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter