Atlantic Records has confirmed it has signed one of the U.K.’s most successful indie artists, Stormzy.
Stormzy’s debut album, Gang Signs & Prayer, was No. 1 on the charts in Britain about a year ago and set a record for most first-week streams for a No. 1 album in U.K. Chart history, according to Music Business Worldwide. The album was also the 10th bestselling album in the U.K. Last year. Stormzy posted a picture of himself at Warner U.K.’s offices on Twitter, confirming the signing.
#MERKY RECORDS/ATLANTIC RECORDS – Beginning of a new chapter. Looking forward to delivering more music, more bodies of work and to start developing and working on new talent on the #MERKY roster. Let’s work. ❤️🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/jhXLXGy4L5
— #GSAP (@Stormzy1) January 19, 2018
It didn’t take long for Warner Music Group and Atlantic execs to pour out the statements:
“Stormzy and #MERKY are a cultural force whose music makes everyone listen. Talent, truth, energy and relevance – they represent music at its most powerful. We’re proud to have them in the family,” WMG UK Chairman Max Lousada said.
“We’ve been friends with Stormzy and Tobe for a while now, it’s been exciting to see the extraordinary impact Stormzy’s music has had and the iconic figure he has become,” added Ben Cook, President, Atlantic Records UK. “#MERKY are now key players, and we’re thrilled to join forces. Together we’re going to take Stormzy global, and fill the #MERKY roster with fresh new talent.”
“You get into A&R to work with the best of the best and you hope you end up with special talent. Stormzy is that special talent, he’s an INCREDIBLE artist and he has so much to offer the world with his music,” said Alec Boateng, A&R director, Atlantic Records U.K. “It’s been a privilege to have had a ringside seat from the beginning of his explosive entry in the mainstream and I’m super excited about the next phase in our creative partnership – with him and the brilliant #MERKY team. This is huge.”
Gang Signs & Prayer is nominated for Album Of The Year at the BRIT Awards.
