#69 Nick Gatfield - Signing Amy Winehouse and Leading Sony Music

Nick Gatfield is a British Music Executive, Investor and Entrepreneur. He is the Founder of Twin Music. He was the CEO/Chair at Sony Music and has held President positions at EMI and Polygram records.

Nick, who was born in Surrey, shares his story from starting off a musician. He was part of the band Dexy’s Midnight Runners who had the number one hit “Come on Aileen”. Nick reflects on the reality and lifestyle of a touring artist, the cash he made and the story of flying Concord to New York as 22 year old “kid”.

Nick left the performance world and joined EMI records. He rapidly became their youngest ever Director and became Head of A&R (Artists and Repertoire).

After a trip to Los Angeles, Nick was given the task to start his own label under Polygram/Polydor - Atlas Records before becoming President at Universal Music Group.

In 2001, he was hired by Universal Music Group where he oversaw a complete revamp of the label through signings including Amy Winehouse, Keane, Busted and Sugababes.

In 2008, he rejoined EMI as President of New Music and under his leadership they signed Swedish House Mafia, Deadmau5, Tinie Tempah and Emile Sande.

He served as Chair/CEO of Sony Music UK in 2011 and reflects on why he shouldn’t have taken the role and the factors he wish he considered before saying “yes” to the money even though he signed One Direction.

We touch on:

• What it was like to negotiate with Prince
• Meeting David Bowie
• Signing Amy Winehouse, One Direction, Radiohead, Sugababes, Busted and Keane
• Why Musician’s are start-up businesses
• What does a “record deal” look like for an Artist and how the deal is split
• What effect Spotify has had on the music industry
• Why Nick think’s the wellbeing of an artist is on the label

and Nick’s thoughts on the Grime scene!

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