MUMBAI: Warner Music UK is planning to relaunch of celebrated dance label, FFRR (Full Frequency Range Recordings), originally founded by legendary DJ, A&R executive and artist Pete Tong in 1986.
Tong will return to helm A&R for the label, working closely with Warner Music UK CEO Christian Tattersfield. Tong is being backed up in his A&R activities by Andy Thompson, who first worked with Pete during their time together at London Records. The revived label will draw on Tong’s unrivalled experience to sign and develop the best in dance and electronic music talent and, through expanded rights partnerships, forge successful, long-term careers for its acts.
The relaunched imprint’s first signing is Paper Crows, the London-based duo made up of Duncan McDougall’s electronics and Emma Panas’ vocals. Having generated growing buzz with tracks such as ‘Fingertips’ and ‘Stand Alight’ the band is preparing to release their debut album through FFRR. Paper Crows recently played at The Great Escape and the group’s upcoming live gigs include an appearance at Lounge On The Farm.
The addition of FFRR further strengthens Warner Music UK’s dance music capabilities, following the introduction of One More Tune (OMT), headed by Anton Partridge, in 2010. Both labels will build on the company’s rich electronic music heritage and repertoire, which includes artists such as Pendulum, Gnarls Barkley, Cee-Lo Green, Paul Oakenfold, Goldie, Utah Saints as well as partnerships with Gatecrasher and Cream.
Releases from the original incarnation of FFRR, a subsidiary of London Records, were by a wide range of credible pop, dance and electronic artists including Orbital, The Brand New Heavies, Shakespear’s Sister, Salt ‘N’ Pepa, Lil Louis, LTJ Bukem, All Saints, Jay-Z, Smith & Mighty, Armand Van Helden, Carl Cox and Pete Tong himself.
Tong said, "I’m very excited to be working on the front line again as an A&R man. It’s a very exciting time for artist development and music in general and I think I can make a positive contribution. I have been lucky enough to have been educated by some of the all time great producers and record company executives during my career and I want to make that count. Warner Music Group has a fantastic heritage and working with Christian again is a real pleasure. The music and the new artists are already on the way!"
Tattersfield added, “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to work with Pete again. His experience, influence and credibility are second to none and make for a fantastic addition to our A&R mix. Dance is a genre that constantly redefines itself, so someone of Pete’s calibre, who embodies that dynamic and experimental spirit, is going to be a huge asset to our artists and our company. Paper Crows are a very exciting band, and them joining FFRR underlines that the label is a home for extraordinary talent with the potential to build large, loyal fan-bases.”
Dougie Bruce from the band’s management company XIX Entertainment (owned by Simon Fuller) said, “The band are very proud to be Pete’s first signing on the relaunched label, they’ve listened to him for many years on the radio, and respect hugely everything he’s achieved during his career. They feel honoured to be part of the FFRR and Warner family.”
