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U.K. SPECIAL ISSUE: CAPITOL'S JO CHARRINGTON

Interview by Rhian Jones

Jo Charrington
was officially upped to Capitol U.K. co-President in September after four years of helming the label alongside Nick Raphael. The duo, who launched the UMG imprint in 2013, have since enjoyed success with the global breakthrough of Sam Smith and 5 Seconds of Summer, as well as the burgeoning career of Liam Payne. A seasoned A&R exec, Charrington began her career at London Records, where she met Raphael, later working at Virgin Records, BMG and Epic, along with a stint in artist management. Smith has just hit #1 with his second album, The Thrill of it All, and announced a U.K. and European arena tour, including four dates at London’s 20k-cap. O2 Arena.


After recently being named Capitol U.K. co-President, what role do you play in leading the label?
My role is to try and keep Nick sane and focused! Also keeping our artists and team motivated and fully supported. Our strategy is to develop global careers, working with the best artists, songwriters and producers we can.

What are your ambitions for Sam Smith’s new album and his career?
Our ambition is to take what was an incredible start with In the Lonely Hour, and the unexpected but thoroughly appreciated Golden Globe and Oscar for “Writing’s on the Wall” in between, and turn it into a long-term career for Sam.

What is the biggest change you’ve experienced in the music industry this year?
The globalization of music through the growth of streaming and social media. The landscape for music consumption is constantly changing, so we are having to adapt on a daily basis. I hope the business continues to grow in 2018.

Tell us about your priority projects for next year.
In no particular order, a debut album from Liam Payne, a third album for 5 Seconds of Summer and the ongoing campaign for Sam’s album.

What are your personal ambitions career-wise, and for Capitol as a label?
Our ambitions are to continue to build our roster, consolidating real long-term careers for our artists and to keep the quality of the songs as high as possible. If we manage to do that, then my career and Capitol will remain on course!


Stay in the loop with what's up and coming in the U.K. with our Spotlight playlist below.

NEAR TRUTHS:
SPRING BLOOMS
Here come the big guns. (3/29a)
THE COUNT: COLDPLAY IS HOT, COUNTRY'S COOKIN' IN THE U.K.
The latest tidbits from the bustling live sector (3/29a)
CITY OF HOPE TAPS MARCIANO FOR TOP HONOR
This year's philanthropic model (3/28a)
TRUST IN THE TOP 20
Hip-hop is no longer hibernating. (3/27a)
UMG BROADENS SPOTIFY OFFERINGS
Sir Lucian and Daniel are in harmony. (3/28a)
THE NEW UMG
Gosh, we hope there are more press releases.
TIKTOK BANNED!
Unless the Senate manages to make this whole thing go away, that is.
THE NEW HUGE COUNTRY ACT
No, not that one.
TRUMP'S CAMPAIGN PLAYLIST
Now 100% unlicensed!
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