WMUK LAUNCHES BLACK DIAMOND RECORDS

Mullally, center, hangs with his new Atlantic mates, from left, Atlantic A&R exec Paul Samuels, Black Diamond Music’s Derek Ojofeitimi, Atlantic U.K. President Ben Cook and manager David Olusegun.

Hot on the heels of signing pop-soul artist Mullally, Warner Music U.K. has launched an imprint with the artist’s management company titled Black Diamond Records. Helmed by Black Diamond founders David Olusegun and Derek Edmund Ojofeitimi, the label will sit under Ben Cook’s Atlantic.

Olusegun and Ojofeitimi will work with WMUK to find and develop artists, who could then be signed to Atlantic, East West, Parlophone or Warner Bros. Records. Mullally is the first release.

Warner U.K. boss Max Lousada, whose quote suggests he is indeed staying at the major label following rumours of an exit for Columbia, said: “We’re always looking for the brightest and most creative talent to work with throughout the Warner Music family – our team and our artists. That’s why David and Derek are a great fit.

“They’ve shown they’re natural A&Rs who gravitate towards brilliant artists and have a strong understanding of what it takes to develop and break artists in today’s environment. It’s good to be working with them and I’m looking forward to seeing who else they discover.”

Olusegun added: “Our goal at Black Diamond Music has always been to discover and develop the most forward-thinking artists in our generation and give them the platform and infrastructure to reach a global audience.

“Max shares our vision and we’re excited about signing culture-defining artists whilst working alongside some of the most respected execs and labels in the world.”

The arrival of Black Diamond Records follows Warner's recent launch of dance label 2TE Records and streaming led imprint Artists to Watch Records.