WMG U.K. BOSS HARLOW HAILS BRIT NOMS HAUL

It's fair to say that Warner Music U.K. chief Tony Harlow's current mood is hovering somewhere between ebullient and euphoric as the domestic company racks up a pile of BRIT Awards nominations for homegrown acts. Meanwhile, the buzz is that WMG Recorded Music boss Max Lousada is well chuffed with Harlow's performance as U.K. head in the latter's first full year in the post. Also, we're thinking Max would prefer we didn't use Britishisms like "chuffed."

In a memo to staff obtained by HITS, Harlow hailed the triple nominations for both Dua Lipa and Joel Corry and noms for Nathan Dawe, S1MBA, Lianne La Havas and Biffy Clyro. He likewise singled out Rising Star winner Griff (who's due to perform on the 5/11 awards show at London's O2 Arena) and Rising Star nominee Pa Salieu, not to mention global stars Cardi B and Burna Boy.

"I’m proud to say that the Warner Music family is the home of original talent at every stage of their career, and these nominations are further proof that we have a team who is dedicated to supporting, cultivating and fostering the next generation of artists who will move and disrupt the cultural landscape," reads Harlow's note. "What makes this all the more remarkable is the fact that we’ve scored more domestic nominations than any other music company—from global superstars to breakthrough talent. And while all our frontline labels are represented, a special shout-out goes to Warner Records, who have an impressive seven nominations."

"This is a fantastic result," Harlow added, "and I couldn’t be prouder of all of them and all of you."