A group of UK music executives whose collective credits include guiding the careers of U2, Ed Sheeran and Dua Lipa has launched Breaking Wave Group (BWG), a new independent music company designed as an alternative to the major-label system.
BWG will operate across four integrated pillars: record label, music publishing, artist management, and special projects spanning cross-media and intellectual property generation. The company has secured distribution agreements with PIAS and Virgin Music Group (VMG), both part of Universal Music Group.
Leadership Team
Chief Operating Officer Jeremy Marsh previously held managing director and president roles at Virgin, RCA, BMG and, most recently, Warner Music Group, where he served as Vice Chairman, EVP of International and Global CMO. He contributed to launching and developing the careers of Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, Annie Lennox, Soul II Soul, Take That and Neneh Cherry.
Chief Creative Officer Marc Marot oversaw U2’s career for 18 years. As Managing Director of Island Records, he signed Tricky, Pulp, PJ Harvey, The Cranberries, Nine Inch Nails and NWA. After leaving Island, he founded a management company that guided Paul Oakenfold and Richard Ashcroft, and later worked on the management of Jessie J, Ella Henderson and Becky Hill.
Chief Legal Officer James Radice was formerly SVP Legal and Business Affairs at Warner Music Group, and held equivalent positions at EMI, Polydor and Universal.
Chairman Nick Stewart signed U2 to Island Records and, across tenures at Island, Polygram, Sony BMG and Warner Music, worked with Grace Jones, Sir Elton John, Dire Straits and Blondie.
General Manager Beth Claridge brings more than two decades of industry experience, having worked on campaigns for U2, Neil Diamond, The Eagles, INXS, Stevie Wonder and 50 Cent.
Initial Roster
BWG becomes the new label and management home for pop group 10cc and multi-platinum singer-songwriter Rumer, both of whom will release new albums through the company. Electronic duo Lemon Jelly have also joined the management and label roster.
Alongside these established acts, BWG has signed emerging singer-songwriter Sofiyah Tusi (label and management) and indie band Patience Please (label).
“The modern music industry is suffering from a terminal case of ‘time poverty.’ Algorithms have replaced A&R and artists are being signed and dropped at breakneck speed. Many artists and their managers just don’t feel they get the time of day from labels anymore. Breaking Wave Group is the ‘Safe Harbor’ in this storm. By deliberately keeping our roster small, we are bringing back the lost art of artist development, giving both heritage acts and new talent the dedicated time and creative attention they deserve.”
, Nick Stewart, Chairman, Breaking Wave Group
