Instant Karma (record label)

Instant Karma is an independent record label created by former Warner Music Group chairman and head of the BPI, Rob Dickins, in 1999.[1] The label was founded by Dickins after his resignation from Warner Music, where he gained fame for his track record of signing female vocalists such as Enya and the Corrs.[2] Instant Karma's first release was Helicopter Girl's How to Steal the World album in June 2000;[3][4] the label received attention for the fact that its very first release was short-listed for the Mercury Prize.[5] Helicopter Girl signed with Instant Karma on the condition that she be permitted not to tour.[6][7]

Dickins noted that he was pleased to have How to Steal the World as the label's "calling card", but that he planned other releases to have more immediate commercial appeal.[8]

The label was funded by Sony Music UK. British DJ/producer K-Gee's first solo single and album were released on Instant Karma in October 2000 and October 2002, respectively.[9]

Acts

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ White, Adam (27 March 1999). "Dickins' new Sony label takes shape", Billboard 111 (13) 3–4.
  2. ^ Williamson, John (21 July 2000). "Helicopter Girl is ready to take off; Dundonian Jackie Joyce is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Enya and The Corrs", The Herald, p. 21.
  3. ^ "Dickins has ear to ground". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 12 April 2009.
  4. ^ Goldsmith, Charles (24 April 2000). "Music Executive Dickins Bets on Instant Karma", The Wall Street Journal.
  5. ^ Williamson, Nigel, and Ferguson, Tom (5 August 2000). "New acts vying for Mercury prize", Billboard 112 (32): 10.
  6. ^ Williamson, Nigel (12 August 2000). "Global music pulse", Billboard 112 (33): 51.
  7. ^ Williamson, Nigel (2 August 2000). "Zen will I be famous?", The Times, p. Times2.
  8. ^ Sexton, Paul (8 July 2000). "Start me up: Two U.K. label veterans on different routes to independence", Billboard 112 (28) 45–46.
  9. ^ Kwaku (30 September 2000). "K-Gee's 'Care' launches Instant Karma label", Billboard 112 (40): 34.