East West Records (stylized as eastwest) is a record label formed in 1955, distributed and owned by Warner Music Group, headquartered in New York City.[1]
| East West Records | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Parent company | Warner Music Group |
| Founded | 1955 |
| Genre | Various |
| Location | New York, NY |
History
editAfter its creation in 1955 by Atlantic Records, the label had its first hit with the Kingsmen's "Week End".[2]
In 1990, Atlantic revamped the imprint as EastWest Records America, appointing Sylvia Rhone as President & CEO.[3] Under Rhone's leadership, EastWest Records America shot to mega success with several multi-platinum artists such as En Vogue, Pantera, Adina Howard, Gerald Levert, AC/DC, The Rembrandts, Dream Theater, Missy Elliott and MC Lyte. UK artists on the EastWest label included The Beloved,[4] Tanita Tikaram,[5] Chris Rea,[6] Billy Mackenzie (as Associates) and Simply Red. EastWest also distributed imprints, such as Interscope Records, Motor Jams Records, Mecca Don Records, and The Gold Mind Inc.[7]
In 2005, WMG reactivated the East West label, which marketed and distributed rock music.[8] East West operated under Warner's Alternative Distribution Alliance, the successor to Independent Label Group.[9]
East West Records was revived in the UK in 2014 under the direction of Max Lousada, then Chairman & CEO, Warner Music UK.[10]
2024 – present
editIn 2024, Eric Wong was named President, East West Records & Head of Global A&R, Warner Recorded Music, reporting directly to WMG's CEO, Robert Kyncl.[11]
Wong leads East West Records, a storied name in WMG history, which now serves as a connector across the company's global ecosystem – identifying local talents with global potential and accelerating their pathway to global success. Wong will also help sign and develop artists, while working across the company's roster of stars to foster collaborations and creative opportunities that build careers.[12]
East West Records artists span WMG's global repertoire network, including WM China's Lay Zhang,[13] WM France's Aya Nakamura, WM Germany's Peter Fox, WM Denmark's Christopher, WM Italy's Ghali, and many more.
References
edit- ^ "FAQ". Warner Music Group. Retrieved 2024-10-18.
- ^ tolsen (2013-01-02). "Billboard Hot 100™". Billboard. Retrieved 2024-10-18.
- ^ "Sylvia Rhone - Sony Music". Sony Music Entertainment. Retrieved 2024-10-18.
- ^ "BELOVED | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". Official Charts.
- ^ "Tanita Tikaram | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". Official Charts.
- ^ "CHRIS REA | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". Official Charts.
- ^ "Goldmind". Record Club. Retrieved 2024-10-18.
- ^ Gallo, Phil (2005-06-29). "Lizard inks with WMG". Variety. Retrieved 2024-10-18.
- ^ Staff, Billboard (2007-03-09). "Rhymesayers Jumps To WMG's ILG". Billboard. Retrieved 2024-10-18.
- ^ Smirke, Richard (2018-02-06). "Warner Music UK Launches New Label As Part Of East West Restructure". Billboard. Retrieved 2024-10-18.
- ^ "Eric Wong upped to Head of Global A&R, Recorded Music at Warner; Jessica Keeley-Carter promoted to Chief Marketing Officer". Music Business Worldwide. 2024-10-07. Retrieved 2024-10-18.
- ^ Aswad, Jem (2024-10-07). "Warner Music Group Promotes Eric Wong, Jessica Keeley-Carter". Variety. Retrieved 2024-10-17.
- ^ Cusson, Michael (2013-01-02). "Top Current Album Sales". Billboard. Retrieved 2024-10-18.