Believe UK and Hospital Records form long-term global label solutions partnership
DnB trailblazers sign bespoke and fully independent global distribution services deal
Incorporates digital and genre specialist Believe teams offering strategic advice and audience development insights and services
Latest signing to Believe’s new “b:electronic” Global Distribution imprint
The UK office of Believe, one of the world’s leading digital music companies, has signed a long-term label solutions partnership with legendary drum and bass label Hospital Records.
The landmark deal is another illustration of Believe’s market-leading position in dance and electronic music distribution in the UK. With Hospital among the first clients to sign to Believe UK when it opened its local office in 2011, the label now returns as the latest signing to b:electronic, the new global imprint dedicated to electronic music and launched as part of Believe’s Label & Artist Solutions division.
Under the new partnership, Believe will handle the distribution of Hospital’s entire catalogue of 5,300+ tracks to its global network of DSPs. Hospital will receive support in growing its international reach through Believe’s audience development services. This will include video channel management and strategic support from dedicated genre specialists on Believe’s Label Management and global DSP Editorial and Marketing Partnerships teams.
Founded in 1996 by Chris Goss and Tony Colman (producer London Elektricity), Hospital Records has helped launch some of drum and bass’ most prolific names, including High Contrast, Netsky, and Danny Byrd, among others. Its global events arm, Hospitality, is a staple at clubs and festivals in the UK and beyond.
As one of the most globally esteemed drum and bass labels, Hospital’s signing marks the continued strengthening of Believe UK’s roster and ties with the dance and electronic community. This includes partnerships with fellow drum and bass heavyweights Metalheadz and Shogun Audio, alongside other local electronic imprints such as Cr2 Records, Greco-Roman, Knee Deep in Sound, and Southern Fried Records.
Through the launch of b:electronic, Believe has further bolstered its offering for local artists and labels, empowering them to achieve global reach with the help of expert teams with an in-depth understanding of the electronic music scene and its nuances. b:electronic’s international roster encompasses the likes of Big Top Amsterdam (NL), Blackout Music (NL), Cercle (FR), Mixmash (NL), and Roche Musique (FR).
Upcoming releases to be distributed under the new partnership with Hospital include album projects from P Money x Whiney, Metrik, Hugh Hardie and Flava D.
Chris Goss, Hospital Records co-founder and MD, said: “We are delighted to join b:electronic at this exciting and innovative phase of their global development. As Hospital starts to plan for our 4th decade in the international dance music community, we see our partnership with Believe as an integral connection and platform to nurture the depth, breadth and scope of our catalogue and future releases.”
Ben Rimmer, Director of Label & Artist Solutions, Believe UK, added: “It's very rewarding to welcome Hospital back to Believe. In returning, they have future-proofed their digital business. The two teams complement each other perfectly with our long relationship built on trust and shared love and understanding of independence and drum and bass music. We're excited to help super-charge Hospital’s digital growth.”
Alex Kennedy, Managing Director, Believe UK, said: “In my book Hospital Records are the most iconic label in drum and bass and we are delighted to be working with Chris, Craig, Josh and their amazing team for this next chapter in their story. Our combined expertise in Dance & Electronic music will undoubtedly make this a highly fruitful partnership.”
About Hospital Records
27 years young, and 100% independent, Hospital is a globally recognised record label and publishing company. The Hospital Group incorporates label, publishing wing Songs In The Key Of Knife, Hospital DNB Events, booking agency Clinic Talent, and sister label Soulvent Recordings.
Founded by Chris Goss and Tony Colman, Hospital pioneered artist development in the genre, discovering names like High Contrast, Netsky, Danny Byrd and Camo & Krooked. Many of the albums within the label catalogue are recognised as classics of the genre. Hospital is currently home to artists like Metrik, Kings Of The Rollers, Flava D, and P Money x Whiney. All of the company's operations run from their South East London premises - housing warehouse, studio, office, streaming & photography spaces.
About Believe
Believe UK is part of Believe, one of the world’s leading digital music companies. Believe’s mission is to develop independent artists and labels in the digital world by providing them the services they need to grow their audience at each stage of their career and development. Believe’s passionate team of digital music experts around the world leverages the Group’s global technology platform to empower artists and labels, distribute and promote their music.
Globally, Believe has 1,650 employees in more than 50 countries, including 45 staff in the UK. They aim to support independent artists and labels with a unique digital expertise, respect, fairness and transparency. Believe offers its various solutions through a portfolio of brands including Believe, TuneCore, Nuclear Blast, Naïve, Groove Attack, AllPoints, Ishtar and Byond. Believe is listed on compartment A of the regulated market of Euronext Paris (Ticker: BLV, ISIN: FR0014003FE9).