Warner Teams Up With BPG Music
• Warner Records announced the launch of an innovative strategic partnership with BPG Music, founded by Gee Roberson and longtime business partner Jean Nelson. BPG Music/Warner Records’ unique approach focuses on providing a gateway for young black artists and entrepreneurs who are looking for the global reach of a major label while retaining their creative autonomy. Alongside their roles as CEOs of BPG Music, Roberson (left) and Nelson (right) will also serve as advisors to Warner Records.
In a joint statement, Warner Records’ Co-Chairman & CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck and Co-Chairman & COO Tom Corson said, “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Gee and Jean on this forward-thinking partnership. They’re bringing their brilliant A&R minds and industry expertise to a unique portal that champions artistic freedom. This fresh business model charts new territory in the relationship between original talent and the major label ecosphere. They’ve already brought us two amazing artists in Erica Banks and David Sabastian, with whom we have very different, specially tailored deals, and we’re looking forward to collaborating on many more exciting projects.”
“Our goal at BPG/Warner is to discover, mentor, and grow the next generation of musical and cultural innovators and disruptors,” said Roberson and Nelson. “We want to use our knowledge and experience to help them navigate the process and take their careers to the next level, while maintaining their creative and business independence. Aaron, Tom, and the outstanding new team at Warner Records are the perfect partners for us to realize BPG’s unconventional vision.”
Roberson began his music industry career under the tutelage of Jay-Z, serving as VP of A&R at Roc-A-Fella Records. He went on to serve as SVP at Atlantic Records, Chairman of Geffen Records and is a founding partner of the Maverick management firm. Today, Roberson is Founder & CEO of BPG Music as well as Co-CEO of the management company, The Blueprint Group. Nelson started his music career while in high school under the tutelage of Sean “Puffy” Combs with whom he brought Craig Mack to the label. He served as SVP of A&R at Atlantic Records, Head of Urban A&R at Geffen Records, and is presently co-CEO of BPG Music. [Photo credits: BPG Music]
