WMG Relaunches Asylum Records

Warner Music Group (WMG) has relaunched its iconic Asylum Records label in the U.S. The label’s new incarnation is headed by longtime WMG executive Kenny Weagly, who has been named President, and Grammy-winning producer Dante Ross has been named Senior Vice President of A&R. Ross has served as VP of A&R at ADA since 2012.

“Asylum was founded with artistic freedom as its guiding principle,” said Weagly, who most recently served as President, A&R and Label Services for ADA Worldwide. He added, “The new Asylum expands on that ideal by believing in and supporting our artists’ visions for their music, as well as when and how they want to release it. Our mantra is nimbleness and flexibility — the ability to tailor-make deals, from singles projects to multi-album careers — for original artists across a spectrum of genres.”

Asylum Records is currently a well-known label in the UK, where it was relaunched in 2008 by Ben Cook, now President of Atlantic Records UK. Asylum Records U.S. operates independently, with Weagly reporting to Eliah Seton, Worldwide President of ADA. Seton said, “Kenny will be a strong leader for Asylum because he has a true independent’s approach to artist development, combined with deep experience within the WMG family. He knows how to marshal the best support network to help create breakthrough moments in music. Dante is a gifted champion of talent, whose A&R instincts and experience have led him to sign game-changing artists and deliver platinum hits. Together, Kenny and Dante will be a magnet for unique, compelling talent.”

Max Lousada, CEO of Warner Music Group, Recorded Music, said, “We’re committed to encouraging entrepreneurship and nurturing diverse musical cultures within the WMG family. Asylum is one of the most revered brands in the music industry, and by relaunching it in the U.S. as a label that’s all about musical independence and flexibility, we are opening another avenue for fresh, innovative artistry to thrive.”