hmv launches vinyl record label, 1921 Records
The label's first signing is India Arkin, a singer from Newcastle
hmv is launching a vinyl-only record label, 1921, with a new artist discovered through its Live & Local gig programme.
The British entertainment retailer, which launched the same year as its new vinyl arm's namesake, discovered Newcastle-based single India Arkin at one of the 1,000 grassroots gigs hosted at hmv's stores throughout 2022.
“With our new label, we want to do what we can to help debut artists make their mark in a tough industry," Doug Putman, the owner of hmv, said. "Streaming algorithms mean it’s hard for new artists to get their voices heard, so we’re giving them the chance to get their albums in our stores where music fans can discover them for themselves.
“This is just the beginning for 1921 Records – it’s our mission to get more fantastic albums by debut artists into the homes of music fans. hmv is leading the way in the vinyl revival, so it makes sense for us to create our own label and promote the music we know our shoppers care about.”
The release of Arkin’s debut album, 'Home Truths', will coincide with National Album Day on October 15th.
