Wednesday 1st July 2026 saw the launch of new music company Breaking Wave founded by a group of leading UK music industry figures with vast experience, announced as the new label and management home for artists including legendary group 10cc and multi platinum British singer songwriter Rumer.
The evening begins with a very civilised screening of the England vs Democratic Republic of Congo match, in the Prince of Wales room at the Royal Albert Hall, surrounded by paintings of laughing cavaliers and Constable-esque scenes. A fairly nailbiting 90 minutes, followed by relief not only at England’s win but also that the match won’t now extend into extra time and penalties and clash with the rest of the evening.
And so it’s all smiles for the launch of Breaking Wave, whose ambition is to provide “a real alternative to the major label model that increasingly frustrates and forgets the needs of artists. In a world where major labels have impossibly large rosters, BWG is the opposite of that. The launch represents a return to hard won expertise and experience from a golden age of British record success, offering artists the time and attention they deserve.”
Jeremy Marsh, Chief Operating Officer has been MD and President for companies including Virgin, RCA, BMG and Warner Music Group and was involved in lauching the careers of Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, Soul II Soul, Maxi Priest, Take That, Annie Lennox, M People and Neneh Cherry, plus many others.
Marc Marot, Chief Creative Officer oversaw the career of U2 for 18 years and whilst Managing Director of Island Records signed Tricky, Pulp, PJ Harvey, The Cranberries, Nine Inch Nails and NWA. He then set up a management company and managed Paul Oakenfold, Richard Ashcroft, Lemon Jelly, and Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) amongst others.
James Radice was VP Legal and Business Affairs at Warner Music Group, plus had similar positions at EMI, Polydor and Universal, involved in negotiations and contracts with recording artists including Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones, Take That, Lana del Rey, Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa and Coldplay.
Nick Stewart, Chairman signed U2 to Island Records and has worked with Grace Jones, Blondie, The Eagles, Echo And The Bunnymen, New Order, Sir Elton John and Dire Straits over a career at Island, Polygram, Sony BMG and Warner Music.
They are joined by General Manager Beth Claridge who has also worked with U2, plus Neil Diamond, The Eagles, INXS, Stevie Wonder, 50 Cent, Queens of the Stone Age, Sting, Back Eyed Peas, Snow Patrol, David Guetta, Tears For Fears and Sparks.
Breaking Wave will have four aspects: record label, music publishing, artist management and special projects.
Marc Marot says “We are the home for disenfranchised, successful artists, as well as new artists looking for a more personal experience. Major labels are doing a certain job, but they are increasingly centralised, some have no UK head and artists feel sidelined by that model. We will deliberately keep the roster small so we can devote time to real development. Our careers have been spent with artists, putting them first and helping present their creativity to the world and that’s what BWG is about.”
A&R legend Nick Stewart, who signed U2 and Killing Joke among many others, says:“The modern music industry is suffering from a terminal case of ‘time poverty.’ Algorithms have replaced A&R and artists are being signed and dropped at breakneck speed. Many artists and their managers just don’t feel they get the time of day from labels any more. Breaking Wave Group is the ‘Safe Harbour’ in this storm. By deliberately keeping our roster small, we are bringing back the lost art of artist development, giving both heritage acts and new talent the dedicated time and creative attention they deserve.”
Jeremy Marsh, says: “We have the experience and we can offer the time. Nobody talks about giving an artist that. They tend to talk about the budget they have, they don’t mention how much time they will dedicate to the artist. The emphasis is on artists with existing global reach. That is great if you are one of those, but that is not a system that would have signed a busker from Suffolk like Ed Sheeran. “By integrating our Record Label, Publishing arm, Management division and our Special Projects – which includes major investments in transmedia and film – we’ve created a self-sustaining business. We marry many years of deep-rooted industry experience with an agile commercial structure.”
Jason Rackham, UK Managing Director & Group Repertoire Director, PIAS said “We are delighted to be partnering with Breaking Wave Group and supporting them on their journey. Their ambition, creativity, and vision make them an exciting team to work with, and we look forward to helping them realise their goals. Together, we are excited about the opportunities ahead and the impact we can create through this collaboration. They bring a wealth of industry experience and knowledge and are wholly artist focused at a time when others are losing their way.
The launch is followed by a special show by 10cc to a packed out Royal Albert Hall, taking us through 50 years of hits, including highlights I’m Not In Love and Dreadlock Holiday.
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Words and photos by Naomi Dryden-Smith: Louder Than War |Facebook |Twitter |Instagram |portfolio
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