Virgin Music Group has signed a global partnership with Mom+Pop Music, adding the independent label and its roster of artists including MGMT to its distribution network.
Mom+Pop, fully owned by founder Michael “Goldie” Goldstone and co-owner Thaddeus Rudd, has been operating for 16 years.
It also represents Caamp, Del Water Gap, and Magdalena Bay, as well as genre-diverse artists like Mother Soki, After, Violent Vira, Galdive, The Kilans, Chaparelle, and Tiny Habits.
Founded in 2008, Mom+Pop aims to give musicians “more creative control and long-term support outside the major-label system,” according to a press release on Thursday (August 21).
Nat Pastor and JTMyers, Co-CEOs of Virgin Music Group, said: “Goldie and Thaddeus’s vision for Mom+Pop reflects the same independent spirit and ambition that drives everything we do at Virgin Music Group.”
“They’ve built one of the most respected and successful independent labels in the world, and their decision to partner with us is a powerful validation of what we’re building. We’re honored by their trust and excited to support Mom+Pop in this next chapter of global growth.”
“Goldie and Thaddeus’s vision for Mom+Pop reflects the same independent spirit and ambition that drives everything we do at Virgin Music Group.”
Nat Pastor & JT Myers, Virgin Music Group
Before Mom+Pop, Goldstone helped launch Pearl Jam, Cage The Elephant, Rage Against the Machine, and Regina Spektor, amont others.At Mom+Pop, he has worked with Grammy-nominated artists including Courtney Barnett, Flume, and Tycho, as well as FKJ, Orion Sun, and underscores.
Mom+Pop’s catalog includes releases from Tegan and Sara, Sleater-Kinney, Tom Morello, Porter Robinson, Sleigh Bells, Ashe, Beach Bunny, Goth Babe, and Ingrid Michaelson.
Its artists have also produced a couple of hit records including Flume’s Skin, which spawned the multi-platinum, top-10 pop hit Never Be Like You (2 billion streams), Ashe’s platinum single Moral of the Story (2b streams), and Beach Bunny’s Prom Queen and Cloud 9, both platinum-certified hits.
“Goldie made a significant impact on my career, showing me how A&R and artist development go hand in hand.”
JacquelineSaturn, Virgin Music Group
JacquelineSaturn, President of North America and EVP, Global Artist Relations at Virgin Music Group, said: “Goldie made a significant impact on my career, showing me how A&R and artist development go hand in hand.
“I’ve watched Goldie and Thaddeus build such a meaningful roster and outstanding team at Mom+Pop. Their ability to identify, nurture and break independent artists with authenticity and heart is truly exceptional. We can’t wait to get started.”
“Thaddeus and I have worked with JT, Nat, Jacqueline, and Jeremy in different capacities over the years, and that shared history—along with their entrepreneurial spirit—was the catalyst for this partnership.”
Michael Goldstone, Mom+Pop
Goldstone said: “Partnering with the team at Virgin is positively the right fit for us—they’ve been the most flexible and respectful of our ethos and independence.”
“Thaddeus and I have worked with JT, Nat, Jacqueline, and Jeremy in different capacities over the years, and that shared history—along with their entrepreneurial spirit—was the catalyst for this partnership.”
Rudd added: “Virgin is a place where entrepreneurs are empowered. We share a deep belief in artistry, a passion for music, and a commitment to independent music. That shared foundational view will be a powerful next chapter for Mom+Pop.”
The Virgin partnership follows the launch of Goldstone and Rudd’s new creative and digital agency PIPES Music earlier this year. PIPES provides content creation and social media campaign strategies for Mom+Pop artists and acts and other external clients.
“Virgin is a place where entrepreneurs are empowered. We share a deep belief in artistry, a passion for music, and a commitment to independent music. That shared foundational view will be a powerful next chapter for Mom+Pop.”
Thaddeus Rudd, Mom+Pop
Elsewhere at the indie label, Mom+Pop last week appointedZoeBarton as Executive Vice President of Digital, Viral (Pipes), Commerce, and Marketing. She joined the company from ORIGIN, where she served as General Manager and Head of Creative, leading digital strategy and campaigns for artists including A$APRocky, LISA, and ONEOKROCK.
