Capitol Music Group
Capitol Music Group (CMG) is a frontline umbrella label company owned by Universal Music Group, based in Hollywood, California in the iconic Capitol Tower.
The company was led by Chairman & CEO Steve Barnett since November 2012. Since January 2021, following Barnett's retirement, the company is led by Chairman & CEO, Jeff Vaughn, alongside President & COO, Michelle Jubelirer.
CMG was created in early 2007 by its former owner, EMI, following a restructuring program that resulted in the merger of Capitol Records and Virgin Records America.
The restructure was reportedly designed to save $217 million a year.
Virgin Records and Capitol Records continued as imprints under the Capitol Music Group banner.
In addition to Capitol Records and Virgin Records, Capitol Music Group is comprised of Motown Records, Blue Note Records, Astralwerks, Harvest Records and Capitol Christian Music Group, as well as Capitol Studios plus the company's independent distribution and label services arm, Caroline.
In September 2012, Universal Music Group concluded its £1.2 billion acquisition of EMI Recorded Music and became the owner of Capitol Music Group and the labels under its banner in the process.
Artists that record / have recorded for CMG labels include: Erykah Badu, Banks, The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Beck, Bee Gees, Jon Bellion, B.J. The Chicago Kid, Rosanne Cash, Christine and the Queens, Neil Diamond, Robert Glasper, Halsey, Don Henley, Hillsong United, Niall Horan, Illenium, Judah And The Lion, Tori Kelly, Kem, Lil Baby, Lil Yachty, Charles Lloyd, tobyMac, Paul McCartney, Vic Mensa, Migos, Ne-Yo, NF, Norah Jones, Katy Perry, Gregory Porter, Rich Homie Quan, Maggie Rogers, Calum Scott, Bob Seger, Troye Sivan, Sam Smith and Chris Tomlin.
Capitol Music Group News
Michèle Domi appointed Senior Artistic Director at Warner Chappell Music France
Domi has contributed to the career development of artists including Axel Tony, Florent Pagny and Indila
'Streaming's growth in Africa is already exciting, but there's so much more we can do'
Zimbabwean, British-raised exec Sipho Dlamani is heading up Universal Music Group in much of Africa. He forecasts a big future for the region and its impact around the world...
'I live and die by my artists — that's what I wake up every day and fight for.'
Tap Music's US President Wendy Ong discusses imposter syndrome, failure, working with Dua Lipa, and her top tips for successful music management
Analysis Blog
Why The Beatles, 56 years ago, were prototyping the kind of pop artist that 2020 demands
There's no doubt 2020 was an innovative year for music and artists – but, says Dave Roberts, it owes a clear debt to 1964
'Music is becoming more influential than ever right now.'
Wiz Khalifa manager Will Dzombak discusses livestreaming beyond Covid, his management principles, and where he sees the music industry heading in future
'AI-enabled' indie label Snafu Records adds ex-UMG Nordics CEO Per Sundin and songwriter/producer Savan Kotecha to list of sharholders
Los-Angeles-based label launched with $2.9m in seed funding earlier this year
Tom Paul promoted to General Manager of Capitol Records UK
Executive has worked at the label for nine years, most recently as Marketing Director
Larry Mattera named General Manager of Capitol Records and EVP of Capitol Music Group
Mattera was most recently General Manager and Executive Vice President of Commerce & Marketing at Warner Records