// HMV has launched a new record label that will be on sale exclusively in its stores and online
// Over 100 gigs are set to take place at HMV stores across the UK this National Album Day
HMV has returned to making records for the first time in over 40 years through the launch of its own music label, called 1921 Records.
The entertainment retailer, which runs 115 stores across the UK, has signed Newcastle-based singer-songwriter India Arkin to the new label, its first singing in 20 years.
The label, which will be on sale exclusively in its high street and online stores has been named after the year The Gramophone Company opened its first His Master’s Voice (HMV) store on London’s Oxford Street.
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It comes as the retailer has pledged to focus further on live music, with more than 100 gigs set to take place in stores on National Album Day on October 15.
Since the start of the year, more than 1,000 grassroots gigs have taken place at the retailer’s stores through its HMV Live & Local programme.
HMV has opened nine stores since the start of the year, with three more to come before Christmas and each of the new shops comes with a renewed focus on vinyl and fan-based pop culture.
Doug Putman, who bought HMV in 2019 said he can see the retailer expanding to “130 to 135 stores” but said it will remain steady in its expansion plans.
He said he was also “actively looking” for further business acquisitions in the UK after snapping up the Canadian arm of Toys R Us last year and launching the toy distribution firm DKB in the UK.
Putman said: “With our new label, we want to do what we can to help debut artists make their mark in a tough industry. 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.”
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