Classic FM extends brand with new record label

by Daniel Farey-Jones, Brand Republic 12-Jul-06, 09:00

LONDON - Classic FM is going beyond compilation albums with the launch of a new artist-led record label, which will release the debut album from British tenor Alfie Boe in September.

The new label, Classic FM Presents ..., extends the GCap Media station's existing partnership with music publisher Sony BMG.

Their compilation label, Classic FM, has sold more than 2m box sets and its most recent release is 'Classic FM at the Movies'.

Classic FM Presents ... will showcase young unsigned British classical artists such as Boe, whose story is a marketing man's dream.

Born in Blackpool, Boe gave up his apprenticeship as a car mechanic to pursue a living as a tenor and had to sleep on a park bench when he first moved to London.

While a student at the Royal Opera House he was offered and took one of the lead role's in Baz Luhrmann's Broadway production of La Boheme and won the first of several awards for his performance.

Classic FM station manager Darren Henley said: "We're on a mission to uncover major unsigned British talent - Alfie Boe is the first of these stars for the future."

Classic FM's other spin-off activities from radio include the Classic FM magazine, TV channel and branded events.

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