Kieron Donoghue, founder of Humble Angel
Kieron Donoghue, founder of Humble Angel

Newcastle record label has ‘great potential for growth’ with £150k Innovation Fund boost

A new record label in the North East is preparing for growth with a £150k investment.

Newcastle-based Humble Angel Records is receiving the six-figure boost from the North East Innovation Fund.

The company, founded by the former VP of global playlists strategy at publishing giant Warner Music, is looking to shake up the way artists are discovered, promoted and paid.

Humble Angel focuses on streaming-first and allows anyone to submit their music via an online form – a model it says will enable it to act fast in signing up and publishing artists.

Founder Kieron Donoghue said: “Our focus is going to be on doing one thing and doing it extraordinarily well.

“It makes sense to focus our efforts first and foremost on streaming, because we know the streaming music ecosystem inside out and we believe this is what’s going to deliver growth over the coming years.”

He added: “We’re proud to be established in the region and really delighted to have secured investment that will help us grow here.”

Kieron said the new investment will help the company offer more flexible deals with artists and invest in bigger promotional campaigns.

The North East Innovation Fund is supported by the European Regional Development Fund and managed by Newcastle-based Northstar Ventures.

Ian Richards, director at Northstar, commented: “Kieron has an impressive track record in the music industry and together with his vision for Humble Angel we took the opportunity to invest in something that is changing the way the way the music industry operates.

“There is great potential for growth and we look forward to being part of the success story.”

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