Warner Music UK has been rightly proud of its success on the Liam Gallagher campaign, but they also played a key role in the successful return of Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds with Who Built The Moon? last November. Noel Gallagher’s third post-Oasis album is distributed by ADA, who helped it to No.1. It has OCC sales to date of 239,050.
In the latest issue of Music Week, Ignition’s John Leahy discusses the future plans for the record and the success of the current arena tour, which reaches Manchester Arena tonight (May 4) and continues to Cardiff, Leeds, Belfast and Dublin. Here, we catch up with Dan Chalmers, president of Rhino, East West and ADA at Warner Music, to talk further about the campaign…
How did you work with Ignition on the campaign to secure a No.1 record?
We’ve worked with Ignition for several years – it’s not the first Noel Gallagher No.1 we’ve had with them. We provide full physical and digital distribution, and on this record we also helped with digital promotion via playlisting and TV promotion. It’s a great partnership for us. They’re a brilliant label, incredibly meticulous and innovative, and obviously it’s an honour to work with one of the finest British rock artists in history, Noel Gallagher.
Its physical sales have been strong…
Yeah but we’ve seen great gains on Noel’s digital with streaming. We’re seeing great sales for Noel across all formats, which is brilliant.
Was there an appetite for Noel doing a more electronic and experimental album?
Yeah without a doubt, I think he’s one of the most innovative acts around. It harks back to lots of different influences for Noel – a lot’s been made of the ‘90s references – but as ever he’s delivered it in his own unique style. It’s critically acclaimed and I think it’s a brilliant directional step forward for him.
Was it mutually beneficial to have solo releases from both of the Gallaghers?
I think so, there’s general public interest in the Gallaghers, they’re both brilliant artists, Warner is obviously helping them in different ways. It’s a win-win.
How much does an arena tour boost the album campaign?
He’s a brilliant live performer so I think a tour for an artist like Noel will always benefit sales.
Where does Noel Gallagher stand in music in 2018?
He’s one of the all time greats. He proved that through Oasis and he’s proved it time and time again through his solo career.
Subscribers can read the full interview with Ignition’s John Leahy here. To subscribe and never miss a big industry story click here.
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