Independent label group Partisan Records has appointed Zena White to the position of MD of both Partisan and its sister company Knitting Factory Records.
White joins the company after five-years at boutique label services specialists The Other Hand where she worked on numerous successful campaigns for the likes of Run The Jewels, Stones Throw, Innovative Leisure (BadBadNotGood), Daptone Records (Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Charles Bradley), Mass Appeal (DJ Shadow), and Ghostly International.
Initially based in London, White will move to the group's Brooklyn headquarters to oversee global operations for the company at the end of this year, with founder and president Tim Putnam continuing to overseeing A&R and artist development. Andy Hsueh will remain the company’s US label manager, with Jeff Bell moving from New York to the London office to take up the role of European label manager.
“After five wonderful years of working with some of my favourite artists and labels including Partisan and Knitting Factory in a service capacity, it’s time for a new challenge," said White. "This is an interesting time for independent music as new formats and new technologies are allowing us to achieve more for the artists we represent. The Partisan team is dynamic and agile - the exact qualities a modern music company needs - and I’m excited and honoured to be joining full time."
Partisan Records, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, broke both Deer Tick and Sylvan Esso in the USA and is currently enjoying international success with new signing Cigarettes After Sex. Other artists currently active on the label’s roster include The Black Angels, Craig Finn (lead singer of the Hold Steady), London duo Tender and Emel Mathlouthi.
White will report to Putnam, who added, “Having worked with Zena for some time in her previous role at The Other Hand, where she did a fantastic job for our company, we knew she was the ideal person to take on this role. Her philosophy is aligned with ours and she already has a deep passion for the artists on our roster so it’s a great fit and we are genuinely excited about bringing her onto the team.”
