Mom + Pop Music Signs with Virgin Music Group
Mom + Pop Music, a highly respected independent record label, has announced that it has signed a sales contract with the Virgin Music Group, a part of Universal Music. This move is expected to have a significant impact on the music industry, especially for indie acts.
About Mom + Pop Music
Mom + Pop Music was founded in 2008 by Michael Goldstone and Thaddeus Rudd. The label is home to popular indie acts such as MGMT, Caamp, and Magdalena Bay. Prior to this deal, the label was distributed by Speechye Distribution. With this new partnership, Mom + Pop Music is expected to expand its reach and provide more opportunities for its artists.
The Partnership
According to Goldstone, the partnership with Virgin Music Group is a positive move for the label. He stated that the Virgin team was the most flexible and respectful of their ethos and independence. Goldstone and Rudd have worked with the Virgin team in the past, which made the decision to partner with them easier. The Virgin team, including JT Myers and NAT Pastor, Co-CEOs of the Virgin Music Group, are also excited about the partnership, stating that it is a strong confirmation of what they are building.
Impact on the Music Industry
This deal is a major distribution for Virgin, which made headlines last year with the acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings, the parent company of distributors such as CD Baby and Fuga. The deal is currently being reviewed in Europe, but it is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The partnership between Mom + Pop Music and Virgin Music Group is expected to have a significant impact on the music industry, especially for indie acts.
Background of Mom + Pop Music Founders
Before founding Mom + Pop Music, Goldstone had already made a name for himself as a productive A&R manager, signing notable bands such as Pearl Jam and Rage Against the Machine. Jacqueline Saturn, President of the Virgin Music Group, has praised Goldstone’s ability to identify and develop independent artists, stating that his ability to do so is "really extraordinary."
Recent Developments
The Virgin signing is the latest in a busy 2025 for Mom + Pop Music. Earlier this year, the label hired Katie Fagan to oversee the opening of a new office in Nashville, one of many coastal recording companies expanding their presence in the city. In January, the label launched a content creation and digital agency called Pipes, and last week, Zoe Barton was named EPP of Digital, Viral, Commerce, and Marketing.
Future Prospects
Rudd has expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that Virgin is a place where entrepreneurs can thrive. He believes that the shared passion for music and commitment to independent music will be a powerful force in the next chapter of Mom + Pop Music. With this new partnership, Mom + Pop Music is expected to continue to grow and provide opportunities for its artists.
