Introduction to Columbia Records
Columbia Records Chairman and CEO Ron Perry has been leading one of the most iconic record labels in music history for the past seven years. The label has a diverse roster of legendary artists such as AC/DC, Bruce Springsteen, and Bob Dylan, as well as contemporary superstars like Beyoncé, Adele, Harry Styles, Tyler, The Creator, Miley Cyrus, and Lil Nas X.
Success in 2025
In 2025, Columbia’s A-list continued to thrive, with artists like Tyler, The Creator, releasing two number one albums, "Chromacopia" and "Do not tap the glass". The year was also remarkable for Columbia’s next-generation artists, including pop star Addison Rae, country superstar Megan Moroney, and country-pop-hip-hop artist Jessie Murph, who all received nominations for Best New Artist.
The Key to Success
According to Perry, the key to success is having a strong vision and allowing artists to be themselves. "We want to authorize them to be themselves, go out there and not have the pressure of success, but to do the best possible art," he says. This approach has enabled Columbia to break new artists and develop their careers over time.
Breaking New Artists
Breaking new artists is a crucial part of the music industry, and Columbia has had significant success in this area. Perry believes that it takes years to develop an artist and that it requires a coherent strategy from the entire team. He cites the example of Addison Rae, who came to Columbia with a clear vision for her music and has since exceeded expectations.
The Role of TikTok
TikTok has played a significant role in the success of many artists, including Addison Rae, who initially gained fame on the platform. However, Perry believes that the business has always required patience and a long-term approach to developing artists. "It was always like that, except for a few years around TikTok’s virality size during the pandemic," he says.
The Country Music Scene
Columbia has also had success in the country music scene, with artists like Megan Moroney and Jessie Murph achieving significant recognition. Perry believes that the country genre is exploding and that it’s essential to have experts in all genres. He cites the example of Jessie Murph, who is a country-pop-trap artist and has been able to blend different styles to create something unique.
The Importance of Genre
Perry doesn’t think that today’s audience cares about genre as much as they care about good music. "They like artists, they like to go to shows, they don’t care what they say," he says. This approach has enabled Columbia to sign artists from a wide range of genres and to focus on developing their unique sound.
The Future of Music
Looking to the future, Perry believes that the country genre will continue to thrive, and that alternative and dance music are also on the rise. He cites the example of UK rap, which is gaining popularity, and believes that there will be more changes in the music landscape in the coming years.
Personal Passion for Music
Despite the demands of his job, Perry still gets excited about music and believes that it’s essential to trust his instincts when signing new artists. "I still get the same goosebumps and the same feeling when we get a new song from one of our artists that I think is exceptional," he says. This passion for music is what drives him to continue discovering and developing new talent.
The Importance of A&R
Perry believes that A&R is still a crucial part of the music industry, and that it’s essential to have a strong ear for music. While data can provide some insights, it’s not enough to rely solely on numbers. "You have to trust your instincts, get the best music with the best artists, and eventually, it will work," he says.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Columbia Records has had significant success in 2025, thanks to the leadership of Ron Perry and the diverse roster of artists on the label. By trusting his instincts and allowing artists to be themselves, Perry has been able to break new artists and develop their careers over time. As the music landscape continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see what the future holds for Columbia Records and its talented roster of artists.
