Adam Griffin is no stranger to the music industry. Spanning a career of 25 years, he has worked for high profile clubs in Hanover Grand and Ministry of Sound, at major labels Sony/BMG, as a remix manager, promoter, producer, DJ and marketeer. It’s fair to say that Adam Griffin is a consummate all-rounder.
In 2014, he co-founded the independent 360-degree music company, Perfect Havoc, both a label and artist management company, where Griffin leads as A&R. Distributed by the Orchard/Sony, the Perfect Havoc label sits on the commercial side of dance music next to a smattering of more club-focused releases in the label’s discography.
Whether licensing tracks to the likes of Atlantic and Columbia, or to underground indies as Toolroom Records and Kitsune, there’s no denying the ear for talent that this man has cultivated over the years. Griffin has steered the label to now hold five UK Top 10 singles, over seven billion streams and multiple platinum records.
As Griffin prepares for the Perfect Havoc takeover in room 103 at Ministry of Sound on Friday 24th November – complete with key label associates - we invited him into the label lounge to discuss the Perfect Story so far.
Thanks for joining us today. Where are you talking to us from, and what have you been up to over the last few weeks?
My flat in Islington. We all work remotely and always have done, even pre pandemic.
We have recently been to Sweden, Amsterdam (ADE) and New York, mainly for local meetings with our primary contacts. For example, seeing our key local teams including our label distributor the Orchard and publisher, Universal, and many more contacts. We may go out accidentally on the odd occasion.
Then back at home further networking, meeting clients and the old working hard graft. Plus hiring new staff - we are now a team of five.
Introduce your record label and tell us about the influence and vision behind it.
Perfect Havoc is a commercial dance brand with an ethos of bringing new talent through. We concentrate on maximising all new artists both on the label side and management roster.
We support our artists in whatever external factors they’re going through be it life, family or just back luck. Conversely, if things are rollin', we want to amplify that experience for our listeners both casual and die hard. Our goal is solely to entertain.
We’re two ex-Sony boys, myself and my co-founder Rob Davies. We wanted to put ourselves through pain and do it ourselves. What artists have released on the label, and what artists would you like to sign music from in future?
Released artists include Joel Corry, Tobtok, Oliver Nelson, PS1, Karen Harding, Charlie Hedges, David Guetta, Jax Jones, Chaka Khan to name a few.
Future artists - come and get us!!
What do you look for when curating releases for your label?
Creativity. Good people. End of story.
What release on your label has had the most significant impact and why?
Joel Corry and MNEK ‘Head & Heart’. It’s had over 1.5 billion streams worldwide.
What other labels are you currently enjoying and why?
Selected, 3 Beat, Good Company, New State, Soave, Loudkult, ChillYourMind and most majors; shout out to Atlantic and Columbia.
Why? We have to be a team and stick together otherwise TikTok will rule the dance music world. What is your favourite track ever released on the label and why?
I loved Joel's breakthrough track ‘Sorry’, but I always knew ‘Lonely’ was our standout track. I love all our original signings and tracks from Oliver Nelson and Tobtok. What characteristics make a good label boss?
A never-say-die attitude, working with developing artists and enjoying the chaos. I'm a co-boss, so finding the right business partner is key. Finding the right balance with your partner is vital. We both are businessmen but very different people who have high level skills in certain areas. Plus, we get on as friends and can recover from the odd disagreement. What advice do you have for other potential label bosses and aspiring artists?
Love it or don't do it, and don't expect it to be all sexy. With the advent off easier, affordable and way more accessible equipment to learn on, there's so many demos/content/releases out there. You have to be thorough in your research and ultimately who you back. It’s a very tough and pricey market.
Lastly, what can we expect from your label in the coming months?
Huge records from Charlie Hedges, PS1, Wanklemut, Tobtok, Jack Kelly, Kokiri, Movada, Stephanie B, Alfie Cridland, Oliver Nelson and many more.
We are now moving into EPs and albums with two geniuses to start; one a brilliant singer/songwriter called Lusaint (our first non-dance management artist) and an electric/eclectic producer called Ros T.
Thanking you for having me.
Perfect Havoc
Adam Griffin
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