SONY U.K. RUMORED TO BE RELAUNCHING ARISTA

Rumor has it that Jason Iley’s Sony U.K. is relaunching Arista in the U.K. as part of Dave Dollimore’s RCA U.K., and that Glyn Aikins will come aboard as MD.

If true, it's another example of Sony’s commitment to building A&R—and feeding the insatiable maw of the streaming market—following on the heels of the hugely successful Black Butter deal (J Hus, French Montana, DJ Khaled). Aikins signed Emeli Sande and Naughty Boy, among others, to Virgin EMI, where he served as A&R Director.

Sony’s Blighty bunch has enjoyed five #1 singles YTD (from Harry Styles, Khaled times two, Artists for Grenfell and Calvin Harris); seven singles in the Top 20 YTD, with French, Rag’N’Bone Man, The Chainsmokers and Khaled leading; and eight #1 albums.

Assuming the rumors are real, will Clive Davis be blessing the relaunch of his storied label? Stay tuned.