Breaking Wave Group Launches at Royal Albert Hall, Signing 10cc, Rumer and Lemon Jelly

On a crisp Wednesday, 1 July 2026, the Royal Albert Hall’s Prince of Wales room buzzed with anticipation as the venue welcomed the debut of Breaking Wave Group (BW — pronounced "Wave"). The evening began with a screening of England’s 1‑0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo, a match that finished in regulation time and kept the night on schedule.

BWG announced itself as a four‑pillar entity: a record label, a music publisher, an artist‑management firm, and a special‑projects arm. The founders say the company’s purpose is to offer an alternative to the major‑label model, which they argue “increasingly frustrates and forgets the needs of artists.” By keeping its roster deliberately small, BWG intends to give each act the focus and time that larger labels have abandoned.

The founding team is a who’s‑who of UK industry veterans:

Jeremy Marsh – former Managing Director and President of Virgin, RCA, BMG and Warner Music Group, known for launching Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, Soul II Soul and Take That. Marc Marot – former Chief Creative Officer at Island Records, who signed U2, Tricky, Pulp, PJ Harvey and NWA, and later managed Paul Oakenfold, Richard Ashcroft and Yusuf Islam. James Radice – former Vice‑President of Legal and Business Affairs at Warner Music Group, with a contract‑negotiation pedigree that includes Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones, Lana del Rey and Coldplay. Nick Stewart – Chairman who signed U2 to Island Records and worked with Grace Jones, Blondie, The Eagles, New Order and Dire Straits. * Beth Claridge – General Manager who has represented U2, Neil Diamond, The Eagles, INXS, Stevie Wonder and 50 Cent.

The launch also revealed BWG’s inaugural signees: the legendary 10cc, the multi‑platinum singer‑songwriter Rumer, and the electronic duo Lemon Jelly. 10cc, who joined BWG at the opening, performed a 50‑year retrospective set that filled the hall with nostalgia and energy.

“Breaking Wave is the home for disenfranchised, successful artists, as well as new artists looking for a more personal experience,” Marot said. He added that major labels are “centralised, some have no UK head and artists feel sidelined by that model.” Stewart echoed this view, describing the modern industry as suffering from “time poverty” and asserting that a small roster “brings back the lost art of artist development.”

Marsh highlighted the company’s integrated structure: “By integrating our Record Label, Publishing arm, Management division and our Special Projects— which includes major investments in transmedia and film— we’ve created a self‑sustaining business.” He noted that this focus on time and attention sets BWG apart from the budget‑centric approach of major labels.

The launch was underpinned by a partnership with PIAS. UK Managing Director & Group Repertoire Director Jason Rackham said, “We are delighted to be partnering with Breaking Wave Group and supporting them on their journey. Their ambition, creativity and vision make them an exciting team to work with.”

The evening’s schedule—screening of the England match, launch presentation, and 10cc concert—was carefully orchestrated so that the 90‑minute football game did not clash with the musical highlight, allowing attendees to enjoy both the sporting and sonic spectacles.

BWG’s artist‑centric model, coupled with its four‑pillar business framework, positions it as a potential counter‑model to the large, impersonal rosters of major labels. The leadership, drawn from decades of experience with high‑profile acts, signals a commitment to providing artists with the resources and time that are often missing in the current industry structure.

At present, BWG is operating from the Royal Albert Hall launch venue, with its first releases and management activities yet to roll out. The company’s next steps will involve developing the careers of its signed acts, producing new recordings, and expanding its publishing and special‑projects portfolio.

The launch marks a significant addition to the UK music landscape, offering an alternative pathway for artists seeking a more personalised and time‑dedicated partnership.