Veteran A&R Dallas Martin has been named president of Asylum Records, a trademark of Warner Music Group.
What We Know:
- After proving himself as one of rap’s most prominent A&Rs (artists and repertoire) of the past decade, playing a crucial role in the careers of artists like Meek Mill, Roddy Ricch, Wale, Rick Ross, and Nipsey Hussle, Martin will direct Asylum beside co-president Gabrielle Peluso. He teams up a label including Wayne “Wayno” Clark, vice president of A&R.
- “Gabby has done an amazing job with Asylum, with Wayno as a lead A&R, and I’d continue building on their momentum,” Martin states to Complex.
“I see Asylum as a place for raw talent. I want to focus on signing artists who have potential, even if they don’t have big streaming numbers. Asylum will be synonymous with artist development.”
- Martin would report back to Eliah Seton, president of independent music and creator services of WMG, and Craig Kallman, Chairman & CEO of Atlantic Records. As he starts his new role at Asylum, Martin will continue as part of the Atlantic Records executive team as EVP of A&R.
- Launching his career in 2008 as an intern at Def Jam Records, Martin joined Warner Records in 2011. He managed Rick Ross’s projects and helped expand the Maybach Music Group roster, including Omarion Meek Mill and Wale. There, he managed all of Meek Mill’s releases, including Dreams Worth More Than Money, Dreams and Nightmares, and the Grammy-nominated Championships, which he spoke more about with Complex following its release.
- By 2013, Martin had gone on to Atlantic Records and persuaded them to sign the late Nipsey Hussle. He A&R’d the rapper’s Victory Lap album, which featured Roddy Ricch, another artist he brought to the label. He also helped to grow the careers of artists like Cordae and Symba.
- “In this first year, I want to make one act a household name. There is nothing more rewarding than breaking an artist, especially when you really believe in them. “I’m already in the studio, with safety measures in place, and I’m ready to put the work in. Let’s go!” He added.
Martin, who remains EVP of A&R at Atlantic, will supervise Asylum’s 2017 incarnation alongside co-president Gabrielle Peluso. Big Congratulations to Dallas Martin!
