Jean-Phillipe Aline
Label manager for Beggars Group France
Most memorable encounter with Martin Mills:
“It was a while ago, in 2002 when he was looking for people to work for Beggars Group France with Laurent Rossi. My job interview turned into talking about music with such a figure of the industry, something thatrarely happened during past job interviews. The good thing with Martin is that you can talk about music, different projects or ideas that could be linked to music. Beggars was everything I was looking for: working for, and with, passionate people. That might be the secret formula of Beggars’ success.”
Favorite Beggars Group artist or album:
“I’ll stick to the band that I’ve worked with from the beginning, Vampire Weekend. There was something new intheir music, though it was influenced by different artists. But I loved that mix of different cultures and their energy on stage. But I also have to mention Little Joy and Antony & The Johnsons.”
Martin Mills: 2013 Billboard Icon
Bob Ansell
Head of Beggars Group in Canada
Most memorable encounter with Martin Mills:
“The first time we met at the Earl’s Court [London] Beggars Banquet office in 1982. Tim Harrold, president at Polydor International hadsuggested I meet Martin. He felt we would get along. All I can say was, after our meeting — including a trip to the basement to nab some records — I called back to Montreal to tell Peter Erdmann, the Polygram president, that I had just found our next jewel. The first record we released was “She’s in Parties” from Bauhaus. PolyGram Canada had the longest running licensing agreement that Beggars had anywhere in the world until we finally went independent in1997 with myself and David Freeman running the Canadian Beggars office.”
Favorite Beggars Group artist or album:
“With such a long relationship howcould one narrow it down to a single record or artist. Some highlights have to be The National, Adele, The Cult, St.Vincent, Icicle Works, Love & Records, and The Prodigy.”
Laurence Bell
Founder, Domino Records
Most memorable encounter with Martin Mills:
“He introduced me to my bank manager and for that I will be forever grateful.”
Favorite Beggars Group artist or album:
“The Beggars Group has brought too much music to the world to possibly single one act or album out. It has also brought somegreat labels to the world and helped more great labels thrive and survive. Hats off to Martin Mills.”
Charles Caldas
CEO, Merlin, the global rights agency for independent labels
Most memorable encounter with Martin Mills:
“Martin’s enthusiasm, high standards, generosity of spirit and incredible mind have been influential to me in many memorable ways over the years, but the encounter that sums Martin up for me was very late at the Mohawk Patio at SXSW this year, where I was nursing SXSW feet and feeling the brick wall approaching fast.
“Martin breezed in, no doubt at his umpteenth show of the day, watched a few songs, stopped to say hi, shared his musical highlights of the day briefly but had to run because he had a couple of more shows he really wanted to see before the night was over.
“So, despite all of the success and the fact that he has a large and active organization under his influence, he wasn’t sipping champagne at the Four Seasons waiting to be told what was good, he was at the coal face [CQ], feeling the music first-hand, chasing the thrill of finding the next great band, talking about music in a way which shows he as much a fan as ever, and that is what sets Martin apart.”
Favorite Beggars Group artist or album:
“I’m going to pick two. The first is a nostalgic choice: the Go-Betweens, who I followed passionately from very early on back in Australia, and whose import albums, with that old Beggars Banquet logo on the back, were amongst my most highly prized — not least for the fact that it seemed so strange and inspiring that on the other side of the world there was someone else who recognized the genius of something so close to my home.
“And my recent choice is the National, a band that shows that patience, perseverance, attention to craft — underpinned by the supportive environment of a label like 4AD — can bring commercial success to the most seemingly unlikely contenders. No major label would have persevered with a band like that, and it is a great illustration of why independent labels are of such importance to the musical ecosystem.”
Kenny Gates
CEO, co-founder, PIAS Group
Most memorable encounter with Martin Mills:
“Martin Mills and the Beggars Group is a mentor that inspired me to start PIAS in 1982. We distribute the Beggars Group physically in the U.K. and interact closely on fundamental matters concerning the independent sector at Impala or Merlin. It’s been 30 years since I cam into Martin’s office for the first time to buy some vinyl 12-inches and albums to import them over to Europe. “[My best memory] must be the time we tossed a coin on the tour support amount for one of Martin’s acts in the Benelux. Neither of us like losing.”
Favorite Beggars Group artist or album:
“Just to name one is extremely difficult given how much great music has been recorded and released through his stable of labels. For the sake of answering, let’s say it’s ‘Fat of the Land’ from the Prodigy.”
Andy Heath
Beggars Group director; CEO Beggars Publishing
Most memorable encounter with Martin Mills:
“In a huge auditorium in New York — was it Madison Square Garden – watching the audience going bonkers at the Cult, and Martin said, ‘I can’t really believe I signed this band; it doesn’t seem real.’ Which was typically modest.”
Favorite Beggars Group artist or album:
“It depends on what day you ask me but Cocteau Twins’ ‘Treasure’ must be up there. I simply love the Cocteaus and it was about that time I realized I was working with a unique and very special company.”
John Kennedy
Former CEO/Chairman, IFPI; former CEO/chairman, Universal Music International
Most memorable encounter with Martin Mills:
“There are so many memorable encounters but they all revolve around Martin’s passion for music and the music industry, especially, of course, the independent sector . As well as being a formidable creative force, he is an eloquent advocate for the causes he believes in, and a smart strategist who shows steely determination. But the most enduring impression you take away from any encounter with Martin is that he simply loves what he does!”
Martin Mills: 2013 Billboard Icon
Mark Kitcatt
Co-owner, Everlasting Records and Popstock Distribuciones; co-president, Impala
Most memorable encounter with Martin Mills:
“I started working at Rough Trade distribution when I was twenty, twenty-one; and we were distributing their records then. 4AD and Situation Two [labels] always made sure that the warehouse staff at Rough Trade felt involved in their releases and their successes. But we’ve been collaborating on all the Beggars Group’s releases in Spain since about 1992.
“I see Martin a lot. He’s very engaged with our business and one way or another we’re very close to Beggars. My favorite encounters with him are at gigs really, we both go to quite a few. But one memorable meeting was on a boat at MIDEM, when we glugged through a bottle of brandy and set up the deal for my company — then Caroline España — to license and distribute the catalogues of the Beggars Group. Another would be when his support was instrumental in effecting our management buy out from Virgin at the end of the 90s.”
Favorite Beggars Group artist or album:
“When I was just a kid of 14 or 15 most of the records I bought were on Rough trade, 4AD or Beggars and all those are now part of Beggars Group. But if I had to name one — I’ve always been obsessed with The Fall — ‘This Nation’s Saving Grace’ is one of their best records. And if I can name two — ‘See You on the Other Side,’ by Mercury Rev, is an extraordinary record and I’ll never get tired of listening to it.”
Daniel Miller,
Chairman and founder, Mute Records
Most memorable encounter with Martin Mills:
“I first worked alongside Martin around 1989-90 when we were both part of a group that tried to rescue Rough Trade distribution when it went down around that time. We failed to save the business but built a new sales and distribution company out of the ashes called RTM. Eventually RTM merged with Vital distribution and we both became boardmembers.
“In the mid 90’s, XL/Beggars artist the Prodigy was dropped by their North American licensee Elektra. I was a huge fan and immediately offered Martin and Richard Russell a licensing deal for the territory to be released by Mute USA. The first Prodigy album we released was ‘Music for the Jilted Generation’ which over time became very successful and the follow up ‘Fat of The Land’ was a huge breakthrough for the band and at the vanguard of the ‘electronica’ movement of the time. That album was licensed via Mute to Maverick and went on to sell over two million records.
“In 1999 Martin was very instrumental in the founding of AIM, the UK independent music trade body and I joined the first board alongside Martin. A few years ago, Martin became involved with Rough Trade Shops as an investor and board member, soon after I was invited to join the board of this very important and influential independent music retailer. We still work together on the project. We spent a lot of time together during the period we worked with Prodigy and it was then I really began to appreciate his professionalism, business sense and passion for music.”
Favorite Beggars Group artist or album:
“It would have to be Prodigy and the two albums we worked on together. They are a fantastic band and it was a very exciting time. I alsohave a soft spot for The Lurkers an early punk band on Beggars Banquet.”
Randy Miller
Principle, Rjaymiller Entertainment; partner, Primary Wave Music Publishing
Most memorable encounter with Martin Mills:
“I first met Martin in 1986. I was working at RCA Records in Hollywood, my first job in the record business, as a product manager. Growing up in the seventies in Los Angeles, my personal music preferences were strongly influenced by Rick Carroll’s “Rock of the Eighties” era KROQ. Bob Buziak took over the reigns of RCA in 1986, I think, and with Bob came his ethos and passion for the independent label sector of the business. Bob did a deal with Martin that brought Beggar’s artists Love And Rockets, Peter Murphy, The Charlatans, and a few others to RCA. Lucky for me, I was the product manager for the Beggar’s Label, and not only had the opportunity to work with artists that were personal favorites but also directly with Martin for years.
“I learned so much from Martin about the record business but the most lasting and impressive memory comes from the first time that I visited the Beggar’s offices on Alma Road in London. When I arrived at the office, I waited in the tiny reception area until Martin greeted me, personally. He toured me through the building before we arrived at his “office,” which was nothing more than a small, cluttered desk that sat right amidst the hustle and bustle of the building. No walls. No privacy. No personal secretary. No frills. Just Martin sitting right there with all of his team.
“In my mind, even in those early days, Martin was already one of the most successful record men in the worldwith hit records and artists licensed to most every major label in the States. I was humbled by his prudence and ever since I have carried that impressionwith me and with it the important lesson that smart business requires discipline, not decadence. From then on I paid close attention to the style in which Martin ran his business and I have used those observations as guidance throughout my career.”
Favorite Beggars Group artist or album:
“The Beggar’s Group has arguably one of the greatest artist rosters of all time and there are so many favorites to chose from. But I’ll go with Love And Rockets `Express’ because it is an amazing album that still sounds as sonically vertiginous and emotionally escalating today as it did 25 years ago. A Classic. On the other side of the spectrum I would chose Adele’s 21 because this wonderful slice of artistry will be echoing through all of our ears for the rest of our lives. And also because no one in the record business, absolutely no one, deserves that level of commercial success it has achieved more than Martin Mills and Richard Russell.”
Fran Nevrkla
Chairman, PPP, VPL (the U.K. music and video licensing organizations)
Most memorable encounter with Martin Mills:
“My fondest and most precious memories are of the several occasions in which Martin and I were discussing and negotiating serious business, involving relatively substantial sums of money. There was never any doubt that Martin’s handshake simply sealed the agreement because his word was his bond. He never once came back to me afterwards seeking to change what was agreed between us. The contract followed later. That is truly unique and I shall never forget it. I have never been able to trust another individual to quite the same extent before or since but feel extraordinarily fortunate tohave experienced it so powerfully with this remarkable individual.”
Favorite Beggars Group artist or album:
Tubeway Army’s “Replicas” (1979) and Gary Numan’s “The Pleasure Principle” (1979). Iconic albums which bring back memories. Also, Adele and both of her albums. It is the artist’s great and original talent, her voice and delivery coupled with terrific lyrics which really touch the hearts of people of all ages everywhere. The music is unique and yet simple, with no artificial , bogus ’embellishments.’ The talent alone speaks for itself and it will always shine through. Martin has a unique gift for spotting real genuine talent and long may it continue.”
John Preston
Former chairman, BMG Entertainment U.K. & Ireland; former chairman, British Phonographic Industry
Most memorable encounter with Martin Mills:
“Martin was a colleague on the BPI board, and a competitor, once a buyer, but mostly a friend. I once tried to lure him from the path of independence – without success.”
Favorite Beggars Group artist or album:
Cocteau Twins for art, Adele for mammon.
Richard Russell
Owner, XL Recordings; partner, Beggars Group
Most memorable encounter with Martin Mills:
“Martin doesn’t do drama. All encounters are subtle. He never imposes himself on any situation. He’s the most zen non-Buddhist I’ve ever met. He is a tough man in many ways but he is fundamentally gentle.”
Favorite Beggars Group artist or album:
The Prodigy’s debut album. Musically wild and a reminder of the start. Musically wild.
Martin Mills: 2013 Billboard Icon
Ashley Sellers
CEO, Inertia (distributor for Beggars Group in Australia)
Most memorable encounter with Martin Mills:
“Hanging out together at SXSW. Just checking out shows, talking about music, meeting people. Seeing the music fan in Martin,”
Favorite Beggars Group artist or album:
“Historically it would have to be `Surfer Rosa’ by the Pixies.During our working relationship it would be Interpol’s `Turn on The Bright Lights.’ It was released near the start of our partnership, so its important to me for that reason, and it remains one of my favourite albums of the last ten years. Full stop.”
Tom Silverman
Founder/CEO, Tommy Boy Records; co-founder/executive director, New Music Seminar
Most memorable encounter with Martin Mills:
“Meeting to discuss the benefits of organizing the independent label community 15 years ago which eventually led to the founding of A2iM, Merlin and WIN. Martin in the U.K. and Europe is responsible more than any other person, for the growth of the indie movement. He has always put the good of the independent label community before his own self-interest. No one is more deserving of this honor than Martin Mills.”
Favorite Beggars Group artist or album:
The single “Southern Freeez” by Freeez. It influenced New York street music and Arthur Baker, who went on to produce “Planet Rock.” The Prodigy’s album “Music for a Jilted Generation,” which opened the door for electronica in the U.K. that had been started by 808 State, LFO and others and invited the rockers to the party. Today’s EDM scene owes them a big debt of thanks.”
Jonas Sjöström
Owner/CEO, Playground Music Scandinavia
Most memorable encounter with Martin Mills:
“Playground has been the representative of Beggars Group in Scandinavia, Finland and the Baltic states since 1999, when we started the company with the help of Martin. Previous to that, when I was CEO of MNW Records, we were representative of Beggars Group in the same territories as above, since 1984. Martin and myself are both members of the Impala board since the start and have worked a lot together on indie community issues within Impala and Merlin.
“The fact that Martin sits at the same desk, in the same corner, in the same office as when i first met him in 1984 is indeed memorable and pleasant and gives you a deep feeling of stability and satisfaction. The fact he is the same polite, kind, interested and 100 % reliable person, as he was 28 years ago, is something we all are to be measured against. I admire his fantastic eye for detail at the same time as he is such a visionary and clear strategic thinker.
Favorite Beggars Group artist or album:
Pierce Turner’s “It’s Only a Long Way Across,” a poetic gem that never got the audience it deserved.
Horst Weidenmueller
CEO/Owner, !K7 Records
Most memorable encounter with Martin Mills:
“In 2005 Martin stated in an Impala board meeting that we should establish a body which represents the online collective rights of the independent community. In 2006 we created (out of the Impala board) a Merlin Steering Committee and convinced Charles Caldas to head the team. In 2007 we created Merlin and since then the organization has successfully distributed tens of millions of royalties to its members. Thanks Martin – we are all looking forward to your next ideas. “
Favorite Beggars Group artist or album:
“Elvis Perkins, “Ash Wednesday.” It’s a beautiful album.”
Alison Wenham
Chairman/CEO, The Association of Independent Music (AIM); Chairman, Worldwide Independent Music
Most memorable encounter with Martin Mills:
“It concerns loyalty. When AIM fell out with the BPI over how the two organizations could work together, Martin was magnificent, true to me, to us and to the independent sector.”
Favorite Beggars Group artist or album:
“Way too difficult [to choose one]: I loved Prodigy’s “Fat of the Land,” but Gary Numan’s “Cars” was just as groundbreaking. And then there’s This Mortal Coil, The Tindersticks, Adele. Shall I stop now?”
Chris Wright
Founder, Chrysalis Group; non-executive chairman of BMG Chrysalis U.K.
Most memorable encounter with Martin Mills:
“I have known Martin Mills for some 30 years or so. Although more as a friend and competitor, than as someone who I have done business with on a regular basis. There have, however, been many times since the sale of Chrysalis Records that Chrysalis Music has ended up being the publisher to Beggars Group labels, the most recent of which would be the Raconteurs.
“I see Martin regularly in the South of France, where he owns a holiday home and have enjoyed my time spent with him, his wife and family and watching their two children grow up. As a record man, he has always stayed close to his principles and appeared to be ploughing a lone furrow in this respect, whilst so much of music industry has gravitated towards Pop Idol and X-Factor type artists. As such, his success with Adele is a shiny lantern in what has become today’s music industry. The great thing is that it shows that the way to real success is not by taking the easy option but by sticking to your guns and supporting great artists through good times and bad.”
Martin Mills: 2013 Billboard Icon
James Wyllie
Consultant, Russells Solicitors
Most memorable encounter with Martin Mills:
“I became the lawyer for Martin and his then partner Nick Austin around 1977 and we have worked together and been friends ever since. I am a member of the Beggars Group board.
“In the many years of working closely together there are too many memorable encounters to mention but the one that our many mutual friends will recognize occurred on one of the first Transatlantic flights I took with Martin.
“As we boarded the plane and took our seats, I was looking forward to a couple of gin and tonics and the opportunity to watch a movie or read for a few hours. Martin took a pile of papers about fifteen inches thick out of his bag and said it was the perfect opportunity for us to go through them. For about a quarter of a second I thought he was joking; he wasn’t. Very few people combine that kind of focus with Martin’s easy toleration of fellow human beings weaknesses. I have been grateful for both.”
Favorite Beggars Group artist or album:
“That is really difficult because I have had the pleasure of knowing and liking so many of the artists over the years. If pressed I would say The Associates and in particular ”Party Fears Two.” For me the sheer energy of the music makes it sound as fresh and vibrant as ever.”
Patrick Zelnik
Founder/CEO, Naïve Records
Most memorable encounter with Martin Mills:
“Meeting Martin in his office — in the open space, which was to me a real symbol of democracy.”
Favorite Beggars Group artist or album:
This Mortal Coil and Cat Power’s albums. But I like the whole repertoire generated by Beggar’s. Martin and his team have developed the Beggar’s Group without compromising on their innovative A&R approach. Furthermore, they promote the various brands — 4AD, Matador, Rough Trade, XL — without jeopardizing the brand identity of the group.”