Photo credit Day Hunch
Less than a week after announcing his departure from Republic Records, A&R Veteran Mel Carter announced that he has signed a joint venture deal with Warner Records. Second Estate Records will be the new label Founded by Carter and Philly Rapper 2Rare is announced as the first artist.
2Rare, has already built a name for himself when his hit song “Q-Pid” featuring Lil Durk went viral. The 20-year-old artist also had an impromptu dance battle with Drake early this summer and was flown out by Drizzy to be in “Sticky” music video. Carter is focused on developing young talent and just recently signed 2Rare at the Second Estate launch party held at the Standard Hotel in NYC last night. He signed for $800k and Carter gave him an additional $250k in a Louis Vuitton bag filled with cash in front of a large crowd at the event. Over $1M in a matter of seconds.
“There’s a lot of police here so don’t try nothin funny,” Carter jokingly said to the crowd.
Under the terms of the deal, Warner Records will provide the full spectrum of marketing and distribution services for Second Estate’s artists and recordings. Carter will also serve as a consultant to the A&R team for Warner Records’ wide-ranging artist roster, working closely with Steve Carless (President of A&R) and Karen Kwak (EVP and Head of A&R).
In making the announcement, Aaron Bay-Schuck, CEO and Co-Chairman, Warner Records said: “Mel is one of the top A&R minds in the business. He’s already proven to be an invaluable resource for our team and 2rare is just the very beginning of what’s to come from Second Estate. Tom [Corson] and I are excited about this new partnership and to be aligned with such a forward-thinking, dynamic force like Mel.”
Carter added: “Throughout my career I’ve been laser focused on discovering and championing young talent. Now with Second Estate I can continue to do that on an even bigger scale. Being able to tap into Warner Records’ incredible network and global reach is a game-changer, and will allow Second Estate’s artists to reach new heights. I’m grateful to Aaron, Tom, [Steve, and Karen] for their partnership, and I’m looking forward to all we can accomplish together.”
Carter most recently served as SVP of A&R for Republic Records where he scouted, signed, and fostered new talent alongside overseeing the roster for Hikari Ultra, his joint venture with the label. Before that, Carter spent a decade facilitating deals throughout the industry, including signing Jovanie to Atlantic Records.
© 2022, Seth "Digital Crates" Barmash. All rights reserved.
