Universal Music Canada Launches Label Imprint Maison Barclay Canada
Universal Music Canada today announced the launch of its new label imprint, Maison Barclay Canada, named for, and in collaboration with, France’s storied Barclay label (a Universal Music Group company, originally founded in the 1950s by famed French record producer, Eddie Barclay). The label is focused on discovering and signing culturally-relevant, progressive Canadian artists, and developing and promoting their work - not only in Quebec and Canada, but jointly in France and around the world.
Maison Barclay Canada’s inaugural signings are two exceptional and important artists that exemplify the spirit, energy and cultural soul of the label. Karim Ouellet, the Dakar-born, Quebec-raised JUNO-Award winning artist known for blending soul, rock and reggae electronics; and Eli Rose, a Montreal-based urban pop leaning singer-songwriter with an ever-evolving style and over a decade of musical experimentation under her belt.
“There is so much incredible talent originating in Quebec and Canada – artists who are creating world class music that resonates globally,” said Jeffrey Remedios, President & CEO, Universal Music Canada. “By bringing the full weight and resources of Universal Music Canada to support a bespoke, highly curated, focused label roster in Maison Barclay Canada, we will lean into the future, championing our artists both here at home and with our Universal Music colleagues worldwide. I’d like to thank Karim and Eli for their belief and trust as the first to join us on this exciting journey.”
“For us at Barclay, the launch of Maison Barclay Canada means the beginning of an historical chapter that will only reinforce the relationships and the cultural and musical exchanges that France and Canada have created over the last 60 years,” said Benjamin Chulvanij, General Director of Barclay in France. “We want to congratulate Jeffrey Remedios and his team and assure our full collaboration in their future endeavours. Long live Maison Barclay Canada!”
Operations will be shared jointly between Universal Music Canada’s newly redesigned office in Montreal’s Old Port, along with the full support and resources of the entire UMC team in Toronto. The company introduces Guillaume Moffet as Director, Maison Barclay Canada. Under the leadership of Remedios and in close collaboration with long-time Quebec head of operations Sophie Barbe, Moffet will focus on building the Maison Barclay Canada brand, exploring strategic partnerships and driving the label’s continued growth.
After starting his career as a music journalist across radio, print and broadcast platforms, Moffet joined SOCAN in 2014 as an A&R executive, before his start at Spotify Canada as a Senior editor, curating French, Indie, Folk and Country playlists for Canadian and U.S. users. He is co-chair of the JUNO Awards Francophone Committee and has been a member of the Polaris Prize Jury since 2009.
About Universal Music Canada
Universal Music Canada is Canada’s leading music company, engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising, and audiovisual content. Home to the most comprehensive catalogue of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMC is committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship in broadening opportunities for our artists on both the domestic and world stages as well as creating new experiences for fans.
Universal Music Canada is part of Universal Music Group, the world leader in music-based entertainment.
