THE label’s first signing is India Arkin, a singer-songwriter from Newcastle who recently performed as a part of the store’s HMV Live & Local series. Her debut album Home Truths is set to drop on National Album Day, October 15th.
“With our new label, we want to do what we can to help debut artists make their mark in a tough industry,” explained HMV owner Doug Putman. “Streaming algorithms mean it’s hard for new artists to get their voices heard, so we’re giving them the chance to get their albums in our stores where music fans can discover them for themselves.”
India Arkın, a 22-year-old fine arts student whose mother is English and whose father is Turkish Cypriot, is an indie singer-songwriter. Doug Putman, who bought HMV in 2019, said the new label is an “exciting opportunity” for the brand to “go back” to its roots.
“I really want to try and push more experience-oriented gigs and do some weird stuff,” he said. The label 1921 Records takes its name from the year The Gramophone Company opened its first His Master’s Voice (HMV) store in London’s Oxford Street.
Taking to social media Arkin said “Words truly cannot begin to describe my excitement to finally be able to announce that I have been chosen, nationwide, to be HMV’s first ever unsigned artist !!
“Over the last few months we have been working closely together, and with their support, I am overjoyed to announce that I shall be releasing my debut album “Home Truths” with @hmvinstagram and 1921 Records on the 15th of October as part of National Album Day…”