Founded in 2024, Ripe Records is an independent label based in Liverpool, dedicated to nurturing and developing local talent. Driven by a passion for the city’s vibrant music scene, Ripe Records is fully artist-centric, focusing on long-term growth and sustainability. They work with musicians across a range of genres, prioritising talent, songwriting, and commitment to the craft. Their goal is to provide artists with an authentic platform to build lasting careers and make their mark in the music world.
Who is the founder of Ripe Records?
Tom Williamson is the founder of Ripe Records.
Born out of a passion for the city’s vibrant music scene, Ripe Records is focused on providing a platform for local artists and re-establishing Liverpool’s presence on the global music map.
Williamson’s entry into the music business was more about necessity than ambition.
Drawing from his extensive background in the industry, including his work at Universal Music Group, Williamson decided to create a label that would offer long-term artist development, something he believes is increasingly rare in today’s fast-moving music world.
Ripe Records doesn’t focus on one genre. Its goal is simple: to give artists the space and support to build sustainable careers without the pressures of short-term success.
With Ripe Records, Williamson is committed to growing Liverpool’s music scene by offering artists a genuine opportunity to thrive, while remaining true to the reason we’re all here: the music.
In this exclusive interview, Tom shares the story behind the label’s origins, the challenges, and the creative philosophy that drives his work, and more
dubiks: Can you tell us more about your journey and how it all started?
Tom: It all started when i first heard ‘Rubber Soul’ from my Dads record collection, becoming obsessed with The Beatles and being a kid during Britpop sent me on my way. After packing in playing bass guitar in bands in Liverpool i headed down to London to become an A&R man… That didn’t happen but I was lucky enough to land a job at Universal Music working on a new account at the time Spotify – Quickly Spotify was the most important partnership for all the labels [not because of me but the shift from sales to consumption happened]. Moving back up North to Liverpool I headed up Streaming for a brilliant Liverpool label 3beat Productions and learned so much from the label founder and A&R maverick Jon Barlow – During this time I was always looking locally for the next superstar and hence my jump into Ripe Records.
dubiks: Did you expect to attract so much talent so quickly?
Tom: It’s not surprising to me how much talent joined Ripe as I’ve been close to the Liverpool Music scene for a while and knew the city was ‘ripe’ for a new label. I’d spoken with so many new artists the past few years and it was so obvious [to me at least] that there was a need to set up a Ripe Records and offer a path for developing artists.
dubiks: Do you think emerging artists and new labels are getting enough support in the UK?
Tom: Even though there are some great platforms for support, there can always be room for improvement. BBC introducing is a fantastic partner for artists on the early stages of their journey that starts them on the path to first radio plays – starting locally with ability to pick up national support and perform at some of the UKs biggest festivals – The DSPs all have initiatives for new talent which is very much needed too, I don’t think it’s just an emerging artists and new labels problem though, I’d love to see more UK artists impacting globally and for the UK Top10 to not be dominated by US artists. We are a tiny Island in the grand scheme of things but we’ve always be a key player delivering superstars.
dubiks: In your view, what more needs to be done to support new talent and independent labels?
Tom: From an UK perspective access to grants and funds to help with the burden of finances while the royalties from streaming come trickling in would help – and for those applications to not be so bloody painful. The economics around music creation and marketing make it difficult for artists and labels. The streaming model itself should always be reviewed as to try funnel as much revenue back to the creators – without artists we don’t have a business.
dubiks: What’s the best—and the most challenging—part of being a label boss?
Tom: The best part is seeing the difference I can make for the artists, getting results and giving artists confidence to believe in themselves – It’s so competitive for artists of all sizes to cut through the noise, being a champion for the roster is what gets me out of bed in the morning. The most challenging is time… ‘hours in the day and days in the week’ –
dubiks: Can you name three artists from your roster that we should definitely keep an eye on?
Tom: Thats a tough one to answer because all the roster are worth keeping an eye on!!! I’m delighted that Jazz artist Ni Maxine has chosen Ripe Records as her label home for her next phase – we are cooking up plans to help tell her story and build a career. Mickey Callisto is another who everyone should watch out for, everything is building for his breakout moment, the new music is sounding so, so good – he’s a UK artist that could compete with the biggest artists from across the globe. And my final pick [I’ve just been listening to the demos] is Tonia – an incredible artist who we’ll be releasing a lot of beautiful music with in 2025 and beyond.
dubiks: And finally, what’s next for Ripe? Any exciting plans you can share?
Tom: Still very early days in the label’s development so my focus is signing and developing even more talent. I have artists performing at some huge events over the coming months [x3 artists at Radio1 Big Weekend, Amsterdam Pride Closing, Green Man festival, Schlagerbooom – Huige German TV show]. Word of mouth for Ripe Records is spreading and now getting incoming calls from artists in LA!
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