NEW YORK (CelebrityAccess) — Sire Records, one of the most influential rock labels, is being relaunched in time for what would have been its 50th anniversary with widely respected A&R executive Rani Hancock at the helm.
Veteran music exec Seymour Stein, who co-founded Sire Records with Richard Gottehrer in 1967, will continue to participate in the label, serving as its Chairman.
Rani Hancock said, “I’ve always been inspired by Sire's roster of artists and the label’s fearless, independent spirit. So many great Sire artists have pushed the boundaries of music and fashion, while having pop hits that appeal to a mainstream audience, from Madonna to the Ramones, from Talking Heads to the Pretenders. I hope to continue that tradition of finding and supporting culture-changing artists who make hugely popular music that withstands the test of time. I'm very thankful to be setting out on that mission with amazing support from Max, Cameron and Seymour. It’s such an exciting time to be joining WMG, especially with Max’s vision for evolving the concept of a modern, artist-centric music company.”
Hancock began her career at Arista Records under the tutelage of Clive Davis. After five years, she left to start her own management company, managing producers and songwriters, including Steve J and Ma$e’s label Harlem World. In 2000, Hancock became one of the founding employees of J Records, working with artists such as Alicia Keys, Maroon 5 and Rod Stewart. Following the mergers of J Records with RCA and Arista, and then with Jive Records, to form RCA Group, Hancock rose to EVP of A&R at RCA. There, she signed and worked with artists such as Miley Cyrus, Kesha, Pitbull, Britney Spears, Magic!, Gavin Degraw, Mike Posner, Daughtry, and Adam Lambert, among others.
In 2015, she became EVP, Head of A&R for Island Records. While at Island, she worked with Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas, as well as signing up-and-coming talent, such as Skip Marley and Olivia O’Brien.
Hancock holds a degree in Music Production and Engineering from Berklee College of Music.
Hancock will assume her new mantle as of August 1st and be based out of New York.
