Mute Records founder and electronic music pioneer/champion Daniel Miller is to be given the Icon Award at next month’s A&R Awards in London.
The UK-focused event, presented by Music Business Worldwide in association with Abbey Road Studios, takes place on the evening of Tuesday, November 9 in London.
The A&R Icon Award (supported this year by YouTube Music) is a highlight of the ceremony. It recognizes an individual who is considered a legend of music business A&R – and someone “whose professional feats will influence generations to come”.
Box well and truly ticked as far as Miller is concerned.
Miller achieved early cult success as an artist, recording as The Normal, particularly with the 1978 single T.V.O.D/Warm Leatherette – distributed by Rough Trade, but released on a label Miller had created specifically for the project: Mute Records
Portentously, the sleeve of the single had his address on it, and he was soon receiving demo tapes from like-minded artists, including Fad Gadget and DAF, both of whom signed to Mute.
In 1980 Miller made his first game-changing signing, Depeche Mode. The band would become Mute’s biggest success story, selling tens of millions of records around the world and topping the charts on both sides of the Atlantic.
Other artists to have benefited from Miller’s support and guidance over the years include Erasure, Nick Cave, Yazoo, New Order, Wire, Goldfrapp and Moby, while also investing in and revitalising important catalogs such as those from Can, Throbbing Gristle, Cabaret Voltaire, becoming one of the UK’s most successful and iconic independent labels in the process.
Over 40 years on from Warm Leatherette, and just a week or so before he collects this year’s Icon Award at the A&R Awards, artists and peers pay tribute to Miller, starting with the man who wrote Mute’s first ever Top 10 single, Depeche Mode’s 1981 electro pop classic, Just Can’t Get Enough.
Vince Clarke, Depeche Mode/Yazoo/Erasure: “First and foremost, Daniel is a music fan. This is why, I think, he connects so well with the artists on the label. He’ll sign a band not for their earning potential but rather because he likes their music. This is what sets Mute apart from most other record companies.
“Daniel has always been a true hero to me and I am grateful for all his guidance and friendship over the past 40+ years.”
“Daniel has always been a true hero to me and I am grateful for all his guidance and friendship over the past 40+ years.”
Vince ClarKe
Laurence Bell, Domino Records founder: “Daniel Miller and his magical Mute label has long been an inspirational example of how to do it in this game.
“Daniel’s musical track record speaks for itself, from artist to producer to record label visionary, nurturing the musical careers of some of the world’s most trailblazing artists. He is also a complete gentleman, of course.”
Jonathan Kessler, Depeche Mode manager: “Daniel Miller has been an integral part of the Depeche Mode family and a driving creative force with the group since the very early days of the band.
“Through the band’s time with Daniel at Mute Records as well as after, he has always provided a guiding voice, trusted ear and thoughtful advice that has helped guide Depeche Mode’s image and sound, and has helped them authentically become the band that they are and maintain that authenticity and integrity throughout their storied career.
“On a human level, I consider Daniel a great person and friend, and as a manager, Daniel is and has always been a great creative ally.”
“Daniel Miller and his magical Mute label has long been an inspirational example of how to do it in this game.”
Laurence Bell, Domino
Emmanuel de Buretel, founder, Because Music: “I met Daniel when I was a student, at a Fad Gadget and NoN concert. He played me a young band he had just signed: Depeche Mode.
“A few years later, we worked together to develop his catalog in France through his distribution deal with Virgin France. Our collaboration was very proactive as we developed Moby, Depeche Mode, Goldfrapp and Nick Cave in France and then in Europe.
“Later, while I was running EMI Europe, Virgin EMI acquired Mute and I left the company, soon after. I felt like I was betraying the great values of one the most interesting and inspiring UK indie labels.
“Daniel taught me A&R and artist dialogue. He’s always been very dedicated to his artists who in return have been very loyal to him.
“Daniel is also a great artist, a fantastic DJ and a music bible, he is a symbol for all independent creators and music executives.”
“Daniel taught me A&R and artist dialogue. He’s always been very dedicated to his artists who in return have been very loyal to him.”
Emmanuel de Buretel, Because Music
Alison Goldfrapp: “We were huge fans of Daniel Miller all along – both for the innovative music he’d written and the bands he’d assembled for his super-cool label, Mute.
“Despite Goldfrapp’s desire to explore new directions, and so perhaps go against the grain of a more commercial template, Daniel has always been incredibly supportive of our creative process. He treats each one of his artists with a deep respect and commitment.
“Daniel is one in a million, a true icon and a wonderful human being – and we are so grateful to be part of the Mute family.”
Will Gregory (Goldfrapp): “Daniel is a unique combination of musician and record company. In a beautifully strange inversion, you know he always has a better idea for your song than you do, but won’t tell you unless you drag it out of him.
“Discrete wisdom is his stock in trade, and if you don’t ask for his opinion you will be missing out. Which other record company boss out there is universally loved by all his artists?”
Eric Harle, DEF Management: “Daniel Miller was a hero of mine before I knew him personally. His music (as the Normal), his artists (especially DAF, Depeche Mode, Fad Gadget, Diamanda Galas, Wire, Nick Cave and Yazoo) made me want to work for Mute as the best and most innovative label in the world at the time.
“Daniel is one in a million, a true icon and a wonderful human being.”
Alison Goldfrapp
“When I met and got to know Daniel, I realised quickly that he was mainly interested in the music and the art surrounding the music. His commitment to the artist and his love for the music and the art are central and always guide his intentions.
“Working with Daniel on artists is a safe haven of creativity and unwavering belief. I learned so much from Daniel and am honoured to count him as a friend.”
Kenny Gates, CEO, [PIAS]: “’There isn’t such a thing as a (artist) priority at Mute. Everyone, every artist is a priority otherwise why would Mute have signed them?’. This is just one of the many amazing Daniel Miller quotes that resonated with and inspired me when I was a teenager, before my dream of being a Mute licensee became a reality some years later.
“Since then, I have learned so much from the man who I am proud to call one of my most important mentors and greatest friends.
“What elevates Daniel above so many of his peers is not only his undeniable talents as an A&R genius, but the uncompromising set of ethics that have accompanied him throughout his career.”
Kenny Gates, [PIAS]
“What is special – maybe unique – about Daniel is the fact that not only has he discovered, nurtured and broken some of the world’s most iconic and influential artists during the last four decades, but he has done it with style and generosity. His drive, passion, loyalty and total commitment to the artists he works with is truly inspiring.
“What elevates Daniel above so many of his peers is not only his undeniable talents as an A&R genius, but the uncompromising set of ethics that have accompanied him throughout his career.
“If you were to ask me to describe Daniel Miller in three words I would say: a true gentleman.”
The A&R Awards 2021 are now completely (and we mean completely!) sold out.Music Business Worldwide