“These are strange days for sure”, we feel like saying almost every year turning over to the next one. And whatever may happen over here, close to you, and over there in the bigger world; there is only so much we can control. So own what’s yours, be good and be kind and for the rest of the ride: buckle up! 😉

Our labels and artists have lined up excellent music for you this year so let’s get right into their release plans for 2023. Here’s our Big Label Preview of the year ahead featuring contributions and predictions from all your favourite [PIAS] Label Group Labels: Astral, ATO Recordings, Bella Union, Blue Flowers, Different, Don’t Sleep, Harmonia Mundi, Heavenly, Lower Third, Mute, Phantasy, Play It Again Sam, Speedy Wunderground and Transgressive. Enjoy the preview and let’s have a glorious 2023 together!

Sent in by Tom Huggett from the Astral People team.

WHAT CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO FROM ASTRAL PEOPLE IN 2023?

We’ve got our biggest year yet planned for Astral People Recordings in 2023. Expect the debut album from Skeleten, the debut EP from Bumpy, new music from Milan Ring, Club Angel and a bunch of new signings.

WHO IS THE NEW ARTIST OR NEW SIGNING THAT PEOPLE HAVE TO CHECK OUT NEXT YEAR, THE ARTIST THAT IS GOING TO STEP OUT OF THE SHADOWS IN 2023? 

Everyone we mentioned above!
Though outside of our records arm, you should definitely check out our other new management signings like Memphis LK, Willo and Ayebatonye.

WHAT SHOULD NEVER BE MENTIONED AGAIN IN 2023?

Everything sadly will be mentioned again.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE OF IN 2023?

Artists taking more interesting risks with the actual music they produce. I always want to hear a point of difference in the music artists make in any genre, it can be done.

FOR THOSE READERS WHO HAVE SOME CHRISTMAS MONEY TO SPEND, TELL US WHAT YOUR CURRENT FAVOURITE NON-MUSICAL MERCHANDISE ITEM IN YOUR STORE IS

Keep your eyes peeled for what is to come from Skeleten in the merch department…

Sent in by Jon Salter, President of ATO Records.

WHAT CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO FROM ATO IN 2023?

Pumas are making good progress in the studio – fingers crossed. Also super proud of follow-ups by Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Emily King, Joseph and Margaret Glaspy. Finally, keep an eye on young punks CIVIC from Melbourne.

WHO IS THE NEW ARTIST OR NEW SIGNING THAT PEOPLE HAVE TO CHECK OUT NEXT YEAR, THE ARTIST THAT IS GOING TO STEP OUT OF THE SHADOWS IN 2023? 

I’d like to mention a few – The Heavy Heavy and CIVIC.

WHAT SHOULD NEVER BE MENTIONED AGAIN IN 2023?

NFT’s. Ha. I’m sure it’ll be back.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE OF IN 2023?

More playlists and better streaming revenue! Ha.

FOR THOSE READERS WHO HAVE SOME CHRISTMAS MONEY TO SPEND, TELL US WHAT YOUR CURRENT FAVOURITE NON-MUSICAL MERCHANDISE ITEM IN YOUR STORE IS

The ATO Fanny Pack, get yourself and your stash ready for festival season.

Sent in by Simon Raymonde,  Co-Founder of Bella Union.

WHAT CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO FROM BELLA UNION IN 2023?

A new LP from Creep Show (John Grant and Mal from Cabaret Voltaire), one of my favourite bands in the world LOWLY return with a new LP, the debut of Bella Union from Laura Groves who sold out two pressings of her 12″ EP last year, new signings temps which is the brainchild of James Acaster better known for his comedy, new lp from Mercury Prize nominated Lanterns On The Lake and the best album of his career to date from BC Camplight.

WHO IS THE NEW ARTIST OR NEW SIGNING THAT PEOPLE HAVE TO CHECK OUT NEXT YEAR, THE ARTIST THAT IS GOING TO STEP OUT OF THE SHADOWS IN 2023? 

SOPHIE JAMIESON.

WHAT SHOULD NEVER BE MENTIONED AGAIN IN 2023?

“The vinyl will be late”.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE OF IN 2023?

More opportunities for new bands. More pressing plants.

FOR THOSE READERS WHO HAVE SOME CHRISTMAS MONEY TO SPEND, TELL US WHAT YOUR CURRENT FAVOURITE NON-MUSICAL MERCHANDISE ITEM IN YOUR STORE IS

The Bella Union 25th Anniversary Varsity Jacket.

Sent in by Chris Pearson, Founder of Blue Flowers.

WHAT CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO FROM BLUE FLOWERS IN 2023?

The long-awaited debut album from Gotts Street Park, Puma Blue’s sophomore, and lots more.

WHO IS THE NEW ARTIST OR NEW SIGNING THAT PEOPLE HAVE TO CHECK OUT NEXT YEAR, THE ARTIST THAT IS GOING TO STEP OUT OF THE SHADOWS IN 2023? 

Piglet.

WHAT SHOULD NEVER BE MENTIONED AGAIN IN 2023?

Vinyl turnaround.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE OF IN 2023?

Good times.

FOR THOSE READERS WHO HAVE SOME CHRISTMAS MONEY TO SPEND, TELL US WHAT YOUR CURRENT FAVOURITE NON-MUSICAL MERCHANDISE ITEM IN YOUR STORE IS

Our black long sleeve t-shirt.

Sent in by Stan Sorrell from the Different Recordings team.

WHAT CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO FROM DIFFERENT RECORDINGS IN 2023?

Ground-breaking records that will shake your speakers and fill you with joy. 

WHO IS THE NEW ARTIST OR NEW SIGNING THAT PEOPLE HAVE TO CHECK OUT NEXT YEAR, THE ARTIST THAT IS GOING TO STEP OUT OF THE SHADOWS IN 2023? 

24-year-old London rapper Louis Culture recently released his mixtape ‘When Life Presents Obstacle’ with praise from fans and critics alike. He’s already in the studio cooking up for his next project, set to release this year. Look out for Louis!

WHAT SHOULD NEVER BE MENTIONED AGAIN IN 2023?

Elon…

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE OF IN 2023?

Would love to see more unexpected collaborations. Some of the best music is made when two different worlds come together.

FOR THOSE READERS WHO HAVE SOME CHRISTMAS MONEY TO SPEND, TELL US WHAT YOUR CURRENT FAVOURITE NON-MUSICAL MERCHANDISE ITEM IN YOUR STORE IS

ELIZA tees go hard.

Sent in by Dean Bryce, Founder Of Don’t Sleep Records.

WHAT CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO FROM DON’T SLEEP RECORDS IN 2023?

We have some very exciting music for 2023. We’re continuing to work with musicians who we believe push culture forward and really contribute something to the music world.

WHO IS THE NEW ARTIST OR NEW SIGNING THAT PEOPLE HAVE TO CHECK OUT NEXT YEAR, THE ARTIST THAT IS GOING TO STEP OUT OF THE SHADOWS IN 2023? 

It’s very hard to point out one so I’d say keep an ear out for new LUCI, carina, and Cam O’bi. We’re also looking forward to new music from a very talented collective called The Ascension.

WHAT SHOULD NEVER BE MENTIONED AGAIN IN 2023?

I can’t start off the new year by mentioning what should never be mentioned so my lips are sealed.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE OF IN 2023?

I think we’re entering an exciting golden age of music, where the rules are broken and new genres are created. It’s a good time to be a music fan so I’m hoping we see this continue well into 2023.

FOR THOSE READERS WHO HAVE SOME CHRISTMAS MONEY TO SPEND, TELL US WHAT YOUR CURRENT FAVOURITE NON-MUSICAL MERCHANDISE ITEM IN YOUR STORE IS

We have some great tees in the works so please check our IG for an announcement link.

Sent in by Christian Girardin, Head of Harmonia Mundi.

WHAT CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO FROM HARMONIA MUNDI IN 2023?

After 2022, a year rich in major releases (Bach’s St Matthew Passion, Debussy’s Pelléas et Mélisande, Weber’s Freischütz, Mahler’s 4th Symphony…), 2023 will be marked by a reinforced presence of the great violinist Isabelle Faust, three times in concerto featuring (Locatelli most virtuoso concerto, Stravinsky for her first record with François-Xavier Roth and Les Siècles, Mozart “Sinfonia Concertante” and Duets together with Antoine Tamestit), as well as once on chamber outline (Schumann’s Piano Quintet and Quartet). We will also celebrate the 20th anniversary of Les Siècles with new major releases dedicated to Ravel (Boléro and L’heure espagnole) and Saint-Saëns, and Raphaël Pichon will propose an absolutely outstanding version of Monteverdi’s Vespro by his famous Pygmalion ensemble. Thanks to Nikolai Lugansky, we will also celebrate Rachmaninov’s 150th anniversary through one of his favourite’s works, the Études-Tableaux; Alexandre Tharaud and Jean-Guihen Queyras offer a renewed version of Marin Marais’ music, intimate baroque music for viola da gamba brilliantly transposed on piano and cello. Cédric Tiberghien will begin a fantastic series dedicated to Beethoven’s Variations and their echoes on the following generations. We will be ready to salute the coronation of Charles iii with the well-appointed Coronation Anthems by Handel! Pablo Heras Casado reveals his new vision of Schubert’s famous “Unfinished Symphony” and he will record Mendelssohn’s Midsummer Night’s Dream with the Freiburger Barockorchester. Young Théotime Langlois de Swarte invites us to join the Dichter Trio for a “Schumann Evening” and he will join Les Arts florissants for a very Parisian Haydn program. After a remarkable success in “harmonia nova” series in 2018, The Curious Bards will come back for a very festive program of Irish folk/baroque music titled “Indiscretions”.

WHO IS THE NEW ARTIST OR NEW SIGNING THAT PEOPLE HAVE TO CHECK OUT NEXT YEAR, THE ARTIST THAT IS GOING TO STEP OUT OF THE SHADOWS IN 2023? 

In Germany, we will focus more and more on a young German baritone Samuel Hasselhor. He initiates in 2023 a fantastic Schubert series based on the 200th anniversaries of his major cycles.

In UK, we will focus more and more on the young Timothy Ridout, especially in his exploration of the British repertoire for viola, an instrument that has definitely emancipated from its “big brother” violin! (January with Elgar’s famous concerto)

In France, we will publish the very first album of the Divertimento orchestra, conducted by a young female conductor, Zahia Ziouani. A film dedicated to this incredible woman of Algerian descent will be on display in most of the French cinemas in early January and will precede this Saint-Saëns very special album by a few months.

WHAT SHOULD NEVER BE MENTIONED AGAIN IN 2023?

A certain coronavirus dated 2019…

But we will keep on mentioning, exploring, loving Russian as well as Ukrainian classical treasures.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE OF IN 2023?

A sense of nuance which, for me, lacks everywhere: between people in daily life, in the media, in an important part of musical production as well! At the time of “fake news”, we need subtlety, grace, honesty… and the most adventurous part of our lives: culture!

FOR THOSE READERS WHO HAVE SOME CHRISTMAS MONEY TO SPEND, TELL US WHAT YOUR CURRENT FAVOURITE NON-MUSICAL MERCHANDISE ITEM IN YOUR STORE IS

The book written by Jean-Guihen Queyras about J.S. Bach’s Suites: Les Suites en partage. He tells us a whole-life confrontation with this monument of music (already recorded 5 times by different soloists under Harmonia Mundi) as well as the challenge of recording it… or playing it together with the dancers of Rosas, the famous Belgian dance company of Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker.

Sent in by Katherine Cantwell from the Heavenly Recordings team.

WHAT CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO FROM HEAVENLY RECORDINGS IN 2023?

It’s 2023. A year date that actually sounds like we’re living in the future, and a cosmic number if you believe in those things (hello Carl at the Social). Here at Heavenly, it’s shaping up to be as big a year as 2022, which as we all know was absolutely massive. Without going into too much detail right now, it’s currently looking like this:

H.Hawkline’s ‘Milk For Flowers’ – his first record in 6 years, which will be followed by an extensive European tour with Aldous Harding. EPs of remixes from Working Men’s Club and The Orielles. New albums by Baxter Dury, Unloved, Halo Maud and Pip Blom as well as a hugely anticipated new long player – a Heavenly debut – from David Holmes and from new signings Fran Lobo and Eyes Of Others, as well as a bunch of new music from Revival Season, OneDa and audiobooks and some exclusive bits we’ve got together for Record Store Day. And talking of cosmic numbers, we’re getting into the hurdy gurdy business with a killer record by the mysterious Local Psycho.

As ever, things will invariably change as and when we hear incredible music that we can’t resist and have to get on board with. So make note of all of the above and expect a whole bunch more besides. We’ll keep you posted.

WHO IS THE NEW ARTIST OR NEW SIGNING THAT PEOPLE HAVE TO CHECK OUT NEXT YEAR, THE ARTIST THAT IS GOING TO STEP OUT OF THE SHADOWS IN 2023? 

Local Psycho – A new signing on Heavenly in time for May Day.
Outside of Heavenly, we’re excited to go see Lynks’s entertaining, crazy-pop live show later this month.

WHAT SHOULD NEVER BE MENTIONED AGAIN IN 2023?

Anything with the word ‘lockdown’ attached to it.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE OF IN 2023?

Acid house barn dance
#hurdygurdysong

FOR THOSE READERS WHO HAVE SOME CHRISTMAS MONEY TO SPEND, TELL US WHAT YOUR CURRENT FAVOURITE NON-MUSICAL MERCHANDISE ITEM IN YOUR STORE IS

We’re excited for White Rabbit Books’ publication of ‘I THOUGHT I HEARD YOU SPEAK: Women At Factory Record’s‘ by Audrey Golden in May. Although strictly a music book, it deserves your attention!

Sent in by Daniel Miller, founder of Mute Records.

WHAT CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO FROM MUTE RECORDS IN 2023?

Everything! The first few months of 2023 will see Miss Grit’s debut album, new albums from A Certain Ratio, Maps and Sunroof plus reissues from Mick Harvey, Liars, Crime & the City Solution, Phew, and Telex and EPs from JakoJako and Laibach.

WHO IS THE NEW ARTIST OR NEW SIGNING THAT PEOPLE HAVE TO CHECK OUT NEXT YEAR, THE ARTIST THAT IS GOING TO STEP OUT OF THE SHADOWS IN 2023? 

They’re all exciting and worth your time, if they weren’t then we wouldn’t be releasing them.

FOR THOSE READERS WHO HAVE SOME CHRISTMAS MONEY TO SPEND, TELL US WHAT YOUR CURRENT FAVOURITE NON-MUSICAL MERCHANDISE ITEM IN YOUR STORE IS

One of the fashionable historical Mute branded shirts, available in all sizes.

Sent in by John Thorp from the Phantasy team.

WHAT CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO FROM PHANTASY IN 2023?

Continuing to work with our close family of artists to achieve the best version of their sound. We introduced a number of new artists to Phantasy in 2022, for example, Ruby Goon (with the assistance of our good friends at [PIAS]), all of whom are making music that continues to surpass that which initially caught our attention. You can also expect something more cinematic from our camp… Imagine, sound and vision!

WHO IS THE NEW ARTIST OR NEW SIGNING THAT PEOPLE HAVE TO CHECK OUT NEXT YEAR, THE ARTIST THAT IS GOING TO STEP OUT OF THE SHADOWS IN 2023? 

If we told you, we’d have to kill you. Or at least ask you to sign an extremely complex Non-Disclosure Agreement. Honestly, probably best to just keep checking our Instagram. We promise won’t let you down.

WHAT SHOULD NEVER BE MENTIONED AGAIN IN 2023?

Trick question? Nice try. 😉

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE OF IN 2023?

See below…

FOR THOSE READERS WHO HAVE SOME CHRISTMAS MONEY TO SPEND, TELL US WHAT YOUR CURRENT FAVOURITE NON-MUSICAL MERCHANDISE ITEM IN YOUR STORE IS

How about a classic Erol Alkan ‘L.O.V.E. Is The Answer’ sweater in the inimitable, classic ‘Keeps Kids Dancing’ style? Ethical, durable and a timeless sentiment we could certainly do with more of in 2023, and any other calendar year.

Sent in by Stephen Ellis from the Play It Again Sam team.

WHAT CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO FROM PLAY IT AGAIN SAM IN 2023?

As always, amazing music and new artists. But we’re not giving anything away yet. We’re really excited about our first album release of the year. Kerala Dust’s exceptional Violet Drive.

WHO IS THE NEW ARTIST OR NEW SIGNING THAT PEOPLE HAVE TO CHECK OUT NEXT YEAR, THE ARTIST THAT IS GOING TO STEP OUT OF THE SHADOWS IN 2023? 

Not so much stepping out of the shadows as they’ve already done that, but Morgan Harper-Jones and Rose Gray will have big years.

WHAT SHOULD NEVER BE MENTIONED AGAIN IN 2023?

My rendition of ‘Angels’ at the [PIAS] Christmas party.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE OF IN 2023?

Shows in unique spaces. Really bizarre ones, please.

FOR THOSE READERS WHO HAVE SOME CHRISTMAS MONEY TO SPEND, TELL US WHAT YOUR CURRENT FAVOURITE NON-MUSICAL MERCHANDISE ITEM IN YOUR STORE IS

Absolutely love all the merch from Lykke Li’s ‘EYEYE’ album and World Tour. How nice is the white tee? (I have 2.)

Sent in by Pierre Hall from the Speedy Wunderground team.

WHAT CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO FROM SPEEDY WUNDERGROUND IN 2023?

It’s the label’s tenth anniversary – so we have lots planned in terms of releases, merch and special events – including our very first trip to SXSW in March and a big anniversary celebration at Village Underground in September – more news soon.

WHO IS THE NEW ARTIST OR NEW SIGNING THAT PEOPLE HAVE TO CHECK OUT NEXT YEAR, THE ARTIST THAT IS GOING TO STEP OUT OF THE SHADOWS IN 2023? 

We’re hugely excited about our new signing Viji – she’s incredibly special and we can’t wait for people to hear it.

WHAT SHOULD NEVER BE MENTIONED AGAIN IN 2023?

Vinyl production delays.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE OF IN 2023?

The ocean.

FOR THOSE READERS WHO HAVE SOME CHRISTMAS MONEY TO SPEND, TELL US WHAT YOUR CURRENT FAVOURITE NON-MUSICAL MERCHANDISE ITEM IN YOUR STORE IS

Heartworms tee. Already iconic.

Sent in by Tim Dellow, Co-Founder of Transgressive.

WHAT CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO FROM TRANSGRESSIVE IN 2023?

The very futuristic sounding 2023 is going to be a vintage year musically! We’ve got some immense albums on the way including the return of some of our most well-known artists, new signings and some very special releases from the likes of Dave Okumu, The Waeve, Beverly Glenn-Copeland and Ben Gregory to kick things off.

WHO IS THE NEW ARTIST OR NEW SIGNING THAT PEOPLE HAVE TO CHECK OUT NEXT YEAR, THE ARTIST THAT IS GOING TO STEP OUT OF THE SHADOWS IN 2023? 

There are a few things we’re yet to announce, but I’m really proud of the debut solo LP from Ben Gregory – it’s such a brave artistic statement, lyrically in a league of its own, and musically he (along with Blaine Harrison from the Mystery Jets and Matt Twaites who produced) have pushed the songs into such exciting directions.

WHAT SHOULD NEVER BE MENTIONED AGAIN IN 2023?

The Monarchy.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE OF IN 2023?

Friends and each other! More in-person meetings and shows.

FOR THOSE READERS WHO HAVE SOME CHRISTMAS MONEY TO SPEND, TELL US WHAT YOUR CURRENT FAVOURITE NON-MUSICAL MERCHANDISE ITEM IN YOUR STORE IS

I’ve got to say Let’s Eat Grandma has some great things – a compact mirror and some rather fetching socks!