Famous, Hugely team up

By ADAM SANDLER

Famous Music has inked a joint venture pact with Hugely Music, the multifaceted music startup firm run by producer Hugh Padgham and artist manager Dennis Muirhead.

The pact with the U.K.-based Hugely will give Famous access to the firm's writers, artists and producers, with an eye on nurturing them for long-term careers.

Padgham, who is perhaps best known for his work with Phil Collins, Genesis, Elton John, Sting and for discovering Sheryl Crow, is also expected to produce some of the joint venture's projects.

"Our goal is to nurture talent for the long term and then make the right deal at the record label level to achieve this goal," said Padgham. "We also intend to keep our roster select and small enough to concentrate on quality acts."

Muirhead, who serves as co-owner of Hugely, will continue to operate his eponymous management banner.

In addition to Padgham, the roster boasts several top flight producers including Nick Patrick, Simon Dawes and Denis Woods, among others.

"Not only do Dennis and Hugh bring a wealth of experience in their mix of producing and management" roles, said Famous chairman/CEO Irwin Robinson, "but because they are leaders in their respective fields they are magnets for new, unsigned talent."