Chris Wright CBE, the co-founder of influential British independent music company Chrysalis has launched a new music company called Right Tracks.
Right Tracks, a publishing and label venture, marks a return to the recorded music business for Wright, who co-founded Chrysalis Records in 1968 and later served as Chairman of the BPI.
“Artists don’t always need a full-on operation behind them,” Right Tracks said. “What they need is access: to expertise, to trusted people, and access to a network that understands how deals get done, how placements happen, and how rights are stewarded over time.”
“The company’s role isn’t to own the artist’s journey, but to support it: administratively, creatively, and strategically,” Right Tracks added. “It takes care of rights, registrations, royalties, sync opportunities, and long-term catalog planning so writers and estates have confidence that their work is protected, valued, and working for them.”
“The record business has been a huge part of my life for well over 50 years now, and I’ve missed being part of it enormously.”
Chris Wright
“I am tremendously enthused and excited to be back in the record business after a reasonably lengthy hiatus of over 10 years,” said Wright. “The record business has been a huge part of my life for well over 50 years now, and I’ve missed being part of it enormously.
“I’m aware that the matrix of how one operates have changed significantly from my heyday and that replicating the kind of success we had with artists like Debbie Harry of Blondie, David Bowie, Ultravox, Huey Lewis, and Spandau Ballet to name just a few will not come easy.”
Wright added: “We are however really excited about the new talent we have discovered, and we are totally committed to doing everything possible to develop them into the superstars of tomorrow.
“It will be an honor and a privilege to be associated with success of this nature should it happen. And hopefully it will!”
The Right Tracks roster spans both its label and publishing divisions, with the company saying more signings will be revealed.
Black Lounge, signed for label and publishing, are an indie-rock band from Essex who have worked with producer Danton Supple – known for his work with Coldplay – and played shows with The Molotovs and The Clause, according to Right Tracks.
Flora Fiora, also signed for label and publishing, is an 18-year-old singer-songwriter from Gloucestershire who the company says has been working with producer Mike Batt and his son Luke.
Batt has a long association with Wright, having produced Steeleye Span‘s All Around My Hat, released on Chrysalis Records in 1975.
Finn Forster, signed for publishing, is a singer-songwriter from Middlesbrough who the company says has played shows with Stereophonics, JADE, Bastille and The K’s, and has had early airplay from BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2.
Stuart Brayson, also signed for publishing, co-wrote the musical From Here to Eternity with Sir Tim Rice.
The show premiered in the West End at the Shaftesbury Theatre in 2013 and was nominated for Best New Musical at the 2014 WhatsOnStage Awards.
Right Tracks says Brayson has written 28 musicals performed in the West End, on Broadway and beyond, and that he is admired by Sir Tim Rice and Simon Callow.
Wright is supported at Right Tracks by a four-person team.
It comprises Joseph Spiteri as A&R Director, Roberta Moore as Sync Manager, Naomi Wallace as Rights Manager, and Ellen Sorlan as Finance Manager.
Chrysalis Records, which Wright co-founded with Terry Ellis, was home to artists including Jethro Tull, Pat Benatar, Sinead O’Connor and The Waterboys.
He sold Chrysalis Records to EMI in 1991, and the publishing arm, Chrysalis Music, to BMG in 2010.
In 2016, Wright returned to the label as Non-Executive Chairman after Blue Raincoat Music acquired Chrysalis Records from Warner Music Group.
The Chrysalis Records catalog later moved to New York-based Reservoir in 2019, as part of its acquisition of Blue Raincoat Music.
At the BPI, Wright relaunched the British Record Industry Awards in 1982, the forerunner of the BRIT Awards.
Wright has previously spoken to MBW about building Chrysalis and his view of the modern industry.Music Business Worldwide