The 72-year-old percussionist has named his new label ‘Nice Records’, the label is set to issue unreleased recordings and tracks that span throughout his long and respected career. Jones’ indie label will launch with the release of live recordings from his time in Small Faces taken from the drummer’s personal archive collection, entitled ‘Small Faces- Live 1966’, the launch and release will be on 3rd September 2021. The label’s first release features the band’s earliest recorded live performance from 9th January 1966 and includes two sets played at the Twenty Club located in Mouscron, Belgium. Jones is best known as the drummer for three of the 1960s most influential mod and rock bands, Small Faces, The Faces and the ‘My Generation’ rockers The Who.

The mod icon issued the following statement concerning his new business venture and describes the label’s mission to celebrate his musical legacy. “It’s great to launch Nice Records and to be able to take back control of the Small Faces products and recordings. I have assembled a first class team who understand the importance of the Small Faces legacy. I am so pleased there is a record of us performing at this time. We were a great live act then and even though we started to have hits, our live act was never the same again. This gig is really what the Small Faces were all about.”

Rob Caiger, Small Faces archivist and producer of reissues has also spoken on Kennedy’s new label and discusses how Nice Records will be a positive factor within the music industry. “Kenney has set up Nice Records to ensure the artists – and their dependents – get paid for their recordings as opposed to the many companies that have sprung up recently to exploit the ‘use it or lose it’ EU ruling for previously unreleased material over 50 years that is now deemed to be in the public domain. He is following Frank Zappa’s brilliant initiative, taken on by bands such as the Stones, to beat the bootleggers and give control back to the musicians. In this case, we think Kenney is the first artist to exploit the current EU ruling for the benefit of the artists.”

Caiger continues to describe the laws concerning the release of archived music and further confirms not just the importance of the archived and historic recordings but also the significant role in which Kennedy has played to ensure the safety of such recordings. “We want to do this properly. There is still previously unreleased material locked away in archives because record companies can’t – or won’t – release it, as well as material that labels lost or never got from the artist in the first place. In Kenney’s case, he has been diligently looking after session and live tapes he has played on from the Small Faces onwards. As some will know, as well as his work with the Small Faces, Faces and The Who, Kenney played on countless sessions by other artists (particularly during his time recording at Olympic Studios in London). Kenney usually got a copy of the tape and in many cases, he was the source for the only surviving copy of the masters, as he was whenwe put together the Small Faces remaster series.”

Click here to pre-order ‘Small Faces – Live 1966’.

Brothers Alec and Alex Boateng will head their new UK project as industry executives. Alex Boateng has been a part of Universal Music for ten years, and up until recently fulfilled the role of President of Island Records’ Urban Division. Giggs, Drake, Tiwa Savage and Ray BLK are just some of the artists who have collaborated on campaigns with Island Records.

Up until Universals’ latest announcement, Alec Boateng served the great responsibility as Co-chair of A&R at Atlantic Records. The growing superstardom of both Burna Boy and Jess Glynne was all overseen by Alec Boateng.

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Amy Tetty, a former colleague at Island Records with an eleven-year alumni, will join Alec and Alex Boateng on 0207 Def Jam. In a statement, Alex Boateng relayed his excitement towards the new project: “Especially in these times, this is a real privilege. I’m proud our collective journey now includes partnering a legendary label with a style that only London and the UK can provide. Looking forward to watching and guiding where the music and art takes the journey next.”

Alec Boateng declared his anticipation and gratitude towards his new role, showing his high appreciation for today’s artists: “Music, art and artists really, really matter. I’m super excited to play a leadership role in this brilliant new space we’re creating for amazing music and talent to live and evolve. A space which will support both our teams and our artists to be the best version of themselves.”

The interim Chairman and CEO of Def Jam Recordings Jeff Harleston was immensely pleased at the news of Alec and Alex Boateng heading 0207 Def Jam. Harleston said in a statement: “It is a perfect fit having Alex and Alec at the helm of 0207 Def Jam.”

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Harleston continued, conveying his upmost respect for the Boateng brothers. Harleston said of the Boatengs: “Their creativity, artist relationships, and connection with culture are all key elements that have made Def Jam such an important label for over 35 years. I have no doubt that Alex, Alec and their team will only make the label and the brand even stronger.”

Def Jam Recordings was founded in 1984 by legendary producer Rick Rubin. Originally starting from his University dorm room in New York City, Rubin started Def Jam Recordings to release a song by his then punk group, Hose. Russell Simmonds joined Def Jam as a partner soon after, following an introduction to Rubin by DJ Jazzy Jay.

Since then, Def Jam Recordings have signed, supervised and overseen some of the world’s biggest artists and their respective rises to superstardom. From LL Cool J and Jay Z, to Rihanna and Stormzy, Def Jam have continuously reigned as the music industry’s most dynamic record label.