It wouldn't be overstating it to describe Gilles as the figurehead for a global musical movement that cuts across cultural, linguistic and national boundaries.
Gilles epitomises today's desire for musical freedom and diversity. Where other DJs and A&R men stick resolutely to one genre, Gilles is led by passion and an instinctive talent for picking musical winners - whether for the dance floor, for that exclusive compilation or as a record label head. He's as comfortable dropping a deep jazz tune as a moody techno track on his audiences - and an ever-growing number of radio listeners, music lovers, and clubbers love him for it. His Radio 1 show "Worldwide" is syndicated around the world with listeners from Lisbon to LA to Lagos. 140-thousand weekly regulars are also tuning in at home and the show is the most popular online 'listen again' choice on the Radio 1 website.
Gilles Peterson's record collection is so serious he keeps it in a separate house known as Brownswood. Regular listeners to Peterson's radio show are occasionally treated to a gem from the Brownswood Basement where all the records are oldies, on vinyl, and none have been re-issued.
Having signed artists that have gone on to sell millions of records (Jamiroquai, Roni Size, Incognito, Young Disciples etc.) it is not hard to see why Gilles' A&R skills are invaluable to Yes Music.
www.gillespeterrsonworldwide.com
www.myspace.com/gillespeterson
Simon Goffe has a reputation as one of the UK's leading industry executives in the dance and urban markets. Simon started work in the industry in the 1980s, his early positions included label manager, promotions manager, journalist and artist manager.
In 1996, Simon took up the position of Senior A&R Manager at Universal Music Publishing where he was responsible for running the UK A&R department whilst continuing to manage Roni Size and Reprazent. September of 1997 saw Roni and Reprazent winning the Mercury Music Prize in the UK, and Simon subsequently left Universal Music to once again return to the helm of Heavyweight Management, his artist management company. During this time, Simon set up Roni Size's own publishing company, Full Cycle Music, and oversaw the running of the artist's successful independent record label.
Simon still manages MOBO award-winning UK hip-hop act Sway, dance act the Freestylers and Kiss DJ and hip hop artist Dynamite MC.
Simon's experience in the publishing industry and his knowledge of negotiating synch licensing deals is invaluable to Yes Music as are his project and artist management skills.
www.heavyweightman.com
www.brownswoodrecordings.com
www.myspace.com/brownswoodrecordings