Ann Marie Shields Launches Independent Label
As BIMM Dublin’s Head of Careers, Industry Liaison & Events, Ann Marie Shields has been a mainstay of the Irish music scene and an influential voice for new and established artists, both here and overseas.
Drawing on over 28 years’ music industry experience, Ann Marie will spearhead new record label AMS Records, which celebrates its official launch on Wednesday, August 8 at Dublin haunt The Sugar Club.
Ann Marie began her career in the music industry tour managing My Bloody Valentine (her brother Kevin’s band) before going on to coordinate all the band’s various activities including the recording and promotion of their acclaimed album ‘Loveless’ and setting up the direct-to-fan surprise release ‘m b v’ via the band’s own website store.
Wednesday’s label launch party will see live performances from recently signed AMS bands including Vernon Jane (fresh from their Knockanstockan headliner slot), Wilko Johnson faves The Creators (featuring Rory Wilson), Conor Brady (The Blades), Robbie Malone (David Gray), Johnny Boyle (The Frames), Shelley Bukspan (Bird/Mik Pyro) with Ray Boyle on guitar, and Dave Hingerty’s Side 4 Collective featuring Farah Elle, Carol Keogh and world-renowned sax player Ben Castle. Plus rising act SELK who released their lauded debut album ‘Beast’ in 2016 on Silent Sea Records, distributed by Alternative Media Services.
AMS Records will sit under Ann Marie’s international distribution and label service company Alternative Media Services, whose clients have included UK labels Night Owl Music and Pickpocket Records, and Irish labels Dirtbird Records, Salty Dog Records and Trigger Party Records amongst others.
Ann Marie’s illustrious career has seen her in the role of A&R manager for Warner’s Reprise Records; owner and manager of Little Sister Records with Ash’s Charlotte Hatherley and the eclectic and progressive Reprise imprint Morpheus Records.
Among Ann Marie’s many talents is her expertise in synchronisation and providing music for films. Along with BIMM Brighton course leader Jon Stewart – who most will know as a member of Britpop outfit Sleeper – Ann Marie runs Music 4 Movies, which has provided soundtracks to a host of major titles including the soon to be released ‘Blue Iguana’ starring Oscar winner Sam Rockwell. Here at BIMM Dublin, our students benefit significantly from Ann Marie’s music industry connections and experience, as she hosts masterclasses, careers workshops and tutorials in the college with high profile guests and friends from the music industry.
Speaking about the label, Ann Marie said:
“Ireland’s music scene is thriving at the moment and in no small part thanks to the role that BIMM has played in bringing a huge amount of talent together. The industry in Ireland is coming together to support independent artists, and I aim to be an important part of that with AMS. The label is not genre specific, but what the artists have in common is a progressive, innovative attitude.”
The stage is set for Ann Marie’s AMS Records, with word spreading fast and more releases in the pipeline over the coming months. Nevertheless, the music industry veteran is calling on music fans and music industry professionals alike to support new ventures in the independent scene. You too can pledge your support by heading down to The Sugar Club this Wednesday. Tickets are €10, and there is a limited amount of tickets available for a €5 Early Bird rate, available from sugarclubtickets.com.
