
Rich Castillo – A&R Director, Atlantic Records UK
Rich Castillo is an A&R Director at Atlantic Records UK. Since joining Atlantic from Sony/ATV Publishing in 2020, Rich has been the driving force for key signings including the hotly-tipped up and comers Darkoo and Tion Wayne. He also A&Rs Jess Glynne and leads a team of great A&Rs who have had a strong start to 2021.
At Sony/ATV he helped revamp the A&R department and signed the likes of D-Block Europe, Neave Applebaum, Pa Salieu, TMS, and Wayne Hector.
Rich started his career at the management company Shalit Global, where he helped launch and develop the multi-platinum, award-winning group N-Dubz. In 2012, he joined UMTV and All Around the World in an A&R role, signing N-Dubz stars Dappy and Tulisa to solo deals – yielding No. 1 records with Dappy’s ‘No Regrets’ and Tulisa’s ‘Young’. He also signed HRVY and Young Adz, when the latter was just 14 years old, and enjoyed a top 10 single with Charlie Brown’s ‘On My Way’.
Rich then moved to Universal Music Canada in 2014, where he served as an A&R Director for two years, landing a Juno Award for Best Dance Song with Bit Funk’s ‘Off the Ground’. In 2016, he returned to the UK to join Polydor Records and take on the role of Senior A&R Manager. While there, he signed Stefflon Don and had a number of hits, including the global smash ‘Hurtin’ Me’. He also signed Big Heath, Blanco, and Mic Lowry, and A&R’d the latest album from Wretch 32.
Speaking: In Conversation with Rich Castillo
13:00 – 14:00
A true legend in A&R circles, Rich Castillo has been making moves since starting his career with Shalit Global, where he helped to launch and develop the group N Dubz. Having worked for UMTV and All Around The World, Sony/ ATV, Universal Music Canada and Polydor Records, Rich is now A&R Director at Atlantic Records. In conversation with broadcaster Jasmine Dotiwala, will be exploring Rich Costillo’s career journey, being a black executive and his future plans within the music industry.
Speakers
Speaking: All Speakers
Speakers
Ella-Bonai Gordon, Artist Manager & A&R Consultant
Yemi Abiade – Contributing Editor for TRENCH
Wale Kalejaiye – Associate in the Music Group
Dj Target – DJ, Presenter & Author
Jason Kavuma ‘Scully’, No Signal Presenter
Leo O’Brien – Member Development Specialist, PPL
Shauni Caballero – Music Publishing, The Go 2 Agency
Irene Agbontaen – Designer & Creative Consultant
Jammer – Producer, MC & Grime Pioneer
Nadia Jae – Presenter & Radio DJ
Hattie Collins – Journalist & Author
J2K – Co-founder, Founder, Partner
Molly Elizabeth – Emerging Artist: UD Flames & Incubator