Rita Ora has signed a global recording deal with BMG that grants her ownership of all future master recordings. The singer announced the move on Instagram, describing it as 'empowering to know' she is in control of her music.
Ora previously recorded for Atlantic Records, where she achieved top 10 hits such as 'Anywhere' and 'Let You Love Me'. Before that, she sued to exit a contract with Jay-Z's Roc Nation, alleging she had been 'orphaned' by the label as it shifted focus to sports management and Tidal. She settled in June 2016 and joined Atlantic, releasing the gold-certified album 'Phoenix' in 2018.
Her final release for Atlantic was the 2020 'Bang' EP with Imanbek, which did not chart in the UK. Ora also faced controversy in November 2020 for hosting a lockdown-breaking 30th birthday party, but apologised and paid a £10,000 fine.
BMG, which bills itself as the 'fourth major music company', offers artists fair deals with no hidden deductions. The company's president, Alistair Norbury, said he was 'delighted' to welcome Ora. Her manager, Sarah Stennett, called the deal a 'new chapter'.
