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 was previously signed to 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, claiming she had been 'orphaned' by the label. After a settlement in 2016, she joined Atlantic but released only one album, 'Phoenix', which went gold in the UK.
The new deal with BMG places Ora alongside artists like Kylie, KSI, and Run The Jewels, who have also moved away from major label structures. BMG's 'approach to artist ownership and control is very much aligned with mine,' Ora wrote, adding that she is excited about new music she has been working on.
Ora thanked her former team at Atlantic Records, noting they helped her set a record for the most top 10 singles by a British artist (13, shared with Jess Glynne). Her manager Sarah Stennett described the BMG deal as a 'new chapter' for the singer.
The ownership of masters has become a significant issue in the music industry, with artists like Taylor Swift re-recording her early albums to regain control. BMG, which bills itself as the world's 'fourth major music company', claims to offer fairer contracts with no hidden deductions.
