An Exhaustive List of London Record Labels (And Who is Hiring)

The London music scene in 2026 is as chaotic and brilliant as ever. While the headlines often focus on the global reach of the “Big Three,” the real heart of the industry beats in the independent offices of Bermondsey, King’s Cross, and Tufnell Park.

If you are looking for London record labels that are actually hiring right now, you need to look past the generic “Careers” pages. This guide breaks down the heavyweights, the indie powerhouses, and the boutique labels that define the city’s sound—with a direct look at who is currently recruiting for 2026.

1. The “Big Three” Majors: The Corporate Powerhouses

The majors are the traditional route for those looking for scale. Based primarily around King’s Cross and Kensington, they are currently leaning heavily into data-driven marketing and “superfan” community management.

Sony Music London

Located in a sleek King’s Cross HQ, Sony Music London (including labels like RCA, Columbia, and Ministry of Sound) is currently onboarding its January 2026 Internship cohort.

• Hiring Status: Actively recruiting for entry-level roles in Audience Development and Digital Marketing. They look for “cultural observers”—people who can spot a trend on a niche Discord server before it hits the mainstream.

Warner Music Group London

Situated in Kensington, Warner Music Group London (Atlantic, Parlophone) is currently focusing on its “Emerging Talent Associate” programme.

• Hiring Status: Recently listed openings for Junior Community Managers and Marketing Assistants. They are specifically looking for candidates who understand the “long-tail” of artist branding—how to keep an artist relevant between album cycles.

Universal Music UK

The largest of the three, with its massive presence in King’s Cross.

• Hiring Status: Currently hiring for Label Coordinators and Commercial Coordinators. Their AmplifyU Associate Internship (specifically for Black music executives) has just started its 2026 intake, but they frequently post mid-level roles in Global Brand Partnerships.

2. The Indie Giants: Culture Creators

These are the labels that give London its edge. They have the global reach of a major but the creative freedom of an independent.

Beggars Group

The umbrella for 4AD, Matador, Rough Trade, and XL Recordings. Based in Tufnell Park/South West London.

• Hiring Status: Their General UK Internship (6-month rotation) is a legendary foot-in-the-door. They recently opened applications for the January 2026 intake. They value “obsessive listeners” over “corporate climbers.”

Ninja Tune

Based in Bermondsey, Ninja Tune remains the gold standard for independent electronic and alternative music.

• Hiring Status: While they sign artists directly, much of their hiring happens through their distribution partner, FUGA (Downtown Music). There is a current 2026 opening for an Associate in Client Support (Distribution) based in London that works directly with the Ninja Tune roster.

3. Boutique & Underground: The Specialized Scenes

If you want to be closer to the music and further from the spreadsheets, an independent record label in London with a smaller team might be the better fit.

• Warp Records: Still the definitive home for experimental music. They rarely hire, but when they do, they look for “Systems Thinkers.” Keep an eye on their production and supply chain roles.

• Partisan Records: The label behind IDLES and Fontaines D.C. has a growing London presence. They often look for scrappy, DIY-minded project managers.

• Defected Records: If you live for house music, their Shoreditch office is the place to be. They are currently expanding their Events and Social Media teams to support their 2026 global tour schedule.

Pro Tips: How to Get Hired in 2026

1. Look for the “Distributor” Backdoor: Many smaller labels don’t have their own HR teams. They hire through distributors like FUGA, Believe, or The Orchard. If you can’t find a job at the label, find a job at the company that puts their music on Spotify.

2. The “Kings Cross” Coffee Strategy: If you’re targeting Sony or Universal, the cafes around Coal Drops Yard are unofficial industry hubs. It sounds cliché, but being visible in those spaces (and at the right gigs at Lafayette or The Lexington) still yields results.

3. The “Zine” CV: Independent labels hate corporate talk. If you’re applying to a label like Rough Trade or Matador, your “CV” should look and feel like a fan-made zine. Show them your taste, not just your Excel skills.

Want some insider tips on common interview questions? Read out guide on ‘Common Interview Questions Asked By Labels’

Here are the latest London music roles live right now:

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