Joe Kentish Reflects on Songs That Shaped His Music Industry Journey

In a recent feature, Joe Kentish, the President of Warner Records UK, shared an insight into his musical influences and the tracks that have played a pivotal role in his life and career in the music industry. This year, Kentish is set to celebrate a decade with Warner Records UK, after originally coming on board in 2014. His journey in the music business spans over 25 years, beginning with his co-founding of Middlerow Records and his key role in the UK garage scene, before breaking into the mainstream at Parlophone's Innocent imprint and then arriving at Mercury/Virgin EMI.

One of his notable achievements at Warner Records was signing Dua Lipa, who went on to become a multi-Grammy-winning global sensation. As he looks ahead, Kentish shares songs that not only go back to the beginning of his career but also project his aspirations for the future.

Early Inspirations

Kentish recalls the profound impact that hip-hop had on him as a youth, starting with Doug E. Fresh & The Get Fresh Crew's 'The Show' (1985). This record ignited his lifelong love for hip-hop, symbolizing the birth of a new cultural movement. As a child, Kentish experienced the global message of Paul Simon’s 'The Boy in the Bubble' (1987), which introduced him to world affairs and the power of music to communicate complex themes. Michael Jackson's 'Bad' (1987) also stood out for its larger-than-life theatricality, which influenced his vision for the kind of ambitious projects he wanted to be part of in his career.

Cultural Moments

Reflecting his British roots, Kentish points to Conquering Lion’s jungle track 'Code Red' (1994) as representing a vital period of his life when the UK’s music scene felt personal and deeply interconnected with his identity. Amy Winehouse's 'Tears Dry on Their Own' (2006) and Lauryn Hill's work are highlighted as examples of artists who successfully mined soul traditions to create sound that was both classic and contemporary. These artists remain benchmarks for the kind of timeless quality Kentish strives to find in his signings.

Modern Icons

The collaborative genius of Jay-Z and Kanye West's 'N***as in Paris' (2011) from 'Watch The Throne' is celebrated by Kentish as it represents peak achievement in the rap genre and the power of live performance. Lastly, Aretha Franklin's 'The Dark End of the Street' (1970) is chosen for her unmatched vocal prowess and emotional resonance, a reminder of the sheer impact of a truly powerful voice and the depth of soul music's influence on him.

influence, career, music