The Glossary: Peter Adarkwah | Company Director & Founder, BBE Music Ltd
In the run up to Dig Deep - RA's pop-up charity record fair raising money for War Child - this special Glossary series explores the many facets of record label management and distribution through the eyes of label workers and founders from across the scene.
Next up is Peter Adarkwah, Company Director and founder of BBE Music Ltd.
What is your name and job title?
Peter Adarkwah Company Director and founder of BBE Music Ltd
What is your role at your record label, and what does your day-to-day look like running it?
A&R, budgeting, release schedules, marketing plans, approving artwork, speaking with artists etc.
Typically I get into the BBE Store from around 11 am and depending on the event happening I leave around 11pm. Lots of phone calls generally throughout the day and occasional panic depending on whether the issues a day throws up.
How did you start your record label, and what was your motivation for doing so?
I borrowed 10,000 pounds from a friend to put some compilations together, The first being Stop and listen 1 compiled by Bob Jones. Bought my first computer - a 1.2 gig macintosh for 2000 pounds and then a fax machine... dial up and fax paper - those were the days. I love music and felt I had something to contribute. At that time reissues and compilations of hard to find music was my main motivation. Hardly anyone was catering for my taste. Kenny Dope was the first person to encourage me to make the move into doing more original music.
What are the essential skills needed to run a record label successfully?
Business/financial management, A&R, distribution knowledge, marketing, relationship building, legal understanding… and instinct
What were the first practical steps you took when starting your label, and what would you do differently now?
Not a great deal really. I had no blueprint to follow, neither do I like to overthink things. I was putting on events in London before the label started and just worked on relationships I had before then, especially with outlets like time out, evening standard etc and word of mouth.
What are the biggest challenges or pitfalls someone should look out for when starting a record label?
The market place is so different from when I started in 1996. Understanding online marketing is extremely vital but it's harder than ever to turn marketing into viability and visibility. Budgeting is super important. Try to break even as often as possible. Lack of cash will hamper your progress. Breaking an artist is extremely hard work and involves more luck than anything else.
What's the best piece of advice you've been given about running a record label?
No direct external advice per say but it's always good to listen to other people's experiences. Stay calm.
If someone wants to start their own record label today, what's the most realistic first step they should take?
It's a tough one but my gut instinct will always say don't do it because the market is so oversaturated at the moment. If you do really want to do it, be financially cautious and try to be unique and put in the hard work.
What have you found most surprising about running a record label - good or bad?
It's always hard to predict what will work. Things you love don't always sell well and sometimes music you're unsure about will resonate with some people.
What keeps you motivated to run your label, even when it's challenging?
The legacy and goodwill I hope I've helped create and being part of a like minded musical community.
Are you in Berlin on 20th and 21st February 2026? Come and join us at Dig Deep charity record fair and help us raise money for War Child.
Explore jobs in electronic music on Doors Open here.