Credit: Music Business World
Edge has spent his career building what he calls a “premium content” philosophy, one that deliberately rejects the industry trend of chasing viral hits and treating artists like “widgets.” Instead, RCA focuses on a “slow road to greatness,” emphasizing long-term artist development, human authenticity, and creativity that defies easy categorization.
This strategy has paid massive dividends in 2025. The label boasts an eclectic roster of culturally significant artists, all of whom challenge genre boundaries:
- SZA continues her global dominance; her album SOS was the biggest global record for Sony’s past two fiscal years, supported by the triumphant LANA deluxe re-issue.
- The mysterious British metal band Sleep Token captivated audiences, topping the Billboard 200 in May with their latest album.
- Tate McRae‘s pop evolution culminated in her album So Close to What reaching No.1 on the Billboard 200 in February.
- Tyler Childers and the solo venture of K-Pop icon LISA further demonstrate the label’s commitment to artists who are entirely their “own thing.”
Edge, who previously likened his approach to HBO’s focus on high-quality content, notes that the label operates with the “creative mindset as a large independent,” focusing on amplifying the artist’s unique vision rather than altering it. This approach is particularly effective in the streaming age, as new generations are more open to genre combinations than ever before.
Looking ahead, Edge is confident that human authenticity will be the most valuable commodity as AI encroaches on the music business. He believes that the “human part – the part that isn’t copyable” is what truly makes music compelling. By focusing on what is unique, heartfelt, and real, RCA continues to prove that patience, combined with artistic integrity, is the ultimate formula for lasting success.
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