Tony Wadsworth

What is your background and experience in the music industry?

I have been in the music industry all my life. Following my graduation from University, I was in a band for 2 years touring the UK and Europe, writing and recording and releasing independent singles. When the band broke up, I decided to try my hand at the business side of the industry and passed through a succession of small companies before arriving at EMI in the role of Production Manager . It was my job to ensure the records got pressed and the sleeves got printed and released on time.

That was in 1982. I remained at EMI until January 2008, and in that time was fortunate enough to get involved in most aspects of the business, and with some of the greatest recording artists in the world.

For several years my role involved creating compilations and reissues in all sorts of music genres, which broadened my musical horizons greatly. During that time I was responsible for coordinating EMI's entry into the new format, compact disc, and saw it grow into the dominant format.

I joined the Parlophone label in 1987 and became its Managing Director in 1992. During that time we enjoyed enormous success with artists such as Blur, Radiohead, Queen, Morrissey, Pet Shop Boys, Foo Fighters, Crowded House and many more. As MD, I was now much more involved in the signing and A&R process, and enjoyed a close working relationship with artists.

From 1998, I took over the running of all of EMI's labels in the UK, and during my term we added Coldplay and Robbie Williams to our roster, as well as launching Gorillaz, and more recently new artists such as Lily Allen, KT Tunstall, Corinne Bailey Rae and The Kooks.

Since 1992 I have been involved in industry affairs as a member of the BPI, for whom I chaired the Brit awards for 3 years, and have been the current Chairman of the BPI for the last 2 years.

I left EMI in January 08, but continue to chair the BPI, and am involved in several different commercial and non commercial music industry organisations.

What is your connection to the North East?

My NE connection is that I did my degree in Economics at Newcastle University and still have many friends in the town.

What are you listening to at this exact moment? What are your favourite records released in the last 5 years?

At this exact moment I am listening to Jimmie Rodgers 'Miss the Mississippi'. I don't know my favourite album from the last 5 years, but this year it would probably be Elbow.

What are your favourite records released in the last 20 years?

In the last 20 years - Gillian Welch 'Soul Journey' - Radiohead OK Computer - Blur Think Tank - Sigur Ros Untitled - Talk Talk Spirit of Eden - Bob Dylan Time Out of Mind - will be a different list tomorrow!

Which projects are you currently working on outside of Generator?

BPI chairman, Chairman of Brit awards ltd; I am on the board of a not for profit company called Julie’s Bicycle, which is committed to reducing the carbon footprint of the music industry. I am on the board of EMI's archive trust, which manages emi's incredible archive, and I am a trustee of the Music Sound Foundation a music education charity. I am also involved in some exciting start up companies in the digital world.

Favourite Live Music venue in the UK?

Shepherds Bush Empire

Best live music show that you’ve ever seen?

Little Feat Newcastle City Hall 1977; Leonard Cohen at the O2 in London this year wasn't bad.

What was the defining moment that made you want to work in music?

Hearing 'She Loves You' by The Beatles

Best place to discover new artists?

New artists can be discovered anywhere. It would be easier to ask where can't they be discovered?