Rostrum Records has appointed Nicole Plantin as VP of A&R. Plantin’s current label projects include Vali’s single “Aint No Friend of Mine” and Mod Sun’s album Movie. She most recently signed rapper Caleb Brown to Rostrum.
In a statement announcing Plantin’s appointment, Rostrum founder Benjy Grinberg said, “Nicole is an exceptional leader in A&R and has attracted amazing artists to the Rostrum family. I look forward to all of the great music that Nicole will be a part of.”
“I’m very excited to work at a label that has always been ahead of the curve,” added Plantin “Benjy has been a pioneer in the music space and it’s been a great experience to work alongside him.”
Before joining Rostrum, Plantin was director of writer publisher relations at BMI. During her tenure there, she signed Jhené Aiko, ScHoolboy Q, Odd Future, Dreezy and Joey Bada$$. Plantin began her music career with The Neptunes’ Star Trak label, whose roster included Clipse, Kelis and N.E.R.D.
In signing 18-year-old artist Brown, Rostrum will be working in partnership with the rapper’s label Do L.I.F.E. Records to release his debut project All Dawgs Go to Heaven 2. The two labels recently re-released Brown’s single “W$GT$.” Brown’s anthem was inspired by his hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, which last year was facing the aftermath of the Alton Sterling shooting incident and unprecedented flooding.
"Caleb is wise beyond his years,” said Grinberg. “He has an incredible head on his shoulders, his tone is amazing, his point of view is unique, and he knows exactly what he wants.”
“We were automatically impressed with the mature, insightful, yet fresh perspective we heard in his music,” noted Plantin. “His descriptiveness has the ability to give you a snapshot of what his world looks and feels like.”
Brown joins a Rostrum roster that also includes Mike Taylor, BRAVES, The Birdand the Bee, TeamMate and Juliann Alexander. “I’m humbled,” said Brown of his signing. “A lot of my friends didn’t get to see me make it to this point. Everybody in my city is rooting for me so it’s off to the races on making this project. We want to create a universal legacy.”
