Believe UK and Tileyard Music have launched a new boutique, frontline label as part of a joint venture between the two companies.
“Spearheaded by co-presidents Charlie Arme and Michael Harwood, founders of Tileyard Music, Tenace Records will benefit from the global firepower of Believe and Tileyard Music’s industry-leading A&R team,” said a statement.
It will also have access to the artists, writers and operators in Tileyard London’s 150-plus recording studio and 200,000 sq ft creative hub.
The label will predominantly focus on new signings and releases with global digital and physical distribution.
Since Arme and Harwood founded Tileyard Music (comprising Tileyard Management and Tileyard Publishing), the company has generated over 25 billion streams and delivered more than 100 Top 40 certifications internationally. It achieved six records simultaneously in the UK Top 40 and four UK No.1s.
Arme and Harwood have appointed Chris Dashwood as general manager to head Tenace Records. Dashwood is a former marketing director at Universal Music who ran catalogue campaign strategy for artists including ABBA (ABBA Gold 30), The Beatles (Red & Blue / Beatles ’64 Documentary), Bob Marley (Marley 75), Elton John (Diamonds) and the Spice Girls (Wannabee 25).
He was previously marketing manager at RCA Records, delivering platinum breakthrough albums for Bring Me The Horizon (Sempiternal, That’s The Spirit), a gold debut album for Nothing But Thieves, and platinum comeback albums for Sia (1,000 Forms Of Fear, This Is Acting), as well as handling the entirety of the Chess Club Records roster including MØ, Swim Deep, Sundara Karma and Billie Marten.
The Tenace Records marketing team will be led by Dashwood, with Isabella Evans appointed as product manager.
The A&R team will be headed by Cathy Mathalone, leading the team of Kirsty Twiner, Tashai Jackson, Agapi Melkonian and Abbie Humphries.
The Tileyard Music team has an outstanding track record of nurturing creative talent
Paul Trueman
Tileyard Music’s managing director Neil Hughes and financial controller Gary Over will also provide support to the new venture.
PALE WAVES LAUNCH LABEL ROSTER
Tenace Records launches with Pale Waves as its debut signing.
Pale Waves have released four studio albums to date: 2018 debut My Mind Makes Noises (peaking at No.8 in the UK), 2021’s Who Am I? (No.3), 2022’s Unwanted (No.4) and 2024’s Smitten (No.13).
The band have built an international audience, via festival main stages (Lollapalooza, Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds) and multiple headline runs in North America, Europe, Japan and Australia, including a sold-out 14 date UK tour in October 2025. They have been announced as support for Louis Tomlinson on his 26-date European arena tour in March 2026.
Paul Trueman, director of artist services at Believe UK, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Charlie, Michael and the Tileyard Music team on this new joint venture. The Tileyard Music team has an outstanding track record of nurturing creative talent and this partnership brings together their deep industry experience with Believe’s global infrastructure and best-in-class tech and tools. Tenace Records represents a powerful and forward-thinking addition to the UK label landscape and we’re thrilled to welcome them to the Believe family.”
This partnership combines our tenacity with Believe's global infrastructure
Charlie Arme
Charlie Arme said: “We are thrilled to partner with Believe on Tenace Records. This partnership combines our tenacity with Believe's global infrastructure and builds on an already successful relationship between Tileyard Music Publishing and Believe Music Publishing. From every meeting and conversation with Alex Kennedy, Paul Trueman and Karishma Anand, our visions align perfectly.
“Building on our experience as managers, we understand that today's success requires both curated A&R and world-class marketing execution, all whilst supporting managers and artists with their vision. We are excited to announce our first signing together: Pale Waves, a band we've long respected. They and their manager Paul Smernicki have incredible drive and ambition and represent everything Tenace stands for."
On the appointment of Chris Dashwood as GM of Tenace, Michael Harwood said: “We're delighted to welcome Chris to the team. He brings a great combination of indie mindset and major label international marketing expertise – essential qualities in today's landscape. His tenacity, creative thinking, and proven track record working with a whole host of well-known artists will be invaluable. We're excited about what we'll achieve together.”
Chris Dashwood said: “What Tileyard and Believe have established with Tenace is a hugely attractive and viable alternative to the current label deals being offered in the market. The existing team comes with a wealth of industry experience, and we’re ready to compete on all levels. I couldn’t be happier to lead the charge and achieve great things in 2026.”
Cathy Mathalone added: “Our A&R label and publishing team works with a relentless hustle and a global mindset. Our strengths lie in finding exceptional records, curating world-class writing camps, and working with talent to fulfil their potential. Being based at Tileyard Studios gives us access to incredible resources and connections globally. It’s an exciting step forward as the team begins working across Tileyard Music Publishing and Tenace Records, maximising collaborative opportunities for both rosters.”
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