Industry veteran Simon Dunmore has partnered with Armada Music to launch NBT Records.
According to the announcement, the label will be dedicated to “soulful, dancefloor-driven records”.
Dunmore founded Defected Records in 1999. Following the sale of the UK independent music group in 2022, he continued to serve as a consultant.
Formed through a new joint venture between Dunmore and Armada Music, NBT Records will combine Dunmore’s A&R vision and creative leadership with Armada’s global infrastructure across distribution, marketing and promotion.
The collaboration underlines Armada’s plan to expand its footprint across the dance music landscape.
NBT Records will operate out of Armada’s new London creative hub, a 7,000-square-foot facility opened last month, that will serve as the label’s primary base for creative development, artist collaboration and operations. The hub houses recording studios, A&R listening rooms and office space, providing an integrated environment for the label’s roster and team to work side by side.
“Songs have always been at the core of everything I love about dance culture,” said Simon Dunmore. “My objective is to fully immerse myself in the vibrant global soul scene that’s continually evolving, and to help champion the next generation of artists, singers, and songwriters.
“Having known Maykel for over 25 years, I can say with confidence that he’s a true music man and that our values are aligned. Armada has consistently demonstrated its ability to deliver exceptional records, making it the perfect partner for this new venture.”
Armada has consistently demonstrated its ability to deliver exceptional records, making it the perfect partner for this new venture
Simon Dunmore
“After more than two decades of knowing each other, it’s a true pleasure to finally partner with Simon – a visionary whose work I’ve long admired,” said Maykel Piron, CEO and co-founder of Armada Music. “I have great respect for Simon’s approach to creativity and business, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve by combining his ear with Armada’s passion and expertise.”
The first releases from NBT Records are expected in 2026.
Armada Music manages a growing catalogue of more than 50,000 tracks.
Representing artists such as Armin van Buuren, Arty, D.O.D, Eelke Kleijn, Jan Blomqvist, Joris Voorn, Ki/Ki, Lilly Palmer, Loud Luxury, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, Themba and Yulia Niko, Armada Music amasses more than one billion streams per month.
The company has offices in Amsterdam (HQ), New York, London and Laren (NL). The label has its own club, radio studio and multiple production studios, and hosts various live formats.
FOLLOW 
