Chrysalis Records
British independent record label associated with influential rock, pop, new wave, punk, folk and alternative releases.
Last updated August 25, 2026
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Overview
Chrysalis Records is a British independent record label founded in 1968 by Chris Wright and Terry Ellis. Its name combines elements of Wright's first name and the word Ellis, while also evoking a butterfly's chrysalis, an image associated with transformation. The business developed from the Ellis-Wright Agency, which promoted artists before expanding into recording and label operations. The label's early identity was shaped by progressive and roots-oriented rock. It worked with or promoted artists including Jethro Tull, Ten Years After and Procol Harum, and established distribution arrangements with Island Records in the United Kingdom and, later, Warner Bros. Records in the United States. From the mid-1970s, Chrysalis broadened its roster and distribution structure, working with PolyGram internationally and Festival Records in Australia and New Zealand before moving toward independent U.S. distribution. During the 1970s and 1980s, Chrysalis became a significant home for British and international rock and pop. Its roster and associated labels included UFO, Rory Gallagher, Generation X, Ultravox, Billy Idol, Pat Benatar, Blondie, Huey Lewis and the News, and Spandau Ballet. The company's 2 Tone offshoot helped bring ska-influenced acts such as the Specials and the Selecter to a wider audience. The acquisition of Takoma Records in 1979 expanded its reach into American folk, blues and roots music, while the 1984 purchase of Ensign Records added artists including the Waterboys, World Party and Sinéad O'Connor to the wider Chrysalis family. The label's most commercially successful period was the 1980s, when it benefited from the growth of music video, international radio and the new-romantic and post-punk movements. Chrysalis also distributed associated imprints such as Animal Records, Dover Records and Cooltempo, creating a broader label network rather than relying on a single stylistic niche. Chrysalis entered a major ownership transition at the end of the decade. Thorn EMI acquired half of the record-label operation in 1989 and the remaining half in 1991. In 2005, Chrysalis Records was absorbed into EMI Records, and many catalogue assets and artists were subsequently administered through EMI's principal imprints. In the 2010s, the label's ownership and catalogue position changed again as the European EMI assets moved through Universal Music Group and then Warner Music Group. Warner sold Chrysalis Records in 2016 to a consortium led by Blue Raincoat Music founders Jeremy Lascelles and Robin Millar, with co-founder Chris Wright returning as non-executive chairman. Reservoir later partnered with Blue Raincoat in 2019, connecting Chrysalis with Reservoir's international rights and distribution infrastructure. Chrysalis returned to frontline new-music activity in 2020 after more than two decades focused largely on catalogue and legacy operations. Its relaunch began with a co-branded global release with Partisan Records for Laura Marling's Song for Our Daughter, which received critical recognition and a Mercury Prize nomination. The label subsequently signed Liz Phair and released her album Soberish in 2021. It has also remained active in catalogue development, including reissues of De La Soul's early albums and the 2023 Nick Drake tribute collection The Endless Coloured Ways. The modern Chrysalis brand therefore combines a historic catalogue with selective contemporary signings, artist partnerships, reissues and curated projects.
History
Chrysalis Records emerged from the Ellis-Wright Agency, the artist-promotion business established by Terry Ellis and Chris Wright. Founded as a record label in 1968, it took its name from the founders and from the metamorphic stage of a butterfly. Its early work was closely connected with progressive rock and touring promotion. Artists such as Jethro Tull, Ten Years After and Procol Harum helped establish the company's reputation before its label and distribution activities expanded. Chrysalis initially used Island Records for British distribution. Jethro Tull's relationship with Reprise Records in the United States contributed to a U.S. distribution arrangement with Warner Bros. Records that lasted from 1972 to 1976. The company later pursued independent U.S. distribution, while PolyGram handled international distribution and Festival Records represented the label in Australia and New Zealand. The label added UFO in 1973 and Rory Gallagher in 1975, demonstrating its continuing interest in substantial British and Irish rock artists. By the end of the 1970s, Chrysalis was diversifying beyond progressive and album-oriented rock. It signed or worked with punk-related acts such as Generation X and created the 2 Tone imprint, which became associated with the Specials and the Selecter. In 1979 Chrysalis acquired the American folk and roots label Takoma Records. Denny Bruce became Takoma's president, and the label's expanded roster included the Fabulous Thunderbirds and T-Bone Burnett. The 1980s represented Chrysalis's most prominent commercial era. The company participated in the British new-romantic and new-wave movements through acts such as Ultravox and Spandau Ballet, while its wider roster included Billy Idol, Pat Benatar, Blondie and Huey Lewis and the News. Its U.S. promotion and marketing operation was strengthened during this period, helping Chrysalis develop artists across rock, pop and dance-oriented radio formats. It also distributed Blondie guitarist Chris Stein's Animal Records. Chrysalis continued to build an affiliated-label structure. In 1984 it purchased Ensign Records, founded by Nigel Grainge. Ensign retained its identity and later represented acts including the Waterboys, World Party and Sinéad O'Connor. Other related operations included Dover Records, Cooltempo and later Chrysalis Group imprints such as Echo and Papillon. Ownership changed substantially between 1989 and 1991, when Thorn EMI acquired first half and then the remaining half of Chrysalis Records. The label subsequently operated within EMI's recorded-music structure. In 2005 it was folded into EMI Records, with some artists and catalogue material moved to EMI's principal imprints. Later transactions separated different portions of the broader Chrysalis assets: BMG acquired Chrysalis Music's publishing-related assets in 2010, while the recorded-music assets moved through the disposition of EMI's European labels. Warner Music Group acquired the relevant European label assets in 2013 and sold Chrysalis Records in 2016. The 2016 purchase was led by Blue Raincoat Music founders Jeremy Lascelles and Robin Millar, and reunited original founder Chris Wright with the brand as non-executive chairman. In 2019 Reservoir partnered with Blue Raincoat, providing access to a larger global rights and operating network. Chrysalis also revived the Cooltempo name in 2018 for new dance-oriented projects. In February 2020, Chrysalis returned to frontline label operations. Its first major contemporary project was a global co-branded release with Partisan Records for Laura Marling's Song for Our Daughter. The album was critically acclaimed and nominated for the Mercury Prize. The label signed Liz Phair later in 2020 and released Soberish in 2021. It has continued to combine new recordings with heritage projects, including the reissue of six early De La Soul albums in 2023 and The Endless Coloured Ways, a 2023 collection of Nick Drake compositions performed by a broad group of contemporary artists.
- 2023
De La Soul reissues and Nick Drake tribute expand catalogue activity
[1]The label reissues six early De La Soul albums and releases The Endless Coloured Ways, a multi-artist collection of Nick Drake songs.
- 2020
Frontline label operations restart
[1]Chrysalis returns to releasing new music with Laura Marling's Song for Our Daughter in partnership with Partisan Records.
- 2019
Reservoir partners with Blue Raincoat
[1]The partnership places Chrysalis within Reservoir's extended global rights and operating network.
- 2016
Blue Raincoat Music acquires Chrysalis Records
[1]A consortium led by Jeremy Lascelles and Robin Millar buys the label from Warner Music Group.
- 2005
Chrysalis Records is folded into EMI Records
[1]The label is absorbed into EMI's flagship recorded-music imprint.
- 1991
Thorn EMI acquires the remaining interest
[1]The remaining half of Chrysalis Records is sold to Thorn EMI.
- 1989
Thorn EMI acquires half of Chrysalis Records
[1]Thorn EMI purchases a 50 percent interest in the record-label operation.
- 1984
Ensign Records is acquired
[1]Chrysalis purchases Nigel Grainge's Ensign Records, adding another specialist label to its group.
- 1979
Takoma Records is acquired
[1]Chrysalis acquires U.S. folk and roots label Takoma Records and expands its American catalogue operations.
- 1975
Rory Gallagher signs with Chrysalis
[1]Irish blues-rock guitarist and singer Rory Gallagher joins the label.
Products and positioning
Heritage-driven independent label combining influential historical catalogues with selective contemporary artist signings and curated reissue projects.
Recordings and catalogue rights · 1968
Chrysalis recorded-music catalogue
The core Chrysalis offering is its catalogue of albums, singles and related recording rights. The historical repertoire spans progressive rock, hard rock, punk, new wave, new romantic, pop, folk, blues and alternative music. Artists associated with the label include Jethro Tull, UFO, Rory Gallagher, Blondie, Billy Idol, Pat Benatar, Ultravox, Spandau Ballet and Huey Lewis and the News.
Imprint
2 Tone Records
Chrysalis's 2 Tone offshoot was associated with the British ska and post-punk revival. Its best-known acts included the Specials and the Selecter, helping connect the label group with a distinctive late-1970s and early-1980s British scene.
Folk, blues and roots catalogue · 1979
Takoma Records catalogue
After Chrysalis acquired Takoma Records in 1979, the wider group gained a stronger foothold in American folk, blues and roots music. The Takoma operation continued to operate with its own identity and management under the Chrysalis umbrella.
Independent-label catalogue · 1984
Ensign Records catalogue
Ensign Records became part of the Chrysalis family after its 1984 acquisition. The imprint was associated with artists such as the Waterboys, World Party and Sinéad O'Connor, extending Chrysalis's reach into alternative, folk-rock and singer-songwriter music.
Album · 2020
Song for Our Daughter
Laura Marling's Song for Our Daughter was the first project issued through Chrysalis's 2020 frontline relaunch. It was released through a global co-branded partnership with Partisan Records, received strong critical attention and was nominated for the Mercury Prize.
Album · 2021
Soberish
Soberish was Liz Phair's first album in a decade and followed her signing with Chrysalis in 2020. The album was released in 2021 as part of the label's renewed focus on contemporary artist releases.
Tribute compilation · 2023
The Endless Coloured Ways: The Songs of Nick Drake
This 2023 collection presents Nick Drake compositions interpreted by approximately 30 artists. Contributors include Fontaines D.C., Guy Garvey, Aurora, Feist, Self Esteem and David Gray, positioning the project as both a catalogue tribute and a contemporary collaborative release.
Marketing campaigns
- 2023The Endless Coloured Ways
United Kingdom · Global
Chrysalis assembled and released a multi-artist tribute to Nick Drake, using contemporary performers to introduce his songwriting catalogue to new audiences.
Outcome. The project expanded Chrysalis's current-release profile while reinforcing its role as a curator and steward of influential music catalogues.
- 2020Chrysalis frontline relaunch
United Kingdom · United States · Global
Chrysalis reintroduced itself as an active frontline label through a global co-branded partnership with Partisan Records for Laura Marling's Song for Our Daughter.
Outcome. The album received critical acclaim and a Mercury Prize nomination, giving the revived label a high-profile contemporary launch.
Brand decisions
2020
Return to frontline releasesStrategyBackground
After years primarily associated with catalogue and legacy operations, Chrysalis sought to re-establish itself as an active artist label.
Action taken
It relaunched frontline activity through a partnership with Partisan Records and signed contemporary artists including Laura Marling and Liz Phair.
Aftermath
The label resumed regular new-music activity while retaining its heritage catalogue and reissue role.
2016
Sale to Blue Raincoat Music-led consortiumM&ABackground
Warner Music Group continued divesting selected independent labels after acquiring EMI's European recorded-music assets.
Action taken
A consortium led by Jeremy Lascelles and Robin Millar acquired Chrysalis Records, with Chris Wright returning as non-executive chairman.
Aftermath
The transaction restored independent ownership and prepared the brand for catalogue expansion and a later return to frontline releases.
2005
Integration into EMI RecordsStrategyBackground
EMI consolidated parts of its recorded-music operations and rationalized the identities of labels within its portfolio.
Action taken
Chrysalis Records was folded into EMI Records, with some artists and catalogue assets transferred to EMI's main imprints.
Aftermath
Chrysalis ceased functioning as a fully separate frontline label for much of the following period.
1989
Sale of a 50 percent interest to Thorn EMIM&ABackground
Chrysalis had become a substantial international label group, while major-company ownership offered access to greater distribution and corporate resources.
Action taken
Half of Chrysalis Records was sold to Thorn EMI.
Aftermath
The remaining half was sold to Thorn EMI in 1991, bringing the label fully into the EMI structure.
1984
Acquisition of Ensign RecordsM&ABackground
Chrysalis continued building a family of specialist labels during the expansion of the independent-label sector.
Action taken
It acquired Ensign Records while allowing founder Nigel Grainge to continue running the imprint.
Aftermath
The Ensign roster later included the Waterboys, World Party and Sinéad O'Connor.
1979
Acquisition of Takoma RecordsM&ABackground
Chrysalis sought to broaden its genre coverage and American presence beyond its established British rock operations.
Action taken
It acquired the U.S. folk and roots label Takoma Records and appointed Denny Bruce as its president.
Aftermath
The transaction added folk, blues and roots capabilities and brought artists such as the Fabulous Thunderbirds and T-Bone Burnett into the wider group.
1976
Move toward independent U.S. distributionStrategyBackground
Chrysalis's U.S. distribution through Warner Bros. Records ended after a period connected with its international expansion.
Action taken
The label switched to independent distribution in the United States while maintaining other international distribution relationships.
Aftermath
The change gave Chrysalis greater control over its U.S. distribution strategy during a period of roster and market expansion.
Recent events
- 2023
Chrysalis reissues early De La Soul albums[1]
Product generation · Product launch
Chrysalis issued the first six De La Soul albums across physical, digital and streaming formats, extending the label's catalogue and reissue activity.
- 2023
The Endless Coloured Ways: The Songs of Nick Drake is released[1]
Product launch
Chrysalis released a multi-artist collection of Nick Drake songs featuring performers including Fontaines D.C., Guy Garvey, Aurora, Feist, Self Esteem and David Gray.
- 2020
Chrysalis relaunches as a frontline label with Laura Marling[1]
Product launch
Chrysalis resumed releasing new music through a co-branded partnership with Partisan Records for Laura Marling's Song for Our Daughter.
- 2020
Chrysalis signs Liz Phair[1]
Product launch
The label announced a signing with singer-songwriter Liz Phair, whose album Soberish was released in 2021.
- 2019
Reservoir partners with Blue Raincoat around Chrysalis[1]
M&A · Other
Reservoir entered a partnership with Blue Raincoat Music, placing Chrysalis within Reservoir's broader international music-rights and operational network.
- 2016
Chrysalis Records is acquired by Blue Raincoat Music founders[1]
M&A · Leadership change
Jeremy Lascelles and Robin Millar led the acquisition of Chrysalis Records from Warner Music Group. Chris Wright returned to the label as non-executive chairman.
Sources2 sources
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