Saul Galpern is a prominent British music executive whose influence on the UK’s independent music scene has been both significant and enduring.
He founded Nude Records in London in August 1991, following years of experience working with artists such as Simply Red, The Fall, Julian Cope, The Slits, Au Pairs and The Triffids. By the time he launched his own label, Galpern had already built a strong reputation within the industry.
Suede: The Breakthrough Moment For Saul Galpern And Nude Records
The turning point for Galpern came when he signed Suede after seeing them perform at an NME showcase in early 1992. He quickly offered the band a record deal, leading to the release of early singles like The Drowners and Metal Mickey. These songs gained critical acclaim and brought Suede into the public spotlight.
Their self-titled debut album, Suede (1993), released on Nude Records, went straight to No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and became one of the fastest-selling debut rock albums in UK history, success made possible by Galpern’s early faith in the band.
Producer Ed Buller, who worked on The Drowners and Dog Man Star, has praised Galpern’s belief in Suede. It was Galpern who connected with Buller via contacts at Island Records, valuing a shared creative vision over industry reputation. Buller has noted that Galpern gave Suede the freedom to explore their ambitions rather than pressuring them into a mainstream mold.
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Nude Records In The 1990s
Throughout the 1990s, Nude Records supported a variety of artists including Geneva, Ultrasound, Black Box Recorder, and Billy MacKenzie, achieving both commercial success and critical recognition. However, by late 2001, the label entered voluntary liquidation.
In 2016, Saul Galpern revived the Nude Records name, embracing modern approaches to music production and distribution. Since then, the label and its publishing and management arms like Nude Music—has collaborated with artists such as Malcolm Middleton, Lou Rhodes, and Juanita Stein. Partnerships with organisations like Bucks Music Group have further supported artist development, publishing, and sync opportunities.
Saul Galpern – A Visionary And Mentor In The Music Industry
While Galpern’s role in Suede’s rise is sometimes overlooked in Britpop history, band members and colleagues have often described him as more than just a label executive. He was seen as a mentor and creative champion, someone willing to take risks, back their vision, and offer support without limiting artistic freedom.
Through the ups and downs of the music industry, Saul Galpern has consistently combined indie spirit with commercial acumen. His career reflects a commitment to discovering originality and nurturing it, even when the market was uncertain.
As the industry has evolved, Galpern has adapted, but his core principles of artist development, creative freedom, and independence have remained at the heart of his work.
