Riki Bleau: "The Day Emeli Sande signed her deal to Virgin, I was meant to be there but I didn't go because I had to sign on" - The Be Unstoppable Podcast
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What does it take to build a legacy in music?
In this episode of The Be Unstoppable Podcast, Ben Wynter sits down with Riki Bleau, the powerhouse behind Since ’93, to uncover his journey from rapper to Channel U to one of the UK’s most influential music executives.
Riki shares how signing his first record deal as part of Execution Squood set him on an unexpected path—one that would see him discover and develop global superstars like Labrinth, Naughty Boy, Emeli Sandé, and Sam Smith, whose records have sold in the tens of millions.
In this must-listen conversation, Riki reveals:
🔥 The early lessons from music moguls Tim Blacksmith & Danny D—and how their mentorship shaped his career.
🔥 The importance of mentorship, guidance, and betting on yourself—and why without it, he wouldn’t be where he is today.
🔥 Why the breakdown of their relationship led him to go his own way and create Since ’93—a label that became home to Fredo, Aitch, Tems, Tyla and more.
🔥 Finding Naughty Boy and the role he played in discovering Emeli Sande and Sam Smith.
🔥 How taking on Krept & Konan for management became a turning point that set him on a new path as a music executive.
🔥 The realities of being a young father in the music industry—and how it shaped his hunger for success.
🔥 Why Since ’93 is more than a label—it’s a lifestyle brand redefining the culture.
🔥 His take on Krept’s recent claim that he hasn’t made money from music.
🔥 Why Ted Cockle’s words, "there can be many truths," matter more than ever.
🔥 His relationship with Glyn Aikins, how their partnership developed over the years, and why it was key to their success.
This is an unfiltered, inspiring, and eye-opening conversation about legacy, ownership, and what it really takes to make it in the music industry.
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Special thanks to our partners The CUT!
13 episodes