Ivo Watts-Russell

music producer

Ivo Watts-Russell is a British music executive and one of the co-founders of the influential independent record label 4AD, established in 1980. Known for his unique aesthetic sensibility, he played a crucial role in shaping the sound of the label, which became a breeding ground for iconic acts like Bauhaus, Cocteau Twins, and Pixies. Watts-Russell's approach to music was characterized by a preference for the avant-garde and the emotional depth of artists, earning 4AD a reputation for its distinctively dark and ethereal musical style. After selling his share of the label in 1999, he moved to New Mexico, where he continued to influence the music industry from a quieter life away from the spotlight.