Warner Records has announced a partnership with executive Tim Hinshaw and his creative studio Free Lunch Agency, launching Free Lunch Records and revealing its first signees Syd and Alex Isley.
Over the past five years, Hinshaw has etched a space for music as head of hip-hop and R&B at Amazon Music. In 2022, he brokered a livestream for Kendrick Lamar’s “The Big Steppers Tour: Live from Paris” on Amazon Music and Prime Video, and led artist negotiations for Amazon Music Live that featured Lil Baby, A$AP Rocky and 21 Savage.
Most recently, he entered a strategic partnership with AEG Presents following Lamar’s “The Pop Out: Ken & Friends” concert in Los Angeles on Juneteenth last year. Before Amazon, Hinshaw created the Urban Music division at Fender Guitars and worked in music marketing at Vans. He started his career in music co-managing his brother, songwriter Charles “Prince Charlez” Hinshaw.
As part of the partnership with Warner Records, Hinshaw’s Free Lunch Agency also welcomes Ericka Coulter as general manager of Free Lunch Records in addition to her role as SVP of A&R at Warner Records.
“Tom [Corson] and I are thrilled to welcome Tim and his Free Lunch team to the label,” said Aaron Bay-Schuck, Warner Records co-chairman and CEO, in a statement. “His expertise stretches far beyond finding and nurturing talent – he knows how to make sure his artists are making an impact. Early on in our conversations, it was clear bringing Tim and Free Lunch into the Warner fold would be a perfect synergy. Tim is immersed in the vast culture of hip-hop and R&B, across music, sports, fashion, and live entertainment, and together we’ll work towards our shared goal of uplifting the best and brightest in the genre.”
“By uniting Free Lunch Agency with Warner Records, we can combine our expertise in creative, music, and brand building to elevate the first-class roster,” adds Hinshaw. “What Aaron, Tom, and the team have built is truly impressive, and together we’ll expand the scope of artist narratives to connect even more deeply with fans across the globe.”
