Ben Ashworth
England

Ben Ashworth

Industry and labels. Former A&R at an independent that folded; now he reports on the business side with a straight face.

Labels Music industry Contracts Streaming

Ben did A&R for an independent label that went under owing money to half its roster, an education no journalism course can offer. He now covers the part of metal that happens in offices: contracts, signings, acquisitions, pressing runs, streaming numbers and the occasional bankruptcy.

Ben will tell you what a number means: whether 50,000 copies is a triumph or a footnote, and for whom.

Articles by Ben Ashworth

Photo: Metal Storm News

Avslut Leave Osmose for Season of Mist

Nov 9, 2026

Photo: Metal Storm News

Farsoth Sign to M-Theory Audio and Open With Chainsaw Cult

Nov 8, 2026

Photo: Blabbermouth News

Slayer Open a Reign In Blood Shop for Three Days in Hollywood

Nov 6, 2026

Photo: Chaoszine News

Ghost Pass a Billion Streams With a Song They Put Out as a B Side

Nov 4, 2026

Photo: Metal Shock Finland News

Imperial Triumphant Sign to Metal Blade With the Album Already Recorded

Nov 4, 2026

Photo: Kronos Mortus News News

Warpath Sign to Testimony Records and Say Why It Took a Long Search

Nov 4, 2026

Photo: Lambgoat News

Mastodon Ask a Court to Throw Out Part of the Hinds Estate Claim

Nov 4, 2026

Photo: Metal Shock Finland News

Hartlight Ask the Public to Pay for Iosis, Which Is an Album and a Novel

Nov 3, 2026

Photo: Lambgoat News

Hatebreed Have Re-Recorded Under The Knife, and Jamey Jasta Found the Flyers

Nov 3, 2026

Photo: Metal Hammer Italia News

Stryper Let One Christmas Song Off a Physical Only Album and Onto Streaming

Nov 2, 2026

Photo: Lambgoat News

Dying Fetus Send Four Early Records Back to Vinyl in December

Oct 31, 2026

Photo: BraveWords News

Cradle Of Filth Turn Dusk and Her Embrace Into Sterling Silver

Oct 31, 2026

Photo: Metal Storm News

Evocation Sign to Massacre for an EP in Early 2027

Oct 30, 2026

Photo: Chaoszine News

Edguy Get Three Albums Back in Print Through Reaper in December

Oct 30, 2026

Photo: Kronos Mortus News News

Unholy Altar Sign to BLKIIBLK After a First European Tour

Oct 29, 2026

Photo: Kronos Mortus News News

Pyroclast Take Two Albums to Rockshots and Open a Trilogy on Obedience

Oct 29, 2026

Photo: Blabbermouth News

Amon Amarth Top Four National Charts and Finish Sixth in None of Them

Oct 28, 2026

Photo: Lambgoat News

Kingdom of Sorrow Get a Second Vinyl Pressing in Eighteen Years

Oct 28, 2026

Photo: Blabbermouth News

Dynazty Sign to Napalm Records and Date Dark Arts for March

Oct 27, 2026

Photo: Metal Shock Finland News

Pest Records Sign Anomic for a Debut Album Three Years in the Making

Oct 26, 2026

Photo: Metal Hammer Italia News

Savior from Anger Put Their Whole Catalogue Back Into Print

Oct 25, 2026

Photo: Metal Storm News

Mothertomb Sign to Ripple Music Three Months After Their First Album

Oct 24, 2026

Photo: Sonic Perspectives News

Obituary Put Two Albums Back in Print After Fifteen Years Out of It

Oct 22, 2026

Photo: Chaoszine News

Chaosbay Sign to Metal Blade With Four Albums Already Behind Them

Oct 20, 2026