Saul Galpern is a British music executive whose impact on the independent music scene in the UK has been both defining and long-lasting.
Galpern set up Nude Records in London in August 1991. Prior to launching his own label, Galpern had already built a reputation through working with artists such as Simply Red, The Fall, Julian Cope, The Slits, Au Pairs, and The Triffids.
Signing Suede - A Breakthrough Moment for Saul Galpern and Nude Records
The breakthrough moment for Galpern came when he signed Suede. After seeing them play at an NME showcase in early 1992, he offered them a deal, leading to the release of their early singles “The Drowners” and “Metal Mickey.” Animal Nitrate the third single saw them appear on the Brits after crashing into the singles chart at No 7 .
These tracks helped place Suede firmly on the radar of music critics and the broader public with at least 40 front covers before the release of the debut album . Suede were the band known for kick starting Britpop under Galpern’s guise .
Their debut album, Suede (1993), released on Nude, shot to No.1 on the UK Albums Chart. It became the fastest-selling debut album in the UK for nearly 10 years and ,helped in part by Galpern’s early confidence in the band.
Ed Buller, the producer on Suede’s debut album plus Dog Man Star & Coming Up has been quoted praising Galpern’s belief in the band. It was Galpern who approached Buller (via contacts from Island Records) to handle Suede’s early production work, emphasising that he valued shared musical taste and vision rather than just track record.
Buller has said that Galpern knew Suede’s strengths and allowed them creative freedom — he didn’t pressure them to conform to mainstream expectations, but supported their more ambitious, experimental side.
Nude Records Sees Commercial Success During The 1990s Under Saul Galpern
During the 1990s, Nude Records under Galpern nurtured a number of other acts signed to nude who achieved top 40 success including : Geneva, Ultrasound, Black Box Recorder, Billy MacKenzie , Lowgold. The label saw both commercial successes and critical acclaim during this period.
Including 6 brit nominations and Suede winning the Mercury music Prize in 1993.
Galpern strategised & over saw the huge success of Suede’s third album Coming Up which culled 5 top 10 singles and was another No 1 album for the label.
Galpern reactivated the Nude name in 2016, tapping into new ways of working in a changed music landscape. The relaunched Nude Records (and its associated publishing/management arms like Nude Music) has since worked with artists such as Malcolm Middleton, Lou Rhodes, Honeyblood Juanita Stein, and newer acts Galpern signed an admin deal with Bucks Music Group for publishing, sync support .
Nude Records Story - Saul Galpern - Interview by Matt Bristow - 2008
Saul Galpern - A Visionary and Mentor in the Music Industry
Galpern’s contribution to Suede’s early rise is often understated when people recount the history of Britpop. But key figures from the band have spoken of him as not just a label head but as something close to as an A&R mentor or champion, someone willing to believe in their vision, take risks, and provide guidance without stifling creativity.
Through different highs and lows, Saul Galpern has remained a figure who bridges the indie spirit with real commercial instincts.
His story is one of spotting something original — as with Suede — and supporting it even when the broader market was uncertain.
As the music business has evolved, Galpern has adapted, but his core convictions around artist development, creative freedom, and independent spirit have remained central.
Useful Links and Resources
Saul Galpern Nude Records Linkedin
Saul Galpern Nude Records Twitter
Saul Galpern Music Podcast Interview
Interview with Saul Galpern in Music Week
