Warner Records today announced a strategic partnership with seasoned hip-hop and R&B executive Tim Hinshaw, expanding his already successful Free Lunch Agency—a creative and touring company—into the label space with the launch of Free Lunch Records. This collaboration allows Warner Records artists to leverage Free Lunch’s extensive creative, touring, and sync services while establishing a new home for emerging talent. As part of this expansion, respected A&R executive Ericka Coulter has been named General Manager of Free Lunch Records in addition to her role as SVP, A&R at Warner Records. Free Lunch Records launches with its first two signings, Syd and Alex Isley, marking an exciting beginning for the label’s future in the music industry.

Aaron Bay-Schuck, Co-Chairman & CEO, Warner Records, said, “Tom [Corson] and I are thrilled to welcome Tim and his Free Lunch team to the label. 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,” said Tim 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.”

ABOUT TIM HINSHAW: In 2024, Hinshaw entered a strategic partnership with AEG Presents on the heels of “The Pop Out 0 Ken & Friends,” a Juneteenth concert at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. Most recently, he spent five years at Amazon Music as the Head of Hip-Hop and R&B where he led the streaming service’s industry strategy and partnerships across the genres, inclusive of the global flagship brand, Rotation. In 2022, Hinshaw brokered the exclusive livestream of The Big Steppers Tour: Live from Paris on Amazon Music and Prime Video. Hinshaw additionally led the artist negotiations for Amazon Music Live, a live streamed concert series airing on Twitch and Prime Video following Thursday Night Football, securing artists like Lil Baby, A$AP Rocky, and 21 Savage for the series. He also brokered deals for Amazon Music to stream some of the biggest moments in hip-hop/R&B, including Tyler, The Creator’s CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST LIVE concert in his hometown of Los Angeles; J. Cole’s Dreamville Festival from Raleigh; and Summer Walker’s homecoming show in Atlanta for Black History Month.

Before his time at Amazon Music, Hinshaw created the Urban Music division at Fender Guitars and worked in music marketing for Vans. He started his career in music co-managing his brother, superstar songwriter Charles ‘Prince Charlez’ Hinshaw, which led to a joint venture label deal with Island Def Jam and global co-publishing deal with Rondor/Universal Music.