Ben Mortimer Reflects on Haim's Impact Ahead of 'I Quit' Release

Ben Mortimer, President of Polydor Label Group, recently celebrated the thirteen-year partnership with the American pop-rock band Haim, highlighting their significance in the music industry ahead of the release of their fourth studio album, 'I Quit,' set for June 20, 2025. Mortimer, who signed the trio—Este, Alana, and Danielle Haim—back in 2012, described them as 'a cultural force' in an interview with Music Week, emphasizing the importance of enduring artist relationships in today’s competitive landscape.

This long-standing relationship underscores Polydor's commitment to artist development, as Mortimer stated, 'One thing at Polydor is that we focus on long careers.' He noted that Haim, alongside other notable artists like Lana Del Rey and Sam Fender, exemplifies Polydor’s dedication to nurturing talent over time. The band’s previous album, 'Women In Music Pt III,' released during the COVID-19 pandemic, faced significant delays, affecting their touring schedule. However, Mortimer expressed optimism regarding their live performances, stating, 'They are a formidable live band—always have been.'

Haim has made waves since their debut album, 'Days Are Gone,' which topped the charts in 2013 and has since sold over 377,000 copies, according to the Official Charts Company. Their subsequent albums, 'Something To Tell You' and 'Women In Music Pt III,' also achieved substantial commercial success, peaking at numbers two and one, respectively. Mortimer anticipates a similar impact with 'I Quit,' asserting that Haim should not be solely defined by chart positions, but rather by their cultural influence.

'How you measure that, I don’t know; it’s more something you can feel,' Mortimer commented, reflecting on the band's significant cultural contributions. He noted that Haim's innovative approach to social media, particularly their collaboration with digital strategist Terrence O’Connor, has played a crucial role in their marketing strategy, which continues to evolve.

2025 has been a fruitful year for Polydor, with Mortimer reporting strong performances from various artists, including Chrystal and Sam Fender. The label has also set the stage for upcoming releases from promising artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Dean. 'We are having a truly phenomenal 2025 so far,' Mortimer concluded, indicating a bright future for both Haim and Polydor amidst a changing music industry landscape.

The interview with Haim, exploring their experiences and the making of 'I Quit,' is featured in the July edition of Music Week, available now for subscribers. Mortimer’s insights not only highlight the strategic vision of Polydor but also reinforce the importance of cultivating lasting relationships with artists in an ever-evolving music industry.