Virgin Music Group’s UK president Vanessa Bosåen has been speaking about Leigh-Anne’s solo debut with Music Week.
Mirroring the Little Mix star’s own bold message in our recent cover feature, the executive told us that she believes Leigh-Anne “can become a voice for authenticity, identity, and evolution”.
Having been in the major label system throughout her career, Leigh-Anne is releasing her debut album My Ego Told Me To this week (February 20), via her own Made In The 90s Ltd imprint, in partnership with Virgin Music Group.
Together with Tap Music, where her sister Sairah Pinnock, Ed Millett and the team are steering her career, VMG are helping to support Leigh-Anne’s vision for her future as a solo star.
In the run-up to the release, and following on from an excerpt from our no-holds-barred interview with Leigh-Anne, we sit down with Bosåen to hear her thoughts on Leigh-Anne’s artistic evolution and discuss why her company is the best partner for the singer…
First of all, what does it mean to Virgin Music Group to be working with Leigh-Anne?
“For us at Virgin Music Group, working with Leigh-Anne means we’re partnering with an artist who isn’t just talented, but fiercely determined to define her own path. When she dropped Been A Minute, her first release with us, it wasn’t just a single, it was a statement. Leigh-Anne said publicly, recently that ‘the freedom just to create what I want’ has been a ‘total game-changer’.
“That sense of autonomy is rare and powerful. It was clear from our first conversations she wanted a partner who could give her the global reach, the resources, but also the respect and space to stay true to her vision. And that’s exactly what we set out to be.
“From the start, this has been a collaboration built on trust, shared ambition, and mutual respect. Her input is central: creative direction, campaign ideas, strategic rollout. She’s as invested as we are. That’s how great music is made, and how careers are built.”
Given her previous success, expectations will be high for this record — how do you plan to do her ambitions justice?
“We recognise the weight of expectation that comes with Leigh-Anne’s name, her history, and the promise of this next chapter. It’s about honouring her journey, her voice, and the fans she’s carried with her since group days and beyond.
“Leigh-Anne herself has reflected on the shift, saying that as an independent artist she’s had the chance to ‘shed the immense weight of expectation’ tied to her former career and focus on what she wants to say. That honesty demands a partner that truly understands, a partner who can match ambition with strategy, artistic integrity with global infrastructure.
“Our commitment is to give her the canvas she deserves. The whole concept for the campaign – which is woven in green and red throughout the visuals, socials, and marketing – came from Leigh-Anne herself. We strive to bring the kind of support that respects her creative control and amplifies her ambition.”
Working with Leigh-Anne means we’re partnering with an artist who isn’t just talented, but fiercely determined to define her own path
Vanessa Bosåen, Virgin Music Group
With many routes to market available now, why is VMG the right partner for her to be putting this record out with?
“In Leigh-Anne’s own words, becoming independent allowed her to ‘create what I want’, free from the constraints of conventional industry noise. That decision, to own her sound, her story, says a lot about the kind of artist she is: confident, self-aware, and committed to authenticity.
“VMG offers the best of both worlds: the entrepreneurial freedom and creative control of independence, plus the global infrastructure, reach and experience of a major-scale partner. We understand that modern artists want freedom and choice, with flexibility, transparency, and a team that listens. Leigh-Anne chose us because we give her exactly that.”
Regarding Leigh-Anne’s artistry and the album itself — what do you think makes it special? What makes it stand out?
“The upcoming album marks more than a new release, it marks a rebirth of identity. Listen to the lyrics of Been A Minute and Dead And Gone – Leigh-Anne is telling her story in her own words.
“What stands out is how honest and unfiltered it is. The songwriting draws from her roots, experiences, and individuality, blending genres, emotions, stories, to create something that isn’t designed to fit a formula, but to reflect her truth. Her voice feels richer, more assured; her perspective is sharper. This isn’t a spin-off from her past. It’s a full-on statement of who she is now. There’s real depth here, with heart, soul, and identity. It’s an album that resonates on a human level. And have you seen the artwork? Iconic!”
And what do you feel Leigh-Anne go on to achieve in the long term?
“I genuinely believe this is the beginning of something special for Leigh-Anne. With her talent, her conviction, and a partner who stands beside her, the long-term possibilities are huge. She can become a voice for authenticity, identity, and evolution. Leigh-Anne’s heritage, voice and story give her appeal across multiple markets – the UK, Europe, the Caribbean, and beyond. We intend to build an audience that honours her identity and connects authentically with listeners everywhere. True success will be measured in connection, impact and career sustainability.
“She’s shown already that she’s unafraid to take control, to steer her own ship. I expect in years to come she’ll be defining what it means to be a modern artist: versatile, self-directed, meaningful. And we at VMG are honoured to be part of that journey, helping her build not just a record but a legacy.”
Subscribers can read the full Leigh-Anne cover story online here.