Thursday, September 7, 2017

Warner Music Group Buys Spinnin’ Records

Oliver Heldens
Oliver Heldens at Create Nightclub in Los Angeles. (Photo credit: NAFT Photography)

Warner Music Group has acquired Spinnin’ Records, the influential indie dance music label, along with its music publishing and artist management divisions. The deal is worth $100 million, according to Music Business Worldwide.

Founded in 1999, Spinnin’ has a current roster that includes artists like Bassjackers, Fedde Le Grand, KSHMR, Oliver Heldens, Quintino, Sam Feldt, and Tujamo. The label has previously released music by heavyweights like Afrojack, Bingo Players, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Martin Solveig, Martin Garrix, Nicky Romero, Tiësto, Yellow Claw, and many others.

Spinnin’ is home to a variety of sub labels as well, such as Tiësto’s Musical Freedom, Oliver Heldens’ Heldeep Records, Don Diablo’s Hexagon, KSHMR’s Dharma, among others.

As part of WMG, Spinnin’ will be run by its co-founder Roger de Graaf as CEO, who will work with Bart Cools, WMG’s EVP, global A&R and marketing, dance music. Co-founder Eelko van Kooten has decided to leave the music business to pursue interests in other industries.

De Graaf said in the statement:

“Spinnin’ has found the perfect home at Warner Music. Max, Stu, Bart, and the team really believe in our culture and commitment to artist development. They share our vision for growing Spinnin’ by creating even bigger opportunities for our artists and their music. It’s been an incredible journey so far and, as we look to the future, everyone at Spinnin’ Records would like to thank our close friend Eelko for everything he’s done for our company, artists, and industry. His partnership and leadership mean he will forever be part of the Spinnin’ family.”

Stu Bergen, CEO of WMG, added:

“Spinnin’ is a company built for the streaming age, where the line between a local and a global hit, as well as the distinction between marketing and commerce, is blurring. For both companies, this acquisition will open up new possibilities for our artists, expand our global reach, and bring in fresh thinking. We look forward to working alongside our new colleagues on behalf of Spinnin’s artists and songwriters.”

| Music Industry

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