Warner Music Korea has partnered with local hip-hop label Brand New Music as the major seeks to strengthen its position in the growing music market.
South Korea is the eighth largest recorded music market in the world and enjoyed 12.4% growth in 2015, according to the IFPI.
Last year, WMG bolstered its operations in Asia when naming Clayton Jin MD of Warner Music Korea.
Jin is tasked with investing in local talent and partnering with independent record companies through distribution deals. The Brand New Music partnership is the first fruits of his appointment.
As a result of the deal, Warner grows its artist roster and A&R expertise, while Brand New Music gains access to greater global marketing resources for its artists through WMG’s network of international affiliates.
Korean hip-hop artist and producer Rhymer (pictured) founded Brand New Music in 2011.
The label, which has an in-house production capacity, has yielded a string of hits for the 19 hip-hop and R&B artists on its roster, including San E and Verbal Jint, as well as other leading domestic stars.
“This landmark deal marks a significant partnership for WMG in the strategically important Korean market.”
clayton jin, warner music korea
Said Jin: “This landmark deal marks a significant partnership for WMG in the strategically important Korean market.
“I admire Rhymer’s creative vision and have great respect for the community of ground-breaking artists that call BNM home.
“Together, we will work to take BNM and its artists to the next level and help build a bigger global audience for Korean music.”
Rhymer added: “I have built up BNM to become one of the most influential independent labels in Korea.
“We’ve helped drive the success of Korean hip-hop and introduced amazing artists to local music fans.
“Our partnership with WMG will provide our artists with a fantastic range of new global opportunities, while they continue to benefit from our unique approach to career development.”
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